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Directorate of Air Intelligence
Indian Air Force logo at National War Memorial
Active1941–Present
Country India India
Branch  Indian Air Force
RoleProvide Air Force with accurate and timely Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

The Directorate of Air Intelligence is the intelligence arm of the Indian Air Force. It provides timely, accurate and synchronized intelligence support for tactical, operational needs of the Air force.

History

DAI was set up in 1942 as part of the erstwhile  Royal Indian Air Force to provide aerial reconnaissance for both the RIAF and  RAF, during WW2. It saw major action in Burma campaign

After Independence, DAI provided intelligence support to the IAF during every major war India fought.

Air Force intelligence responsibilities included imagery intelligence collection through MiG-25R and Jaguar reconnaissance aircraft.

During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, Russian satellite imagery provided India with information on Chinese force deployments. With advances in the Indian space program, the Indian Air Force will be acquiring independent space-based imagery intelligence capabilities. [1]

During Kargil war, DAI played an important role in providing aerial intelligence about occupied posts and bunkers. These targets were later thoroughly bombed by IAF as a part of Operation Safed Sagar.

References