Page 4 - Indian Air Force

IAF was 'on song' during Op Sindoor, says Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

The Indian Air Force was "on song" and it could have continued its strikes on Pakistan, but it didn't as the desired objective was already achieved, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Tuesday, delving into Operation Sindoor. In a fireside chat at the Army War College, the Chief of Air Staff also said the operation was a reflection of "conflict termination" against the backdrop of many wars across the globe continuing for a longer period. "That night, we were on a song. We could have continued to strike, but that was not our aim. Our objective was already achieved," he said, referring to his force's strikes on Pakistan on the intervening night of May 9 and 10. The Chief of Air Staff also referred to comments, largely on social media, that the Indian military should have continued its strikes against Pakistan. "It is very easy to say that. But why should you prolong a war which can be stopped after having achieved your objective. I think that is what is required," he said. Air Chief

IAF Chief urges joint planning centre, warns against rushed theaterisation

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Tuesday cautioned against going ahead with the theaterisation plan in a hurry and proposed the setting up of a joint planning and coordination centre in Delhi comprising top military brass to ensure tri-services synergy. In a fireside chat at the Army War College, the Chief of Air Staff, referring to proposed theatre commands, said creating a new structure while disrupting everything is not a very good idea at this point of time. The hugely significant remarks by the Air Chief Marshal came three-and-a-half months after India carried out Operation Sindoor that reflected various elements of synergy among the three services. In his remarks, Singh said the operation once again established the "primacy" of air power even as he highlighted the tri-services coordination during the May 7 to 10 conflict with Pakistan. The Chief of Air Staff said Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan played a "very big role" during Operation Sindoor. He highlighted how Gen ..

Sudarshan Chakra project will need huge tri-services efforts: CDS Chauhan

The 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence system will entail development of a robust infrastructure comprising a range of key tri-services military assets such as missiles and surveillance systems to create an impregnable strategic shield, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said on Tuesday. In an address at a conference, Gen Chauhan said a "whole of the nation" approach will be required to develop the shield. Gen Chauhan also suggested that the Sudarshan Chakra will be on the lines of Israel's Iron Dome all-weather air defence system, known as a very effective missile shield. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 announced the project to develop an indigenous air defence system to protect India's vital military and civilian installations and to deliver a decisive response to any enemy threat, a move that came amid concerns over security challenges emanating from Pakistan and China. In his first remarks on the project, the Chief of Defence Staff said the military will have to look

IAF MiG-21 Bison's last kill was Pakistani F-16 in 2019: Wg Cdr Jaideep

The aircraft was also deployed in an 'operational' role earlier this year in Operation Sindoor, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh said

Shubhanshu Shukla gets hero's welcome in Lucknow after historic space feat

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to his hometown Lucknow on Monday to a rousing reception after becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. Although he arrived in India from the US on August 17, he is visiting the Uttar Pradesh capital now after participating in multiple outreach events, including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 18. Family members, including his parents Shambhu and Asha Shukla, wife Kamna, and son Kiash, were present at the airport to greet him. They were joined by cheering crowds waving the tricolour and chanting "Vande Mataram". Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, a troupe played drums and trumpets, while students from Shukla's alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS), came dressed in vibrant costumes representing space missions and celestial objects. CMS manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon was among those personally welcoming the school's celebrated alumnus. From the airport, Shukla embarked on a

After Op Sindoor, India plans major procurement of Israeli Rampage missiles

Post Operation Sindoor in May, the IAF plans to order a large number of Israeli Rampage air-to-ground missiles, already used successfully in precise strikes on Pakistan

Final nod for ₹62,000 crore deal to procure 97 more Tejas Mk1A jets

This will mark the second order for the Mk1A fighter jets, with an earlier contract already placed with HAL for 83 aircraft at a cost of Rs 36,400 crore

IAF vs PAF: War of doctrines and the question of aircraft downings

Now that both the IAF and PAF have made their formal claims of having shot down the other's aircraft in the 87-hour, predominantly aerial conflagration in May, we can ask a larger question

Analysts predict up to 38% gains in this defence PSU after Q1; do you own?

HAL posted a 4.11 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline in net profit at ₹1,377 crore in Q1FY26, compared to ₹1,436 crore in the same quarter last year (Q1FY25).

Air Warrior Who Led Daring Escape from PoW Captivity in 1971 War Dies: IAF

Indian Air Force veteran Gp Capt D K Parulkar (retd), who led a daring escape from captivity in Pakistan during the 1971 war, has passed away, the IAF said on Sunday. He died near Pune, Maharashtra, according to a senior official. "Gp Capt DK Parulkar (Retd) VM, VSM 1971 War hero, who led a daring escape from captivity in Pakistan, embodying unmatched courage, ingenuity & pride in the IAF has left for his heavenly abode. All Air Warriors of the IAF express their heartfelt condolences," the IAF posted on X. It also shared an old excerpt from a gallantry award citation on him. Parulkar was commissioned in the IAF in March 1963. In past, he held various appointments, including as a Flying Instructor at the Air Force Academy, according to the excerpt. "During the Indo-Pak conflict of 1965, his aircraft was hit by enemy fire and had injured his right shoulder. Despite the advice from his leader to eject, he flew the crippled aircraft back to base, for which he was awarded Vayu Sena

Who pressured PM to stop Operation Sindoor: Congress after IAF revelation

The Congress party questioned PM Modi's decision to halt Operation Sindoor after the IAF chief revealed they shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and at least one more aircraft

Air Force Chief confirms at least 5 Pakistani jets downed during Op Sindoor

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh described the downing of a large ELINT or AEW&C aircraft at 300 km as the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill

Rolls-Royce plans MRO facility in India for AIFs AE2100 engine support

Aerospace major Rolls-Royce on Thursday said it is exploring potential opportunities for setting up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the AE2100 engine operated by the Indian Air Force to support and sustain the fleet, aligned with the India-UK free trade pact. As the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) comes into effect, Rolls-Royce said it plans to accelerate its aerospace and defence engagement with India. "Among its areas of focus is the exploration of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the AE2100 engine, to support and sustain the fleet," the company said in a statement. Sharing the company's plans, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President - Defence (India and South-East Asia), Abhishek Singh said with its strong legacy in India, the firm is looking forward to strengthening its in-country capabilities alongside the strong framework for bilateral collaboration set out by the CETA and the UK-India Vision .

Defence Ministry clears ₹67,000 crore military upgrade for armed forces

The Defence Ministry has cleared proposals worth ₹67,000 crore to boost the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including drones, radars, missile systems, and maintenance deals

MiG accounts for half of fighter jet crashes in 17 years

Three out of five jet types saw a decline in crashes over the past 15 years

Private industry expects a timebound defence acquisition rules review

Must include clear measures to enforce shorter procurement, say insiders

India's iconic MiG-21 fighter jet to retire in Sept after 60 yrs of service

With the MiG-21's retirement, the Indian Air Force's combat strength will be reduced to 29 squadrons-its lowest since the 1960s

HAL receives first set of wings for Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A from L&T

The first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro, was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement.Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar attended the event virtually, as General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) M Abdul Salam received the assemblies on behalf of HAL from the Precision Manufacturing and Systems Complex unit of L & T.In his address on Thursday, the Secretary (Defence Production) commended the efforts of HAL and L & T towards achieving self-reliance. He hailed HAL for spearheading collaboration with different private sector partners, nurturing them and ensuring enhanced capability. He expressed confidence in meeting the requirement of the production target for LCA Tejas. He called for expanding horizons and focusing on reducing dependency on other countries.Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of HAL DK Sunil, who was ...

Shubhanshu Shukla back from space after 18 days: What happens next?

Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after spending 18 days in microgravity. After splashdown, he will undergo a number procedures as part of his post-spaceflight recovery process

Govt must step in for AMCA to yield pvt fighter jet maker: Sources

Apprehensions persist that a HAL-led joint venture or consortium could ultimately secure the bid to build the prototype of India's first stealth combat aircraft