Page 16 - Indian Air Force

IAF's C-17 aircraft successfully airdrops indigenously built platform

A C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force airdropped an indigenously developed heavy platform that can carry a maximum load of over 22 tonnes, officials said on Wednesday."In a major milestone on its path towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, an extra-long and heavy platform, indigenously developed by ADRDE & capable of carrying approximately 45000 Lbs of load, was successfully air-dropped during trials from an IAF C-17 aircraft," the Indian Air Force said in a post on X.The Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) is a premier defence research laboratory.According to the Indian Air Force, capable of carrying multiple such platforms, the combat capabilities of C-17 aircraft will be further enhanced in its varied missions to air-deliver critical loads to troops on the ground.

Navy requests change in rank nomenclature to accommodate female sailors

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar on Tuesday said they have approached the Defence Ministry for an approval of changing the nomenclature of various ranks as they now have women sailors also. He also expressed hope that since gender neutrality has been introduced in the Indian Navy, it will have a woman chief in 30-35 years. He was addressing mediapersons during the inauguration of a new administrative building of the Naval War College (NWC) at Verem in North Goa. "We follow all roles, all ranks. Hoping that 30-35 years down the line we will have a woman chief of naval staff speaking to you all," Admiral Kumar said. The Navy already has a woman commanding officer of a ship based in Goa, he noted. "Recently, we have got a consensus from all the people concerned and we have taken it with the ministry for approval for changing the rank nomenclature, like leading seamen, seamen class I, seamen class II, because now we have got women sailors also," he said. "Women cannot be sea

400 jets in 4 days: Anant-Radhika's pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar takes off

The airport, which is a civil enclave in an Indian Air Force base with no parking space, is managing an estimated 400 charter flights between Friday and Monday

In a first, 4 IAF units to receive President's Standard and Colours

In a historic first, four units of the Indian Air Force will receive prestigious 'President's Standard and Colours' from President Droupadi Murmu at the Hindan air base on March 8. Murmu will be awarding the President's Standard to 45 Squadron and 221 Squadron and the President's Colours to 11 Base Repair Depot and 509 Signal unit, the defence ministry said. It will be the first time in history of the IAF that four units will be awarded President's Standard and Colours together, it said. The award of the President's Standard and Colours is the highest military honour for any armed forces units. The four units selected for the coveted awards have stellar contributions in the IAF's history. The 221 squadron is known as the 'Valiants'. The history of the squadron dates back to 14 Feb 1963 when it was raised at Barrackpore, equipped with Vampire aircraft. Barely two years after its formation, the Squadron was pressed into action in the Eastern theatre during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, whe

PM Narendra Modi reveals names of astronauts picked for Gaganyaan mission

India will become only the fourth country after the United States, Russia, and China to conduct such a mission

'Leap forward in self-reliance': Adani Defence unveils ammo, missile sites

The inauguration coincided with the fifth anniversary of Operation Bandar, the Indian Air Force (IAF) bomb strikes on a terrorist camp inside Pakistani territory

3 services worked in 'silos', now they have better coordination: Rajnath

India's annual defence production is expected to touch a whopping Rs 3 lakh crore and exports of military hardware is poised to reach Rs 50,000 crore, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. In an address at a defence conclave, Singh, delving into structural defence reforms, said the three services used to work in "silos" earlier but now they are ready with better coordination to deal with every challenge jointly. He said capital acquisition projects worth more than Rs 4,35,000 crore have been given in-principle approval in the financial year 2023-24, and the government is aiming for production of high-end systems like aero-engines and gas turbines in India in the next five years. Singh noted that the government has been focusing on jointness among the Indian Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force that would ensure enhanced coordination in times of "crisis". "Earlier, the three Services used to work in silos. We focused on their integration which was an out-of-the-box ste

Cabinet gives nod to Rs 13,000 crore IAF projects for high-power radars

The radar project has been cleared at a time when India has plans to strengthen its radar coverage all along its borders with both its northern and western adversaries

HAL, DRDO to begin Rs 60,000 crore Sukhoi fighter jet fleet upgrade

The project aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities with new radars, mission control systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and integration of new weapon systems for the Indian Air Force

Vayu Shakti: Air Force displays growing combat prowess at Pokhran desert

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday displayed its firepower capability at a mega exercise featuring over 120 aircraft, including frontline fighter jets and attack helicopters in Rajasthan's Pokhran desert. In the Vayu Shakti exercise, the IAF also demonstrated the capabilities of its long-range drones and air-to-air missiles as well as its increasing strength in the rapid deployment of combat assets by airlifting weapons like M-777 ultra-light howitzers and other military platforms. In keeping with the exercise's theme 'Lightning Strike from the Sky', over 120 aircraft displayed the IAF's offensive capabilities by day as well as by night. Fighter aircraft, including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and Hawk, attacked and destroyed simulated enemy targets on the ground and in the air with deadly precision, the IAF said. These attacks were delivered in multiple modes and directions, employing a variety of precision-guided munitions as well as conventional bombs an

Army marches slowly to modernisation as Air Force, Navy lead in spending

A large part of Army's funds allocation goes towards meeting recurring expenses

Indian Air Force to showcase firepower in Pokharan on February 17

The Indian Air Force will display its full spectrum of combat and fire capabilities during Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024 at the Pokharan range close to the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan on February 17. Fighter jet Rafale, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand and Apache attack helicopters will be among the assets taking part in the exercise for the first time, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal A P Singh told reporters here. The triennial exercise will take place for 2.15 hours during the day, dusk and night, he said. "We plan to conduct this Exercise Vayu Shakti 2024 to showcase the full spectrum of operations that Indian aerospace power can undertake. And, it is going to be conducted in a near-realistic scenario," Air Marshal Singh said. More than 100 aircraft will participate in the exercise this year including support aircraft and stand-by assets on ground, he said. These will include all the new, indigenously manufactured or designed aircraft, such as 'Tejas', Advanced Li

SC issues notice to IAF, army over non-payment of Rs 1.5 cr compensation

The Supreme Court emphasised the significance of upholding the dignity and well-being of armed forces personnel in its judgment

IAF to carry out three mega exercises, joint warfighting to be focus

The wargame being planned for April this year would see almost all the fleets of fighter aircraft, transport planes, helicopters and drones getting active along all the frontiers

Vande Bharatam-Nari Shakti: R-Day parade exhibits women's empowerment

In a spectacular display of cultural richness and "Nari Shakti", the third edition of the "Vande Bharatam" in the Republic Day parade of Friday showcased the theme "Cultural expression of women power - accomplishment through resolve". A group of 1,500 dancers under the banner of "Vande Bharatam-Nari Shakti" graced the parade with a message of unity in diversity. The performance showcased 30 distinctive folk dance styles, including Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Manipuri, contemporary classical dance, and Bollywood styles. Adding a touch of tradition and diversity, 120 dancers adorned masks representing various tribal and folk performing arts, while another 120 dancers performed with traditional umbrellas and artistic objects from Gujarat, Manipur, Kerala and Maharashtra. In the talented ensemble were 199 were tribal dance artistes, 486 represented folk dance, 399 were skilled in classical dances and 56 showcased the vibrancy of Bollywood. Notably, 5

R-Day: 'Nari Shakti', 'Atmanirbharta' themes ring in tableaux of IAF, Navy

The three wings of the armed forces on Friday showcased India's rising military might here with an impressive display of assets as their Republic Day tableaux complemented the over-arching theme of 'Nari Shakti' and 'Atmanirbharta'. Highlighting India's growing prowess in shipbuilding, the Indian Navy tableau depicted the imposing indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and highly capable escort ships INS Delhi, INS Kolkata and INS Shivalik, the LCA, the ALH and the Kalvari-class submarine. The Navy tableau's theme was 'Nari Shakti' and 'Atmanirbharta'. The recent announcement of the Navy welcoming women in all roles and ranks is indeed a "shining symbol of progressive India", read the description about the tableau in an official booklet on the 75th Republic Day celebrations. The naval band played 'Hum Taiyyar Hain', representing the force's might and combat readiness, and to its tune, marched a naval contingent of 144 young sailors, both male and female Agniveers. The Ind

French Rafales, marching contingent take part in Republic Day parade

Two Rafale fighter jets flanked by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force roared through Delhi's sky as India celebrated its 75th Republic Day at a grand parade on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron gracing it as the chief guest. As soon as around 95 French troops marched down the Kartavya Path at the heart of the national capital, the whizzing warplanes pierced the morning sky making thousands of spectators crane their necks in wonder. A 30-member band contingent from France also drew attention at the grand parade. It was the second time the French armed forces participated in India's Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to participate in the biggest ceremonial event of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July last year. The Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets and a tri-services marching contingen

Republic Day: India to showcase its growing Nari Shakti, military might

For the first time ever, an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots will also enthral the audience during the Indian Air Force's fly-past

French contingent to participate in 75th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi

A 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France will participate in the 75th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi today

Republic Day: All-women tri-service contingent, armed forces to march today

Kartavya Path in the national capital is set to witness the nation's Aatmanirbhar military prowess and growing 'Nari Shakti' on the occasion of the Republic Day tomorrow