Colonel vs Wing Commander — Rank Difference, Salary, and Duties
Colonel vs Wing Commander — Rank, Salary, Power, and Difference Explained (India 2025)
If you’re curious about Colonel vs Wing Commander in India, what is the Wing Commander rank in Indian Air Force, or what are the Equivalent ranks of Army, Navy, and Air Force, this detailed post explains everything — including their salary, insignia, powers, and hierarchy.
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Colonel vs Wing Commander — Overview
In the Indian Armed Forces, Colonel (Army) and Wing Commander (Air Force) are both senior officer ranks that fall in the same pay grade and hold comparable status. However, they belong to different branches — the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
| Feature | Colonel (Indian Army) | Wing Commander (Indian Air Force) |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Indian Army | Indian Air Force |
| Rank Category | Senior Officer Rank | Senior Officer Rank |
| Equivalent Rank | Wing Commander (IAF) / Captain (Navy) | Colonel (Army) / Captain (Navy) |
| Command | Commanding Officer of a Battalion (approx. 600–800 troops) | Commanding Officer of a Flying Squadron (approx. 150–200 personnel) |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 12A | Level 12A |
| Insignia | Two stars and the National Emblem | Three stripes with the Indian Air Force crest |
| Approx. Gross Salary | ₹1,30,000 – ₹2,00,000 per month | ₹1,30,000 – ₹2,00,000 per month |
What is the Rank of Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force?
The Wing Commander rank in Indian Air Force is a senior commissioned officer rank — above Squadron Leader and below Group Captain. A Wing Commander typically commands a flying squadron or a ground-based unit. It is equivalent to a Colonel in the Army and a Captain in the Navy.
Ranks of Indian Army and Air Force — Comparison Table
| Rank Category | Indian Army | Indian Air Force | Indian Navy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Commissioned Officer | Naib Subedar / Subedar / Subedar Major | Junior Warrant Officer / Warrant Officer | Chief Petty Officer |
| Commissioned Officer (Entry Level) | Lieutenant | Flying Officer | Sub-Lieutenant |
| Middle Ranks | Captain / Major | Flight Lieutenant / Squadron Leader | Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander |
| Senior Officer | Colonel | Wing Commander | Captain |
| Higher Command | Brigadier / Major General | Group Captain / Air Commodore | Commodore / Rear Admiral |
| Top Command | Lieutenant General / General | Air Marshal / Air Chief Marshal | Vice Admiral / Admiral |
Wing Commander Salary (India 2025)
The Wing Commander salary in Indian Air Force is determined as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. It falls under Pay Matrix Level 12A.
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| DA (Dearness Allowance) | 42% of Basic Pay |
| MSP (Military Service Pay) | ₹15,500 |
| Other Allowances | HRA, TA, Flying Allowance, Field Area Allowance |
| Total In-Hand (Approx.) | ₹1.30 – ₹2.00 lakh/month |
How Many Wing Commanders are There in India?
While the exact number fluctuates with recruitment and retirement cycles, there are estimated to be around 3,000 to 3,500 Wing Commanders in the Indian Air Force at any given time. Many serve as commanding officers of flying squadrons or key administrative positions.
Colonel Salary in Indian Army (2025)
Just like the Wing Commander, a Colonel in the Indian Army is paid under Pay Level 12A of the 7th CPC, with similar perks and allowances.
- Basic Pay: ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
- MSP: ₹15,500
- Gross Salary: ₹1.30 – ₹2.00 lakh/month
Additional benefits include free housing, medical facilities, canteen privileges, and pension.
Colonel vs Wing Commander — Who is Higher?
In the Indian Armed Forces’ inter-service equivalence, both Colonel and Wing Commander are equal in rank and pay scale. Neither is higher than the other. However, their roles and responsibilities differ based on the nature of the force:
- Colonel leads a battalion of soldiers and has command over ground troops.
- Wing Commander leads a flying squadron or air base unit in the Indian Air Force.
Insignia Comparison — Colonel vs Wing Commander
| Rank | Service | Insignia Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colonel | Indian Army | Two five-pointed stars below the National Emblem of India |
| Wing Commander | Indian Air Force | Three narrow stripes with the IAF crest |
Equivalent Ranks of Army, Navy, and Air Force
The table below shows the equivalent officer ranks across the three Indian Armed Forces:
| Army | Air Force | Navy |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Flying Officer | Sub-Lieutenant |
| Captain | Flight Lieutenant | Lieutenant |
| Major | Squadron Leader | Lieutenant Commander |
| Colonel | Wing Commander | Captain |
| Brigadier | Group Captain | Commodore |
| Major General | Air Vice Marshal | Rear Admiral |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is senior — Colonel or Wing Commander?
A: Both are equivalent ranks in different forces. Colonel (Army) = Wing Commander (Air Force).
Q2: What is Wing Commander rank in Indian Air Force?
A: It is a senior officer rank above Squadron Leader and below Group Captain.
Q3: What is the salary of Wing Commander in India?
A: Around ₹1.3 to ₹2 lakh per month, including allowances.
Q4: How many Wing Commanders are there in India?
A: Approximately 3,000 to 3,500 officers serve as Wing Commanders in the Indian Air Force.
Q5: Which is higher — Wing Commander or Group Captain?
A: Group Captain is higher than Wing Commander.
Q6: Is Colonel higher than Major?
A: Yes. The hierarchy goes: Major → Lieutenant Colonel → Colonel.
Conclusion
To sum up, Colonel and Wing Commander are equivalent senior officer ranks in the Indian Army and Indian Air Force respectively. Both play crucial leadership roles — commanding units, squadrons, and ensuring operational readiness. Their salaries, perks, and status are identical as per Pay Level 12A of the 7th CPC.
