The Integrated Space Cell is operated by the Indian Armed Forces, the civilian Department of Space, and the Indian Space Research Organisation. The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops on the battlefield as well as strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. In practice, this is taken as a directive meaning the IAF bears the responsibility of safeguarding Indian airspace and thus furthering national interests in conjunction with the other branches of the armed forces.
The Chief of the Air Staff, an air chief marshal, is a four-star officer and is responsible for the bulk of operational command of the Air Force. As of 1 July 2017, 170,576 personnel are in service with the Indian Air Force. The President of India holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the IAF. The IAF's mission expands beyond engagement with hostile forces, with the IAF participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai.
Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan. With the transition to a republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed. After India gained independence from United Kingdom in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of the Dominion of India. It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which honoured India's aviation service during World War II with the prefix Royal. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts. The Indian Air Force ( IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.