Indian Armed Forces rank flags


The Indian Armed Forces follow the UK/Commonwealth ranking system, and their general and flag officers use rank flags.

Indian Air Force

Former rank flags (1950–1980)

The former IAF rank flags were modeled on those of the Royal Air Force, with different colours.
FlagDateUseDescription
1950–1980Marshal of the Indian Air ForceNever used.
1950–1980Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air ForceSky blue bordered with two thick golden yellow stripes and with two thick horizontal green stripes in the center.
1950–1980Air Marshal of the Indian Air ForceSky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
1950–1980Air Vice Marshal of the Indian Air ForceSky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
1950–1980Air Commodore of the Indian Air ForceSwallowtail sky blue pennant bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center.
1950–1980Group Captain of the Indian Air ForceTriangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
1950–1980Wing Commander of the Indian Air ForceTriangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
1950–1980Squadron Leader of the Indian Air ForceSky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center surmounted by an eagle in green. Below the stripe is the squadron number.