On January 4, 2025, the French Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, FNS Charles de Gaulle, arrived at Mormugao Port in Goa as part of its Mission CLEMENCEAU 25. The carrier is carrying the Rafale Marine, the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet. During its stop in Goa and Kochi, the French Rafale Marine jets will join the Indian Air Force’s Rafale jets for joint war games. India is also working to finalize a deal for 26 Rafale M jets for its INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. The stopover includes the 42nd Varuna exercise, a bilateral naval and air training between India and France, aimed at improving cooperation and readiness to handle various threats.
05 January,2025 11:07 AM IST
On October 8, the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 92nd anniversary at the Tambaram Air Force Station in Chennai, under the theme "Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar" (Potent, Powerful, Self-reliant). This year's celebration showcased the IAF's commitment to strength and self-reliance, reflecting its unwavering spirit and capability. The air show featured an impressive lineup of aircraft, including state-of-the-art fighter jets, versatile transport planes, and agile helicopters, demonstrating the IAF's operational readiness and technological advancement. Enthusiastic crowds witnessed breathtaking aerial displays that embodied the motto "Touch the Sky with Glory." The event not only highlighted the IAF's prowess but also underscored its pivotal role in ensuring national security and fostering self-sufficiency in defense capabilities. The anniversary served as a reminder of the IAF’s dedication to protecting the skies and contributing to India's growth as a formidable force on the global stage.
08 October,2024 03:19 PM IST
In a bid to counter China’s illegal air surveillance, the Indian Air Force carried out a successful trial to shoot down Chinese spy balloons. During the trial, the target was shot down using an inventory missile at staggering feet of 55,000 feet. Take a look.
07 October,2024 01:15 PM IST
On Tuesday, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved 10 major acquisition proposals totaling Rs 1,44,716 crore. Most of this budget, 99%, will support indigenous products under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories. The approval includes the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), which are advanced tanks with superior capabilities for mobility, protection, and real-time awareness. The DAC also approved Air Defence Fire Control Radars for tracking aerial targets and Forward Repair Teams (Tracked) for in-field repairs by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited. Additionally, three proposals were greenlit to boost the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) abilities, including Dornier-228 aircraft and advanced patrol vessels. The meeting ended with a tribute to the late ICG DG Rakesh Pal, who passed away on August 18, 2024. The Defence Minister and DAC members honored his significant contributions with a moment of silence.
04 September,2024 12:15 PM IST
IAF’s Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla has been announced as the prime astronaut for the Indo-US space mission. He will be only the second Indian after Rakesh Sharma to be part of a space mission. Mission paved its way after PM Modi, Joe Biden signed a joint statement in June 2023, envisioning a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the ISS. A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two 'Gaganyatris' as the prime, backup Mission Pilots for this mission. These include Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla (Prime), Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Backup). The recommended 'Gaganyatris' will commence their training for the mission in the first week of August, informed ISRO. Notably, PM Modi bestowed astronaut wings upon Shubhanshu Shukla after his name was revealed for the Gaganyaan Mission on Feb 27, 2024. The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first human space flight program, for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centers. Apart from Wing Commander Shubhanshu, Group Capt Prashanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap Shukla will also join mission.
03 August,2024 02:57 PM IST
On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay diwas, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari paid tribute to the air warriors, who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War, at Sarsawa Air Force Station, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
13 July,2024 01:45 PM IST
In a major success, security forces on May 07 neutralised two terrorists in J&K’s Kulgam in an encounter. Based on inputs of movement of suspicious individuals, armed forces activated security grid in the area. After long hours of fierce gun battle on May 06, security forces killed top ‘The Resistance Force’ (TRF) terrorists. Terrorists were gunned down days after attack on IAF convoy in Poonch which killed one personnel on May 04. Security has been heightened across the Union Territory amid LS Polls 2024 to thwart terror bids. Several encounters have broken out between security forces and terrorists since last few weeks in Kashmir. In April, a Rajouri resident was killed in a targeted attack and a few days later a VDG member was shot dead in Udhampur.
08 May,2024 11:25 AM IST
The mortal remains of Corporal Vikky Pahade were brought to Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara on May 06. The family members of deceased IAF personnel were in grief after hearing about the demise. However, there was a sense of pride amongst them that he had sacrificed his life for the nation.Corporal Vikky Pahade lost his life in a terror attack that happened in J&K’s Poonch on May 04.His sister said, “I want to send this message to the people of the country that every son should be dedicated to the country. I am proud of my brother. I want that justice should be served.” One of the members of his family said, “We got to know about it a day before yesterday. We were informed that he was shot and he has been airlifted to the hospital. Then later we got to know that he lost his life. This is a shock for the family as he was the only brother of three sisters.”
06 May,2024 01:10 PM IST
The Indian Army and the Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at two key air bases for upgrading their surveillance capabilities all along the Line of Actual Control with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The drone deal, expected to be worth around USD 4 billion is being done at tri services level with the Indian Navy leading the negotiations for it with the American side. "The MQ-9B drones require a significant runway length for take off and landing which are available with the Indian Air Force. That is why, the Army drones are planned to be deployed with the IAF at airbases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur," defence officials told ANI. As per of the drone deal with the US, 31 MQ-9B drones are being acquired of which 15 would be for coverage of the maritime zone and would be deployed by the Indian Navy. The IAF and the Army will have eight each of these highly capable long endurance drones and would be able to cover almost all the areas of interest along the LAC with support from other existing assets, the officials said. The American side has given its letter of acceptance to the Indian side at a price tag of around USD 4 billion. There is also a provision of transfer of technology of some equipment to Indian entities under the agreement, they said. With a flight time of over 36 hours at heights over 40,000 feet, the drones can be armed with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs, this fighter-sized drone specializes in (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions. The Predator drones are expected to significantly enhance India's ability to conduct unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and along its land borders with China and Pakistan. MQ-9B has proven to be a critical asset in safeguarding India's security interests as it was used to extensively to monitor anti-piracy operations from naval headquarters to get a clear picture of the actions taking place almost 3,000 km from Indian shores.
06 May,2024 11:52 AM IST
An Indian Air Force convoy was attacked by terrorists in the Poonch district of J&K on May 04. As per the officials, 5 IAF personnel suffered injury in the attack and have been airlifted to the Command Hospital in Udhampur for further treatment.Soon after the attack, Rashtriya Rifles started cordoning off the area, search operations in Sanai area near Jarran Wali Gali (JWG) Poonch, in Surankot. Meanwhile, Defence experts called out Pak for promoting terrorist activities and disturbing peace and hampering the LS elections in J&K. Watch video.
05 May,2024 11:06 AM ISTADVERTISEMENT
