News for '-air-force'

Alert and ready, says IAF chief on Air Force Day

Alert and ready, says IAF chief on Air Force Day

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh stated on Thursday that the IAF's operational capabilities are advancing and the force is prepared for any challenges, highlighting its growth into a world-class, multi-domain force during the 94th Air Force Day celebrations in Hindan. He also mentioned his upcoming superannuation and the display of combat assets.

PM Modi Praises Air Warriors' Courage And Commitment On Air Force Day

PM Modi Praises Air Warriors' Courage And Commitment On Air Force Day

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to Indian Air Force personnel on Air Force Day, praising their courage and commitment. He highlighted the IAF's ability to use advanced technology, including data and drones, to counter adversaries and ensure national security.

5 arrested near UK base hosting US Air Force over terror charges

5 arrested near UK base hosting US Air Force over terror charges

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

UK counter-terror police are leading an investigation after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terror offences and under the Explosives Act, following a call about three suspicious vehicles. The incident prompted a major response, including the Army's Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit and the evacuation of 85 households.

Bareilly Administration Acts To Secure Air Force Airspace

Bareilly Administration Acts To Secure Air Force Airspace

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Bareilly administration has initiated comprehensive measures to enhance flight safety around its Air Force station. These steps include stricter monitoring of drones, addressing bird activity, regulating unauthorised construction, improving waste management, and controlling stray animal populations, all identified as potential threats to aircraft operations.

Air Force Football Team pip Defenders FC in Durand Cup clash

Air Force Football Team pip Defenders FC in Durand Cup clash

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Indian Air Force Football Team defeated Sri Lanka's Defenders FC 2-1 in a Durand Cup Group C fixture. Naorem Somananda Singh scored in the first half, followed by an own goal, before Defenders FC managed a late consolation goal.

Spectacular IAF Helicopter Rehearsal In Varanasi

Spectacular IAF Helicopter Rehearsal In Varanasi

Rediff.com23 hours ago

Glimpses of Indian Air Force helicopters rehearsing for this weekend's air show in Varanasi.

HC bars disclosure of PM's foreign trips on IAF plane citing national security

HC bars disclosure of PM's foreign trips on IAF plane citing national security

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Delhi High Court has overturned a Central Information Commission (CIC) order that mandated the disclosure of information regarding the Prime Minister's foreign visits on IAF aircraft under the RTI Act. The court cited national security concerns and the physical safety of the Prime Minister, stating that no sufficient larger public interest was demonstrated to override these risks. It also noted that the CIC erred in directing disclosure of Special Foreign Returns (SFR) - II.

President Trump Takes Maiden Flight On Refurbished Air Force One

President Trump Takes Maiden Flight On Refurbished Air Force One

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Donald Trump took the first flight on the newly refurbished Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8i previously owned by Qatar and gifted to the US presidential fleet. The jet features a new red, white, and navy blue livery, replacing the older robin's egg blue. Trump expressed excitement about the advanced security and features, noting it will serve as a "bridge" until new planes are delivered by 2028.

How Qatar's Jet Became The New Air Force One

How Qatar's Jet Became The New Air Force One

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a newly refurbished Boeing 747-8i, previously owned by Qatar, which will serve as the new Air Force One. This luxury jet, featuring a red, white, and navy blue livery, replaces the older aircraft and will act as a "bridge" until new planes from Boeing are delivered by 2028. The aircraft underwent significant security modifications and is set to begin commissioning flights soon.

Air Force Secures Victory In Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Opener

Air Force Secures Victory In Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Opener

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian Air Force defeated the Indian Army (Southern Command) 2-0 in the inaugural match of the 7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament. Agniveer Vinayak Santosh Hande was named Man of the Match, receiving a Rs 25,000 cheque. The tournament, organised by the Air Force Sports Control Board, features 16 teams and was declared open by Air Marshal S Sivakumar.

'Dream come true': IAF chief takes final sortie in Kiran aircraft

'Dream come true': IAF chief takes final sortie in Kiran aircraft

Rediff.com2 days ago

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, the outgoing IAF chief, flew his final sortie aboard an HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, bringing his distinguished flying career full circle. The flight was particularly special as he flew with his first flying instructor, Wing Commander V S Kochar (retd), marking an emotional reunion and a tribute to his journey. He is set to superannuate on October 31.

No US offer for F-35 jets to India, Su-57 decision pending: IAF chief

No US offer for F-35 jets to India, Su-57 decision pending: IAF chief

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh stated on Saturday that the US has not officially offered F-35 fighter jets to India, and no final decision has been made regarding Russia's Su-57 proposal. He made these remarks during the concluding ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026.

Air Force Kicks Off Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey 2026 With Victory

Air Force Kicks Off Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey 2026 With Victory

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian Air Force defeated the Indian Army (Southern Command) 2-0 in the inaugural match of the 7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament-2026. Agniveer Vinayak Santosh Hande was named Man of the Match in the tournament, which features 16 teams and was inaugurated by Air Marshal S Sivakumar.

IAF Showcases Air Power At Tarang Shakti

IAF Showcases Air Power At Tarang Shakti

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Glimpses of Indian Air Force aircraft flying in formation during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

'The last ride': Trump takes final flight on old Air Force One

'The last ride': Trump takes final flight on old Air Force One

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The iconic Boeing 747-200B, which served as Air Force One for 35 years, completes its final presidential flight, marking a significant transition for US presidential air travel.

BrahMos-NG prototype likely by 2027-28; 1,500-km missile on future roadmap

BrahMos-NG prototype likely by 2027-28; 1,500-km missile on future roadmap

Rediff.com14 hours ago

BrahMos Aerospace expects to develop the first prototype of its next-generation BrahMos-NG missile by 2027 or 2028, while a missile with a range of 1,500 km remains part of its future roadmap and is currently at the conceptual stage, the company's CEO and managing director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi said.

IAF chief warns of depleting fighter squadron strength

IAF chief warns of depleting fighter squadron strength

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has voiced concerns over significant delays in inducting new combat jets, including the Tejas aircraft, which are impacting the Indian Air Force's depleting fighter squadron strength. He stressed the need for annual induction of 36-40 jets to address the gaps and discussed ongoing procurement plans like the MRFA deal and future strategies for combat aircraft and theatre commands.

Pak-China 5th Gen fighter jet deal cause of worry, but...: IAF chief

Pak-China 5th Gen fighter jet deal cause of worry, but...: IAF chief

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Air Staff, has expressed significant concern over the inordinate delays in inducting new combat jets, including the indigenous Tejas aircraft, stating that these delays are severely impacting the Indian Air Force's depleting fighter squadron strength. He highlighted the need for 36-40 new fighter jets annually to address these gaps and voiced worry over Pakistan's collaboration with China on a fifth-generation fighter jet.

The Rescue Mission That Came Full Circle

The Rescue Mission That Came Full Circle

Rediff.com6 days ago

For nearly three decades, the two sides of the story had existed independently. One had been recorded in a pilot's logbook; the other carried in the memory of a young boy who had survived a terrible accident, recalls Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Rafale Marine trials begin in Goa for INS Vikrant operations

Rafale Marine trials begin in Goa for INS Vikrant operations

Rediff.com1 days ago

Trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft are being carried out in Goa by the Indian Navy. The trials are for the modifications to the aircraft required for carrying out operations from the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Defence officials said on Wednesday.

Hammer Throwers Shine With New Records At U23 Athletics Meet

Hammer Throwers Shine With New Records At U23 Athletics Meet

Rediff.com4 days ago

Nirbhay Choudhary and Haqikat Grewal set new meet records in hammer throw at the Indian Open U23 Athletics Competition in Jaipur. Other records were also broken in men's 400m hurdles and 10,000m track race on the concluding day of the three-day event.

Trump's post showing Obamas on graffiti-covered Air Force One sparks outrage

Trump's post showing Obamas on graffiti-covered Air Force One sparks outrage

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former US President Donald Trump posted a digitally altered image on Truth Social depicting Barack and Michelle Obama on Air Force One covered in graffiti. This incident follows a previous controversy where Trump's account shared and later deleted a 'racist' video portraying the Obamas as apes, leading to widespread bipartisan backlash.

F-35 stealth fighters set for first tactical drills with IAF

F-35 stealth fighters set for first tactical drills with IAF

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

In a major operational milestone, US fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets are set to participate in joint combat drills alongside the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the first time during the upcoming multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026.

AFC Champions League: Al-Nassr Beat Neftchi 3-1 After Security Alert Delays Kick-Off

AFC Champions League: Al-Nassr Beat Neftchi 3-1 After Security Alert Delays Kick-Off

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr's second goal in their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan's Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite, a match that was delayed by an hour due to a security warning in Riyadh.

Tejas takes centre stage as India, Japan air chiefs fly sortie in Rajasthan

Tejas takes centre stage as India, Japan air chiefs fly sortie in Rajasthan

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita took off from Air Force Station Jodhpur in Tejas aircraft on Sunday during the ongoing Indo-Japan bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026'.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is new chief of air staff

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is new chief of air staff

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the 29th Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who will superannuate on October 31. Dixit currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force.

Ranji Trophy: Bengal bowlers seal 60-run victory over Services in low-scoring contest

Ranji Trophy: Bengal bowlers seal 60-run victory over Services in low-scoring contest

Rediff.com2 days ago

Bengal secured a 60-run victory over Services in a Ranji Trophy Group C match, powered by Pradipta Pramanik's four-wicket haul. Elsewhere, Delhi established a significant lead against Gujarat, while Maharashtra built a massive first-innings advantage over Jharkhand with centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, and Digvijay Patil.

UK PM says Iran played role in UK airbase terror plot; Tehran reacts

UK PM says Iran played role in UK airbase terror plot; Tehran reacts

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the UK believes Iran played a part in an incident near an RAF base in south-west England, currently under counter-terrorism investigation. Five British nationals were arrested and bailed. The incident occurred near RAF Fairford, which hosts US Air Force operations and has been used for airstrikes against Iran. Iran has denied involvement, calling it "Iranophobia."

Bharatpreet, Nitika rewrite record books in athletics

Bharatpreet, Nitika rewrite record books in athletics

Rediff.com5 days ago

Discus thrower Bharatpreet Singh and pole vaulter Nitika Anup established new meet records at the 6th Indian Open U23 Athletics Competition in Jaipur. Bharatpreet won gold with a throw of 54.70m, while Nitika secured gold by clearing 4.15m. The event also saw other athletes achieve notable results across various disciplines.

Lockheed Martin eyes major India production boost for transport aircraft

Lockheed Martin eyes major India production boost for transport aircraft

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Lockheed Martin aims to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities in India, particularly through its partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, if it secures the bid to supply 60 medium transport aircraft to the Indian armed forces. The proposal includes local production of 48 aircraft and an upgrade for the existing IAF C-130J fleet.

Embraer, Mahindra eye Nagpur for C-390 Millennium production

Embraer, Mahindra eye Nagpur for C-390 Millennium production

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Aerospace major Embraer and the Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur as a potential manufacturing hub for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, should their bid for India's multi-billion-dollar Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) deal be successful. This strategic partnership aims to establish a localised production and support ecosystem in India, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative and strengthening the country's indigenous aerospace capabilities.

ITBP raises drone units to counter China, prepares for Galwan-like battles

ITBP raises drone units to counter China, prepares for Galwan-like battles

Rediff.com9 hours ago

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is undergoing a significant modernization drive, establishing drone platoons, developing a new 'Strike' course for Galwan-like situations, and constructing underground infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control. This strategic shift, announced by DG Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, aims to counter China, identified as India's 'biggest adversary,' by embracing modern warfare techniques learned from recent global conflicts.

'He Shot Down One Aircraft, Damaged The Second, Got The Third, Fourth To Flee'

'He Shot Down One Aircraft, Damaged The Second, Got The Third, Fourth To Flee'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

'I can't imagine anybody else doing the kind of things he did in the war,' Group Captain Deb Gohain asserts about Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cook, the 1965 War hero who passed into the ages last week.

How The MiG 21 Saved The Day!

How The MiG 21 Saved The Day!

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

A stranded message that failed for three days over telephone lines was delivered in minutes by a MiG-21 pilot flying above the desert.

How Delhi Police Busted Cyber Fraud Impersonating Air Force Officials

How Delhi Police Busted Cyber Fraud Impersonating Air Force Officials

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Delhi Police have dismantled a cyber fraud racket based in Mewat, arresting four individuals for allegedly impersonating Indian Air Force officials and defrauding businessmen using forged documents.

Manali Soars With Paragliding Pre-World Cup

Manali Soars With Paragliding Pre-World Cup

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The four-day Paragliding Accuracy Pre-World Cup has commenced at Solang Nala in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, featuring 42 pilots from multiple countries. The event, inaugurated by Minister Rajesh Dharmani, aims to promote adventure sports and tourism in the region, with strict safety standards in place.

Watch: Army Dog's Historic Sky Jump

Watch: Army Dog's Historic Sky Jump

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

In a first, Indian Army's combat dog jumps from a plane with handler, paratrooper.

'Pilot stabbed': Flydubai jet to Israel lands in Saudi after cockpit chaos

'Pilot stabbed': Flydubai jet to Israel lands in Saudi after cockpit chaos

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an apparent altercation in the cockpit. Israeli officials confirmed a "severe disaster" was averted, with initial fears of a hijacking prompting fighter jet deployment. Passenger accounts described panic and a pilot being stabbed, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

Trump announces Russia-Ukraine 'energy ceasefire'

Trump announces Russia-Ukraine 'energy ceasefire'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, noting that both the warring nations have agreed to the truce.

HAL Delivers Advanced Trainers And Helicopters To IAF And Pawan Hans

HAL Delivers Advanced Trainers And Helicopters To IAF And Pawan Hans

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

State-run defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered LCA Tejas Final Operational Clearance twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, along with Dhruv next-generation helicopters to Pawan Hans. This significant handover, witnessed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a crucial step in India's journey towards self-reliance in the aerospace sector, showcasing HAL's diverse capabilities in military, civil, and training aviation.