Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force

Silver Jubilee - 15 Paisa

A 15 Paisa stamp released in 1958 (25th Anniversary) showcasing the latest acquisition - A Hawker Hunter and the first aircraft of the IAF - A Westland Wapiti

Silver Jubilee - 90 Paisa

A similar set as above but released for the 90 Paisa denomination

They Defend - 15 Paisa (1963)

One of the pair of stamps from Independence Day 1963 shows an Mi-4 helicopter, which earned its spurs in the Indo-China war from the previous year

They Defend - 1 Rupee - (1966)

The Second of the pair of stamps from Independence Day 1963 with a C-119 Packet dropping supplies in the mountains.

Jai Jawan - 15 Paisa - (1966)

This stamp was issued to commemorate the armed forces on the first republic day after the 1965 War. The stamp, released on 26 Jan 1966 features a formation of three Gnats - all with their undercarraige doors half open! No doubt inspired by the now popular

Folland Gnat - 20 Paisa (1966)

The Gnat (See the hindi pronouciation 'Nate') is the only aircraft to have been 'rewarded' with a stamp of its own in recogniition of its performance in the 1965 War.

IAF Chetak - Air Mail (1979)

IAF Chetak over the Himalayas - Part of a set for Air Mail service in 1979. Note that the helicopter does not feature any identifying number other than the letters I.A.F.

Golden Jubilee

50 Years from the day the IAF Act was passed, this stamp showing the Wapiti with the latest and secret acquisition of that time, the MiG-25 Foxbat 'Garuda'. Secrecy of the MiG-25 was so much that this stamp was probably the first indication of how a foxba

IAF - Diamond Jubilee

Set of two stamps showing four aircraft released on the 60th Anniversary in 1992. The Wapiti is probably the most commmemorated aircraft in stamps, as another Stamp bearing the Wapiti was released for the 60th Anniversary of the raising of the No.1 Squadr

No.1 Squadron - Diamond Jubilee

Stamp issued on the Diamond Jubilee of the No.1 Squadron Tigers 1993 - with the Squadron crest and the Westland Wapiti making the appearance again.

Indian Armed Forces - Fifty Years

This stamp which marks the 50 yers of the Indian Independence - and in turn the 50 Years of the Indian Armed Forces, features the silhouette of a Sukhoi-30

Defence Research and Development Organisation

This stamp for the Defence Research and Development Organisation features the LCA, the Prithvi Missile and the Indra II Radar, all of which are operated by the Indian Air Force

NDA Golden Jubilee

The Golden Jubilee commemoration stamp of the National Defence Academy at Khadakvasla features the Silhoutte of a Jaguar IM Fighter Bomber.

Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC

A series of stamps on PVC awardees was done in 2000 . This stamp on Fg Offr NS Sekhon, PVC with a Gnat and an IAF Crest was one of the five released at that time.

Aero India 2003 - Mini Sheet

A stamp sheet of four different denominations was issued during the Aero India 2003 show. The aircraft depicted were all of HAL's indigenous design and manufacture

Aero India 2003 HT-2

The first in the 2003 Aero India Stamp series shows the HAL HT-2 trainer, the first ever indigenous aircraft inducted into the IAF.

Aero India 2003 HF-24 Marut

The first indigenously built fighter, the HF-24 Marut is the second in the 2003 Aero India Series.

Aero India 2003 LCA / Tejas

The still under testing Light Combat Aircraft is the third in the series

Aero India 2003 HAL ALH Dhruv

The fourth in the 2003 Aero India Stamp series shows the HAL Advanced Light Helicopter, the Dhruv.

No.16 Squadron - Golden Jubilee

The special stamp released on the golden jubilee of No.16 Squadron "The Cobras". Note that the Liberator side profile is 'flipped' with the reversed 'L' on the fuselage.

IAF-75Years

This Mini Sheet was released on the 75th Anniversary of the IAF's raising in October 2007. The Wapiti makes its appearance yet again. The fictious 'AWACS' is a surprise addition to the theme.