REPUBLIC OF INDIA
AIR FORCE FLAGS & PENNANTS SINCE 1950
The Indian Air Force Ensign follows the pattern of the RAF Ensign, with the Indian national flag and air force roundel in place of their British equivalents. The first IAF rank flags were also copied from the RAF, with green and saffron (orange) in place of dark blue and red. The design of Presidential Colour of the IAF is based on that of the Queen's Colour of the RAF.
Usually there is only one Air Chief Marshal (equivalent to a US four-star general) on active duty at any given time, and he serves in the position of Chief of the Air Staff. His rank flag therefore doubles as the appointment flag for that office.
Adoption Dates: The current Indian Air Force Ensign was adopted in 1950, replacing a variant of the RAF Ensign that was adopted in 1947. The current rank flags were adopted in 1968.
Flag Proportions: The IAF ensign has 1:2 proportions. Proportions of and rank flags are 2:3.
Images Added November 2022
Rank Flags 1947-68
AIR FORCE ENSIGN |
PRESIDENTIAL COLOUR OF THE AIR FORCE |
RANK FLAGS & PENNANTS • 1947-68 |
|
AIR MARSHAL |
AIR VICE-MARSHAL |
AIR COMMODORE |
|
GROUP CAPTAIN |
WING COMMANDER |
SQUADRON LEADER |
|
RANK FLAGS & PENNANTS SINCE 1968 |
|
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL AND CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF |
|
AIR MARSHAL |
AIR VICE-MARSHAL |
AIR COMMODORE |
|
GROUP CAPTAIN |
WING COMMANDER |