List of Indian Air Force Stations 2025

The Indian Air Force has more than 60 airbases pan India which are grouped into seven commands-- Central Air Command, Eastern Air Command, Maintenance Command, South Western Air Command, Southern Air Command, Training Command, and Western Air Command. 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the most formidable air arms in the world, with a vast network of air bases and stations spread across the length and breadth of India. As of 2025, the IAF operates a structure of operational bases, training establishments, missile and radar units, and logistical support stations. 

In 2025, the IAF’s network has over 40 important stations, each with specialized roles, ranging from air superiority and surveillance to logistical support and advanced pilot training. This infrastructure not only underpins India’s air dominance but also enables swift humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations when required. 

1. IAF Command Structure

The IAF is organized into five operational commands and two additional commands:

• Western Air Command (WAC) – Headquartered at Delhi

• Eastern Air Command (EAC) – Shillong

• Central Air Command (CAC) – Prayagraj

• Southern Air Command (SAC) – Thiruvananthapuram

• South Western Air Command (SWAC) – Gandhinagar

• Training Command – Bengaluru

• Maintenance Command – Nagpur

Each command oversees a number of air stations and units within its geographic area.

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2. Types of IAF Stations

A. Operational Air Bases

• Definition: Permanent, static geographical locations hosting flying squadrons, missile units, and support elements.

• Command: Led by a Station Commander or Air Officer Commanding (AOC).

• Role: Main hubs for fighter, transport, and helicopter operations.

B. Forward Base Support Units (FBSUs)

• It is smaller, strategically located bases near borders. It provides quick response capability and logistical support for forward deployment.

C. Care & Maintenance Units (C&MUs)

• It's role is to maintain airfields in a state of readiness for activation during emergencies.

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D. Missile, Radar, and Signal Units

• Missile Squadrons: Operate air defence systems like Akash, Pechora (SA-3), and Igla.

• Signal Units: Manage air defence radar, communication, and electronic warfare.

E. Training Establishments

• Flying Training: For pilots (fixed-wing and rotary).

• Ground/Technical Training: For technical, administrative, and medical branches.

F. Maintenance & Logistics Units

• Base Repair Depots, Equipment Depots, Salvage Units, Air Stores Parks: Ensure operational readiness and supply chain efficiency.

3. Notable IAF Air Stations (2025)

Below is a representative list of some of the key IAF stations, categorized by command:

A. Western Air Command

• Hindon Air Force Station (Ghaziabad, UP) – Largest in Asia; strategic airlift hub.

• Ambala AFS (Haryana) – Home to Rafale and Jaguar squadrons.

• Pathankot AFS (Punjab) – Forward base near the Pakistan border.

• Srinagar AFS (J&K) – Key for northern operations.

B. Eastern Air Command

• Tezpur AFS (Assam) – Su-30MKI base.

• Chabua AFS (Assam) – Strategic location for eastern sector.

• Bagdogra AFS (West Bengal) – Supports Sikkim and North Bengal.

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C. Central Air Command

• Prayagraj AFS (UP) – Headquarters of CAC.

• Agra AFS (UP) – Main transport and refueling base (IL-76, C-130J, C-17).

• Gwalior AFS (MP) – Mirage 2000 base.

D. Southern Air Command

• Thiruvananthapuram AFS (Kerala) – HQ of SAC.

• Tambaram AFS (Tamil Nadu) – Training base.

• Sulur AFS (Tamil Nadu) – Home to Tejas squadrons.

E. South Western Air Command

• Jamnagar AFS (Gujarat) – Maritime operations.

• Naliya AFS (Gujarat) – Western border defence.

• Jodhpur AFS (Rajasthan) – Key for western theatre.

F. Andaman & Nicobar Command

• Car Nicobar AFS – Strategic outpost in the Bay of Bengal.

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4. Specialized Units and Institutions

• Missile Units: Akash, Pechora, and Igla squadrons for air defence.

• UAV Squadrons: Operate Heron and Searcher drones.

• Signal Units: Air defence radar and communication.

• Flying Training Establishments: Air Force Academy (Dundigal), Hakimpet, Bidar, Yelahanka.

• Technical Training Institutes: Jalahalli, Tambaram, Ozar, Kanpur.

5. Support and Administration

• Maintenance Command: Manages repair depots and logistics.

• Medical & Recruitment Centers: Across the country for personnel welfare and induction.

• National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Squadrons: In every state for youth training.

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6. International and Tri-Service Deployments

• Andaman & Nicobar Command

• Strategic Forces Command: Nuclear command authority.

Eastern Air Command (EAC)

South Western Air Command (SWAC)

Western Air Command (WAC)

The Indian Air Force's air station network in 2025 is strong, well dispersed, and technologically sophisticated. Every unit and station is crucial to India's air defense, humanitarian efforts, and power projection in the region. The IAF continues to upgrade its infrastructure to maintain operational capability and national security.

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