News for '-air-force'

'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.

India ready for dialogue with Bangladesh on all issues, says MEA

India ready for dialogue with Bangladesh on all issues, says MEA

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India desires positive, constructive, and forward-looking ties with Bangladesh and is ready to discuss all bilateral issues. This comes amidst queries regarding the state of relations following a change in Bangladesh's government and upcoming international engagements.

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force demonstrated its operational versatility by landing various military aircraft on an emergency airstrip on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

'This Is How The Indian Air Force Will Fight Going Forward'

'This Is How The Indian Air Force Will Fight Going Forward'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The IAF's future operational concepts could involve indigenous Tejas combat aircraft coordinating in real time with multiple Ghatak RPSAs, each carrying a different mission payload ranging from electronic warfare systems and targeting sensors to precision munitions.

The Unsung Guardians Of India's Borders

The Unsung Guardians Of India's Borders

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

At the border, places that you had just seen on a map, suddenly acquire a life. Looking at the vast expanse of quiet land, you realise an emotional connect, a sense of belonging binds you to a piece of land which is not merely territory, but a part of who you are.

Hasina's arrival in Delhi was 'unexpected': Indian envoy in Dhaka

Hasina's arrival in Delhi was 'unexpected': Indian envoy in Dhaka

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, clarified that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's arrival in New Delhi two years ago was unexpected and not facilitated by the Indian military. He addressed ongoing extradition requests from the current Bangladeshi government, stating India acted out of duty during tragic circumstances in Bangladesh.

India to buy CBRN recce vehicles, helicopters, mine layers for Rs 1.10 lakh cr

India to buy CBRN recce vehicles, helicopters, mine layers for Rs 1.10 lakh cr

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the procurement of military hardware worth an estimated Rs 1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This significant move aims to enhance India's combat prowess and reduce dependency on foreign vendors, with approximately 98 per cent of procurements sourced from Indian industry.

150 illegally staying Bangladeshis in J-K to be deported

150 illegally staying Bangladeshis in J-K to be deported

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Jammu and Kashmir has begun the deportation process for Bangladeshi nationals allegedly staying illegally in the region, with 150 individuals already shifted to West Bengal. This action follows a survey identifying around 600 illegal immigrants and coincides with the Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Change (HLCDC) investigating illegal immigration across India.

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A news report details how Israel scrambled fighter jets and stood ready to shoot down a Flydubai plane after a co-pilot's cockpit stabbing attempt led to a rapid descent and fears of a hijacking en route to Tel Aviv.

Dronathon 2026: IAF Boosts Indigenous Drone Capabilities In Jaisalmer

Dronathon 2026: IAF Boosts Indigenous Drone Capabilities In Jaisalmer

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian Air Force has launched 'Dronathon 2026' at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer, a three-day event showcasing advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies by domestic manufacturers. The initiative aims to bolster the IAF's capabilities in the unmanned domain, align with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' objective, and assess indigenous technologies against operational requirements through live demonstrations. It also fosters interaction between the IAF, industry, and even students, promoting the development of scalable unmanned solutions.

HAL hands over LCA Tejas, HTT-40 trainer aircraft to IAF; Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans

HAL hands over LCA Tejas, HTT-40 trainer aircraft to IAF; Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, and 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 capabilities across military, civil rotary-wing, and pilot training aviation.

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

India is deeply concerned by the growing consolidation of Pakistan-backed jihadi and radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly in the strategically vital Chittagong Hill Tracts, which experts warn is transforming the country into a new safe haven for these networks and posing a direct threat to India's security.

Top Lashkar terrorist Mohammed Asif killed, was part of Musharraf's team

Top Lashkar terrorist Mohammed Asif killed, was part of Musharraf's team

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Mohammed Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist and a retired havildar from the Pakistan Army's elite Special Services Group (SSG) who once served in former president Pervez Musharraf's security convoy, was killed in a gunfight in central Kashmir's Budgam district.

IAF hero Abhinandan Varthaman, who downed Pak jet, joins private airline

IAF hero Abhinandan Varthaman, who downed Pak jet, joins private airline

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Varthaman, who downed an enemy jet during an aerial combat with Pakistan in 2019 and was held captive for three days in that country, was honoured with the Vir Chakra award in 2021.

ICG likely to grant permanent commission to women after SC intervention

ICG likely to grant permanent commission to women after SC intervention

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to consider granting permanent commission to Short Service Appointee (SSA) officer Priyanka Tyagi and other similarly placed women, pending vigilance clearance. This follows earlier strong remarks from the court against the ICG's "vague" and "arbitrary" policy regarding women officers, emphasising gender equality in the armed forces.

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Five British nationals arrested on suspicion of terror charges related to an explosives threat near RAF Fairford have been released on police bail. The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation is ongoing, with stringent conditions placed on the suspects. Iran has denied any involvement, while former US President Donald Trump claimed US intelligence assisted in the arrests.

Air Force Employee Held for Alleged Espionage with Pakistani Intelligence

Air Force Employee Held for Alleged Espionage with Pakistani Intelligence

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

A civilian employee at an Indian Air Force station in Assam has been arrested for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani handlers.

Mairaj Ahmad Khan's Unconventional Path To Sporting Excellence

Mairaj Ahmad Khan's Unconventional Path To Sporting Excellence

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Mairaj Ahmad Khan, a 50-year-old Indian skeet shooter, is set to compete in his fourth Asian Games, showcasing remarkable longevity. The article traces his unique journey from a promising cricketer, who even played with Virender Sehwag, to becoming a decorated shooter with Olympic appearances and World Cup medals. Despite past disappointments, Khan approaches the upcoming games with renewed spirit, embodying wisdom gained over decades in sport.

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The political confidence required to place high-end Japanese aircraft and personnel on Indian soil is itself a data point.
It indicates a level of trust that would have been difficult to imagine when India-Japan defence ties were largely symbolic, explains Varun Arya.

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

An American Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft reportedly landed in Moscow on Monday morning, according to online air traffic monitoring systems, Russian news agency TASS reported.

India's Aerospace Future Takes Flight With HAL Deliveries

India's Aerospace Future Takes Flight With HAL Deliveries

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, and Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans. This significant handover, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, underscores India's progress towards self-reliance in aerospace, strengthening both military and civil aviation capabilities with indigenous platforms.

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Israeli envoy Reuven Azar praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai plane en route to Tel Aviv. Azar detailed Israel's immediate response, including scrambling fighter jets, and highlighted the combined efforts of the captain, Israeli passengers, and crew in ensuring a safe landing in Saudi Arabia, saving nearly 180 lives.

Tahir Raj Bhasin: 'My Dad Flew The Mirage 2000. I Was The Black Sheep'

Tahir Raj Bhasin: 'My Dad Flew The Mirage 2000. I Was The Black Sheep'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'My parents were crying because they were so excited that I was on screen, that it was an YRF film, and it was opposite Rani Mukerji.'

US colonel survived 50 hours after jet downed in Iran

US colonel survived 50 hours after jet downed in Iran

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A US Air Force colonel, identified by his call sign 'Bravo', survived nearly 50 hours behind Iranian lines after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down near Isfahan. Despite severe injuries, he evaded Iranian forces and was eventually rescued in a complex operation involving US military and intelligence personnel, highlighting a daring mission to leave no man behind.

Puja Before Helicopters Are Handed Over

Puja Before Helicopters Are Handed Over

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

HAL has handed over a new batch of indigenous aircraft, marking another step in India's domestic aerospace manufacturing programme. The company delivered two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers to the IAF, completing twin-seater deliveries under the FOC contract.

India-Japan Navy Pact Sends China A Warning

India-Japan Navy Pact Sends China A Warning

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

India has accumulated experience organically and in public, through blood, sweat and toil -- one commissioning and one agreement at a time -- and is called a regional power. China has accumulated hulls, by misdirecting its industrial capacity, and is mistakenly called a superpower. The Indo-Japan defence agreement pushes this theory to its limits without ever naming the dragon in the room, points out Dr Abhishek Puri.

Trump secretly switched planes via catering truck to foil Iran threat

Trump secretly switched planes via catering truck to foil Iran threat

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

How US President Donald Trump employed a clandestine 'decoy' Air Force One operation to secretly depart Turkiye following a NATO Summit.

China, US should be 'partners, not rivals', says Xi as Trump rolls out red carpet

China, US should be 'partners, not rivals', says Xi as Trump rolls out red carpet

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Washington marks a pivotal moment for global diplomacy, as he advocates for a "partners, not rivals" approach to US-China relations amidst high-stakes discussions on trade, technology, and international stability.

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian captain and Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroically fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

US lost roughly 25% of its MQ-9 Reaper drones in Iran war

US lost roughly 25% of its MQ-9 Reaper drones in Iran war

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the conflict with Iran, representing a quarter of its fleet and a significant financial blow. These losses, some due to communication failures, raise questions as India recently signed an agreement to procure 31 of these drones.

Delhi SIR: Bimal Jalan, IAF ex-chief Browne among voters issued notices

Delhi SIR: Bimal Jalan, IAF ex-chief Browne among voters issued notices

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan, ex-IAF Chief NAK Browne, and other prominent figures in Delhi have received notices regarding discrepancies in their voter details during the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. Over 33 lakh electors have been identified for such notices, with a deadline of September 30 for responses.

'Lot of threats you don't know about': Trump confirms switching planes

'Lot of threats you don't know about': Trump confirms switching planes

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Donald Trump confirms he secretly switched planes after the NATO Summit in Turkiye due to a 'threat' from Iran.

Shakti Sharma makes history as first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal

Shakti Sharma makes history as first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal. She has been appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters, bringing over three decades of diverse experience, including establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence and commanding a Sainik School.

'Honey-trapped' IAF officer held for leaking defence data to Pak operative

'Honey-trapped' IAF officer held for leaking defence data to Pak operative

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A serving Indian Air Force officer faces arrest and charges under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing sensitive military information after being honey-trapped by a Pakistani intelligence operative on social media.

Indian Air Force to set up Tejas engine maintenance facility with GE Aerospace's help

Indian Air Force to set up Tejas engine maintenance facility with GE Aerospace's help

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is establishing a maintenance facility for GE Aerospace's F404-IN20 jet engines, which power the Tejas light combat aircraft, with technical support from GE Aerospace. This initiative aims to enhance India's indigenous defence capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas repair centres.

Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey, including his hotel floor

Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey, including his hotel floor

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

US intelligence agencies intercepted information indicating Iran had precise details of President Donald Trump's location in Ankara during a NATO summit, prompting a secretive departure due to a specific surface-to-air missile threat and the presence of a shoulder-fired missile near the summit.

Why Air Marshal Mishra Is The Right Man For Ram Mandir Trust

Why Air Marshal Mishra Is The Right Man For Ram Mandir Trust

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Jeetu, as he is known in the IAF, is known for his high intellect, ability to quickly grasp the essentials of complex situations and the readiness to articulate his views clearly and unambiguously. An excellent professional in every sense of the word, he has a well-trained military mind, honed by extensive operational flying and flight testing experience, avers Air Marshal B Manikantan (retd).

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Five people were killed after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Monday afternoon, officials said.