Warbirds of India

Modern Era [70s - till date]

Modern Era Aircraft
Hunter	BA 263
HAL Ajeet	E 2016
Sukhoi-7	B 888
MiG-21 FL	C 499
HF-24 Marut	D 1025
HAOP 27	N 949
TS-11 Iskra	W-1757
TS-11 Iskra	W-1758
MiG-25R	KP-355

Of relatively modern lineage, There is a proper representation of second generation jet fighters in the Museum. A couple of these are or Russian origin, like the MiG-21 and the Sukhoi-7. There is one HAL Marut and a second example of a Hunter.

Later variants like the MiG-21 bis or, the MiG-23 BN are not yet part of the collection. even though some examples can be found in other IAF bases as gate gaurdians. The IAF Museum also has on display various ordnance loads carried by these aircraft.

All aircraft on display are adorned by the squadron crests of the units these aircraft served with.

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Hawker Hunter F 56 - BA 263 The Hawker Hunter equipped six IAF squadrons, Nos 7, 14, 17, 20, 27 and 37 Squadron. Saw extensive service in both the wars. The Hunter is the top scorer with 15 air combat claims. It also suffered the most casualties. 28 were lost including 17 in air combat. BA 263 is the second of the Hunters on display at the Museum.

	HAL Ajeet (Gnat Mk 2) E 2016. E 2016 served with No.2 Squadron and was phased out on 31st March 1991, when Wg Cdr K Rajaram the CO of No.2 ferried this example to Palam all the way from Kalaikunda.

Sukhoi - 7 BMK (Type S-22) - B 888 The Sukhoi - 7 too served in large numbers in the 1971 war, mainly in a ground interdiction role. (Photo Courtesy : IAF)


Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 FL (Type 77) - C 499 The FL was the second version of the MiG acquired by the IAF and this version was the mainstay during the 71 war, acquitting themselves well against the F-104 Starfighter. Note the K-13 and R-77 Air-to-Air Missiles on display. C 499 was the fourth FL example to be acquired by the IAF.

	Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd HF-24 Marut - D 1205 The Hindustan Fighter (HF-24) Marut was the first indigenously designed fighter that was also the first supersonic aircraft. Designed by Kurt Tank of Focke Wulf 190 fame, more than a hundred served with the IAF.

HAL HAOP-27 Krishak The Hindustan Air Observation Post (HAOP) aircraft was designated Krishak. This aircraft was phased out by the Air Force in the 70s. and was operated by the Army for some time.


PZL TS-11 Iskra W-1757 and W-1758 Two PZL TS-11 Iskras were added to the roster of the IAF Museum in Palam in January 2005. [Photo Courtesy: Peter Arnold (Left) and Kapil Chandni (Right)


Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-25R KP355 KP-355 arrived soon after the MiG-25 was phased out in May 2006. [Photo Courtesy: Kapil Chandni]

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