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Watch: President Murmu takes sortie in Rafale fighter jet | Indian Air Force

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station in Haryana's Ambala on Wednesday.

President Murmu takes sortie in Rafale fighter jet at Ambala airbase

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station in Haryana's Ambala on Wednesday. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh also flew in a sperate aircraft from the same airbase. Before getting on to the Rafale jet, the President wore a G-suit. Murmu, who was holding a helmet in her hand and wearing sun glasses, also posed for pictures with the pilot. Shortly before the aircraft took off at 11.27 am, the President waved from inside the jet. The President was also accorded a ceremonial guard of honour after she arrived at the Air Force Station this morning. Rafale jets were used during Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the April 22 dastardly Pahalgam terror attack. In April 2023, Murmu, the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces has undertaken a sortie in Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam. Former presidents A P J Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil had undertaken sorties in Sukhoi-30 MKI figh

Centre approves procurement proposals worth ₹79,000 crore for armed forces

The Defence Acquisition Council has cleared procurement proposals, including purchases of missiles, ships, torpedoes, and advanced surveillance systems, to boost India's defence capability

Army's northern command sets new level of readiness in multi-domain warfare

A tri-service multi-domain exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Army's northern command headquarters, with new lessons, improved reflexes, and the setting of new benchmarks in preparedness for next-generation conflicts, a defence spokesperson said here on Saturday. The exercise, over four days, challenged commanders, staff, and troops with futuristic threats in cyber, space, electromagnetic, and cognitive domains, he said. Central Armed Police Forces, sister services, central government agencies, and private sector players participated jointly, underscoring the importance of an integrated and whole-of-nation approach to the continuously evolving security landscape, the spokesperson added. He said the participation of indigenous defence industry players set a new benchmark for achieving jointness, aatmanirbarta (self-reliance), and innovation. During the exercise, troops deployed in the forward areas practised in situations like cyber intrusion, spectrum saturation, electro

IAF to get first Tejas Mk1A this year; foreign buyers keen: HAL executives

The new Tejas production line was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also witnessed the maiden flight of the first Mk1A jet to roll out from it

Rajnath to inaugurate HAL's third Tejas line; annual output to rise to 24

The first Tejas Mk1A produced at the third line is fully assembled and has completed all pre-flight tests, HAL officials said

Indian Air Force, Royal Navy conduct joint exercise over Indian Ocean

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Navy conducted a joint aerial exercise over the Indian Ocean Region on Tuesday.The exercise involved a range of frontline platforms, including the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguar fighter aircraft, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW & C) aircraft. From the Royal Navy, F-35B fighter jets operating from HMS Prince of Wales participated in the coordinated mission.Sharing details of the exercise, the Indian Air Force wrote on X, "On 14 Oct 25, IAF Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguars, AWACS & AEW & C aircraft joined Royal Navy F-35Bs from HMS Prince of Wales for a joint exercise over the Indian Ocean Region. The training strengthened interoperability, mutual trust, and collective commitment to regional stability."In a related development, Indian defence officials have confirmed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to extend the range of its Astra ..

In space, nationality fades; humanity comes first: Shubhanshu Shukla

IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), said on Friday that when one leaves the planet to be in space, Earth becomes their identity. Shukla, who was in Goa, said that nationality doesn't matter in space, as humanity takes precedence. Describing his experience at the ISS, he said that looking out from the station felt like being in an office with the best view possible. It was just too fascinating, he said, virtually addressing students from schools affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, as part of a session titled Igniting Minds, Exploring Frontiers: The Convergence of Space, Education, and Industry'. During the interactive session, he said people may have different identities in this world, but they blur when one is in space. When you are a kid and going to school, our home and parents become our identity. When we go to college, the college becomes our identity. When you le

Indian Air Force's transformation 'extraordinary': Air Chief Marshal

The country will rely on the air force to effectively respond to emerging threats, he says

We proved air power's impact in shaping military outcomes: IAF chief

The Indian Air Force's "bold and precise" attacks on enemy targets during Operation Sindoor restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Wednesday. The Chief of Air Staff also said that his force has proved to the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcomes in just a few days. Air Chief Marshal Singh was addressing air warriors on the occasion of the Air Force Day at the Hindon air base. "Our performance in Operation Sindoor fills us with professional pride. We proved to the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcome in just a few days," he said. The Chief of Air Staff described Operation Sindoor as a shining example of what can be achieved through "meticulous planning, disciplined training and determined execution." "India's bold and precise attacks restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness," he said. "Our robu

IAF showcases might with massive parade at Hindon on 93rd Air Force Day

The Indian Air Force (IAF) displayed its prowess as it held a massive parade at the Hindon Air Base to celebrate the 93rd Indian Air Force Day.The parade featured fighter jets such as Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, along with India's indigenous Netra AEW & C, the C-17 Globemaster III, the indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, the C-130J Hercules, Apache attack helicopters fitted with Longbow radar, and the Advanced Light Helicopter.The IAF parade also highlighted the achievements of Operation Sindoor.Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh inspected the parade at Hindon Air Base and took the salute at the parade held at Hindon Air Base as part of the Air Force Day celebrations.Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi paid tribute to the soldiers at the National War Memorial on the occasion of 93rd Air Force Day.CDS, along .

Indian Air Force Day 2025: IAF marks 93rd foundation day with grand parade

Today, October 8, 2025, marks the 93rd Air Force Day of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The primary event took place at Ghaziabad's Hindon Air Force Base and was streamed live on official platforms

PM Modi, President Murmu greet Air Force personnel on Air Force Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted Air Force personnel on the Air Force Day, and said they have played a vital role in safeguarding Indian skies during the most challenging situations. Modi said, "Greetings to all the courageous Air Warriors and their families on Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force epitomises bravery, discipline and precision. They have played a vital role in safeguarding our skies, including during the most challenging situations." Their role during natural calamities is also very commendable, Modi said, asserting that their commitment, professionalism and indomitable spirit make every Indian proud.

IAF chief says 2047 roadmap ready, manned jets still vital amid drone push

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that the air force is actively monitoring global advancements in air power, which could inform updates to the roadmap over time

F-16, JF-17 among 5 Pakistani fighter jets hit in Op Sindoor: IAF chief

IAF Chief AP Singh said 4-5 Pakistani jets, including F-16s and JF-17s, were destroyed during Operation Sindoor; radars, runways, hangars, a SAM system and a C-130 were also hit

MiG-21 jet flies into the sunset after six decades of distinguished service

As the Indian Air Force retires MiG-21 jets today, take a look at India's first supersonic fighter that catapulted India into the jet age with a combat record that is both celebrated and controversial

Explained: India's plans after MiG-21 retirement

After 62 years of service, the MiG-21 has finally taken its last flight in the Indian Air Force. Once called the backbone of India’s air defence, this jet was fast, fierce, and battle-tested.