page_title: Air Force ranks and insignia of India
section_title: Officer ranks
hierarchical_section_title: Air Force ranks and insignia of India / Officer ranks
caption_attribution_description: English: Equivalent ranks and insignia of the commissioned officers of Indian Armed Forces
context_page_description: The Indian Air Force's rank structure is based on that of the Royal Air Force. The highest rank attainable in the Indian Air Force is Marshal of the Indian Air Force, conferred by the President of India after exceptional service during wartime. MIAF Arjan Singh was the only officer to have achieved this rank. The head of the Indian Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff, who holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal. The current Chief of the Air Staff is Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, took office on 30 September 2019.
context_section_description: The following table shows the officer rank insignia for the Indian Air Force.  Even though India is not a recognized NATO country, the NATO ranking codes are given for comparison with other nations' military ranks (see Air force officer rank insignia for more information).
  
  The IAF rank of pilot officer is a rank in abeyance in the Air Force and is no longer in force, all officers begin as flying officers upon commissioning.
caption: Equivalent ranks of Indian Armed Forces (click to enlarge)
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