It provides timely, accurate and synchronized intelligence support for tactical, operational needs of the Air force.

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.

During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, Russian satellite imagery provided India with information on Chinese force deployments.

[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.