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The Indian Air Force was created on paper on 8th Oct, 1932 by the Indian Air Force Act of 1932 and on that fateful day six Indian officers were granted the Kings Commission. The IAF actually took to Wings on 01 Apr, 1933 when it was equipped with for Wapiti aircraft. This token force of four Wapiti aircraft marked an important milestone, signifying the entry o Indians into the technologically savvy third dimension of warfare. Its strength of four Wapiti aircraft remained the same for the next four years, increasing to five in 1926 and, thereafter, remaining at five till 1940. During the British visualization of threat to India was from the North West, possibly Russia and marauding attacks by the warring tribes in Afghanistan. For this purpose they deployed the RAF in India, varying in strength between 6 to 8 squadrons in the 1920s and 30s. As the Japanese struck the allies in December 1941 and rapidly advanced to the doorsteps of India, urgent need was felt to expand the air forces for the defense of India. During World War II, the IAF which had been so quickly expanded and committed at the Burma Front, came out with flying colours. The number of gallantry awards bear testimony to the fact. Moreover, while still flying aircraft which were decidedly inferior to all the Japanese aircraft, the IAF squadron suffered very low attrition to enemy aircraft. In 1962, India having suffered a crushing defeat by the Chinese army, and expecting another attack in 1963, sought military assistance from the UK. The British Chiefs of Staff Committee recommended a force of five squadrons of Canberra bombers, together with logistics and air defense support in the how that a clearly demonstrated ability and offer to intervene with such a force would have some deterrent effect on the Chines. Similarly, when India sought military help from the USA, and US was not willing to supply the Mach 2 Star fighter F104 which the IAF had short listed. However, in the 1950s a decision was taken to initiate diversification of supply sources and an order for 100 Ouragans was placed with France. In 1957 significant inductions were made the French Mystere IVAs, the British Hunter FMK 56s, Canberra B(I) Mk58s and little later the Gnats a light weight fighter. This raised the force level to 33 Squadron. For now the IAF has over 60 air bases all over India, grouped into 7 commands. The Western Air Command is the largest with 16 air bases and the Central Air Command is the smallest with 7 air bases. The IAF also has a base outside India i.e. in Farkhor in Tajikistan. It is Indias first and only military base outside the country.