IAF from its humble beginning in 1932 has transformed itself into fourth largest AF operating at frontiers of technologies with multi-dimensional capabilities and a potent force to reckon with. It is said that the history is written by winners. But what is important is that the history is documented impartially, objectively and factually, as much as possible. It may be worth for IAF to consider coming out with a book each on Operations, Maintenance and Administration, depicting the historical decisions taken - successes and failures in equal measure - and how the IAF progressed over the decades to be what it is today - a professionally managed, optimally exploited, synergistically working and one of the most effective instruments of national power to ensure accomplishing objectives of the nation. Yes, coffee table books and anniversary issues do gloss over a few events, but the real history is made by the toil, blood and sweat and tears of the men behind these operations. Individual awards and citations many times compromise on actualities and are miserly with truth. “History is an argument without an end” said Pieter Geyl the Dutch historian.

“I am glad to recommend this book to all, as the readers of the book, irrespective of their background, will enjoy the journey of these ‘spanners and screwdrivers’ of 12 AEC covering almost 900 man-years of IAF maintenance. It is also bound to raise curiosity in many minds to know more about air force maintenance. The book may act as a lighthouse for a lot of the present serving aeronautical engineers in their progression.”
– Air Marshal KS Bhatia, PVSM AVSM & BAR

“40 years of IAF maintenance history told through the voices of 39 outstanding air force officers with an unsurpassed breadth of experience and accomplishments. Most inspiring.”
– Ramesh Dontha, Author of The 60-Minute Startup series of books, 3 times bestselling author, Gold Medal Award winner in 2020 Reader’s Favorite International Competition (Marketing)