Page 44 - Indian Air Force

Oldest living IAF fighter pilot turns 100, Air chief extends greetings

Retired Squadron Leader Dalip Singh Majithia, who holds the distinction of being the oldest living IAF fighter pilot, turned 100 on Monday. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria extended his greetings to the centenarian who had retired in August 1947 when India achieved Independence. "IAF extends its best wishes to Sqn Ldr Dalip Singh Majithia (retd) on his 100th birthday today. He retired in Aug 1947 & holds the distinction of being the 'oldest' IAF fighter pilot now," the IAF tweeted. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria conveyed warm greetings and heartiest congratulations to Majithia on behalf of all air warriors, the IAF said. It also shared a short video clip on him on Twitter.

First batch of Rafales reaches UAE airbase on way to India from France

In the evening, officials said all five Rafales landed safely in Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE after a sortie in excess of seven hours

Air Marshal V R Chaudhari to take over as chief of IAF's Western Command

His appointment as chief of the WAC comes when it is enhancing operational deployment in eastern Ladakh in view of the border row with China

Permanent commission for women officers but fight for combat roles still on

The IAF has operationalised eight women fighter pilots. And the navy permits women officers onboard warships, even when they sail into battle

India, US negotiating UAV co-development programme: Pentagon official

Often described as the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, Lord said that US-India defence cooperation has made great strides in the last few years

First Rafales to touch down on July 27 amid rising tensions with China

The aircraft will form the nucleus of the IAF's first Rafale squadron, Number 17 Squadron, which calls itself the Golden Arrows. They will be based in Ambala

Top IAF brass to meet to discuss LAC situation, rapid Rafale deployment

The top commanders will meet this week for the two-days commanders' conference starting from July 22

Boeing delivers all of 37 military helicopters to IAF amid LAC standoff

Boeing said it completed delivery of all 22 Apache and 15 Chinook military helicopters to the IAF and is fully committed to meet their operational needs of the Indian armed forces

IAF carrying out intensive night-time operations over Eastern Ladakh

Notwithstanding the strong winds and the chilling weather, the ground crew and pilots are flying using even very small windows when the wind speed is low

IAF ramping up deployment in key bases along LAC amid border row with China

The IAF has also pressed into service a fleet of C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft as well as C-130J Super Hercules in transporting heavy military equipment and weaponry

Eye on China: India to get Rs 38,900-cr defence upgrade amid border dispute

To buy 21 MiG-29s, 12 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft, upgrade existing 59 MiG-29s

First batch of 6 Rafale jets likely to arrive in India by July 27: Report

The first squadron of the aircraft will be stationed at Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF

LAC stand-off: India moves air defence missile systems into Ladakh sector

In the last couple of weeks, the Chinese forces have brought in heavy air superiority aircraft like the Sukhoi-30 and its strategic bombers to the rear locations

Rajnath leaves for Russia amid China row; to press for S-400 delivery

Singh is primarily visiting Russia to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War.

Armed forces get financial powers to buy critical weapons amid LAC standoff

Similar financial powers were given to the armed forces after the Uri attack

Well prepared, suitably deployed to respond to any contingency: IAF chief

He asserted that the IAF is determined to deliver and it will never let the sacrifice of the brave soldiers in Galwan go in vain

IAF urges govt to acquire 33 fighter jets amid ongoing row with China

The proposal includes the acquisition of 12 Su-30 MKIs that would be required for replacing the number of aircraft lost by the Air Force in different accidents

India-China border dispute: Capable of giving a fitting reply, says PM Modi

The Indian government's strong message to China was also conveyed during a telephonic conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

After Galwan Valley clash, Indian Army, Navy, Air Force put on high alert

The Indian Navy has also been asked to raise its alert level in the Indian Ocean Region where the Chinese Navy has been making regular forays

Air India likely to get 2 custom-made B777 planes for VVIP travel by Sept

The two B777 aircraft will be operated by pilots of the Indian Air Force and not of Air India