News for '-iaf'

How Shubhanshu Shukla's life came full circle with space trip

How Shubhanshu Shukla's life came full circle with space trip

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's second astronaut, shares his journey from a shy child hearing stories of Rakesh Sharma to becoming part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. He emphasizes the role of the IAF in his transformation and inspires India's youth to explore space.

'I Wish Asia Cup Ends Without Hatred'

'I Wish Asia Cup Ends Without Hatred'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

This Asia Cup has charred the relationship between India and Pakistan players.

MiG-21 jets to retire in Sep; Tejas LCA may replace Panthers squadron

MiG-21 jets to retire in Sep; Tejas LCA may replace Panthers squadron

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its MiG-21 aircraft in September after over six decades of service. The last of the MiG-21 jets will be given a farewell at a ceremony in Chandigarh.

Bengaluru road rage: Techie held for attacking IAF officer

Bengaluru road rage: Techie held for attacking IAF officer

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

A 40-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused by a group of individuals in Bengaluru while on his way to the airport with his wife. The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, has been termed a case of road rage by police. The accused, Vikas Kumar, has been arrested and a case has been registered at the Byappanahalli police station. The incident has sparked outrage, with Bose sharing a video on Instagram detailing the events and displaying injuries on his face and neck.

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

India and the UK have announced a series of defence cooperation initiatives, including a USD 468 million deal for the supply of lightweight multirole missile systems to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

Pro-Pak handles sharing old photos of IAF crashes: India

Pro-Pak handles sharing old photos of IAF crashes: India

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India on Wednesday dismissed claims on Pakistan social media about 'Operation Sindoor', saying the neighbouring country has unleashed a 'full-blown disinformation offensive' with 'lies' and digital theatrics to control the narrative.

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has seen a reduction in fighter squadrons due to the phasing out of ageing MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence acknowledged the "shortage" and highlighted the multi-pronged approach being taken to address it. This includes the induction of indigenous Tejas fighters and the procurement of additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft. The report also addresses concerns over "incidences of spying" within the IAF and details the action taken against those involved.

Aero India: Army, IAF chiefs take sortie in Tejas

Aero India: Army, IAF chiefs take sortie in Tejas

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday set the tone for the grand Aero India-2025 by flying in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas in Bengaluru at Yelahanka based Air Force Station.

Ready to undertake any further missions if...: IAF

Ready to undertake any further missions if...: IAF

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The Indian Air Force on Monday said all its military bases and systems continue to remain fully operational, and ready to undertake any further missions if the need arises.

8-yr-old son lights pyre of IAF solider killed in Pak attack

8-yr-old son lights pyre of IAF solider killed in Pak attack

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The mortal remains of soldier Surendra Kumar, who was martyred in the Pakistani attack on the Udhampur airbase, were consigned to flames with full military honours at his native village in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan on Sunday.

Combat Jets To Get Make In India Boost

Combat Jets To Get Make In India Boost

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'The aircraft is expected to be ready for rollout between January and March 2026, and to fly by the end of the year.'

Op Sindoor impact: IAF, Navy to place mega orders for BrahMos missiles

Op Sindoor impact: IAF, Navy to place mega orders for BrahMos missiles

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Navy would be using the missiles for equipping its Veer-class warships while the Indian Air Force would be using them to equip its Russian-origin Su-30 MKI fighter jet fleet, the sources said.

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'But that was not our aim. Our objective was already achieved.'

Theatre Commands Will Target China, Pakistan

Theatre Commands Will Target China, Pakistan

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The final contours of the theaterisation process could involve the establishment of two integrated theatre commands to counter Pakistan and China, along with a third maritime theatre command.

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21 episode demonstrates that procurement is always strategic.
Choices about what aircraft to acquire, who builds them, who supplies the spares, who trains the pilots and technicians are decisions with political consequences lasting for decades.

It's all over...: Pak minister's reply on proof of downing IAF jets

It's all over...: Pak minister's reply on proof of downing IAF jets

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India dismissed claims on Pakistan social media about 'Operation Sindoor', saying the neighbouring country has unleashed a 'full-blown disinformation offensive' with 'lies' and digital theatrics to control the narrative.

Masood Azhar's family 'torn into pieces' on May 7: JeM commander

Masood Azhar's family 'torn into pieces' on May 7: JeM commander

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

In a viral video uploaded to a YouTube channel on Tuesday, JeM commander Ilyas Kashmiri can be heard fuming over the Indian attack that killed the family members of Azhar and also bragging about fighting in neighbouring countries for Pakistan.

IAF carries out 'Exercise Aakraman' wth Rafales, Su-30s in central sector

IAF carries out 'Exercise Aakraman' wth Rafales, Su-30s in central sector

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The exercise is taking place at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have gone up after the Pahalgam attack.

'Inescapable web': How Chaitanyananda intimidated students

'Inescapable web': How Chaitanyananda intimidated students

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing students, allegedly created an 'inescapable web' of intimidation at a private management institute, ensuring his control over its operations.

'Milestone moment': Army receives 3 Apache choppers from US

'Milestone moment': Army receives 3 Apache choppers from US

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The AH-64 Apache is one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and is flown by the US Army.

IAF Celebrates 92nd Birthday In Style

IAF Celebrates 92nd Birthday In Style

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

An immaculate ceremonial parade, a breath-taking aerial demonstration of firepower and a spectacular static display of state-of-the-art equipment marked the celebrations of the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Station, Tambaram in Chennai, October 8, 2024.

Pak officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan, killed by Taliban

Pak officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan, killed by Taliban

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, 37, was killed on Tuesday in a clash with the Taliban militants in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan near the Afghan border, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army.

IAF's MiG-29 crashes near Agra, probe ordered

IAF's MiG-29 crashes near Agra, probe ordered

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

A MiG-29 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed in a field near Uttar Pradesh's Agra on Monday during a routine training sortie after it encountered a 'system malfunction', officials said.

IAF martyr's parents feel 'ignored', seek policy change

IAF martyr's parents feel 'ignored', seek policy change

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The parents of Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai, an IAF pilot who died in a trainer jet crash in December 2023, have expressed their anguish over being ignored for entitlements and honours that were given to their daughter-in-law. They believe the government policy should be revised to include parents of martyred soldiers. Group Captain Amitabh Rai (retd) and his wife Chitralekha, the bereaved parents, say they have received no condolences from the government despite losing their only son. They argue that the current policy unfairly favors the martyr's wife, often leading to neglect of the parents. The Rais claim their son's death is not being recognized as a "battle casualty" and therefore he is not being treated as a martyr. They also raise concerns about the pressure on IAF trainers to complete training programs successfully, even when cadets are not prepared, potentially endangering both the trainer and the cadet.

IAF Widow Becomes Army Officer

IAF Widow Becomes Army Officer

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Her husband, Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, died in a helicopter crash in the Nilgiris in which India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat was killed.

The IAF Pilot Who Saved A Jaguar

The IAF Pilot Who Saved A Jaguar

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The sky outside was a perfect blue with fair winds on that hot day in July, but inside the Jaguar an emergency was unraveling with every passing second. Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane had two options: Eject and see his beloved aircraft crash -- which would come at a great cost to the nation and cause harm to civilian life and property on the ground. Or try the limits of his training; push the aircraft and his flying skills to the edge of technical and human endurance and save them both.

'Downing Pak special mission aircraft from 300km shows...'

'Downing Pak special mission aircraft from 300km shows...'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

Military officials detail how the Indian Air Force's downing of a Pakistani aircraft at a long distance reflects its air superiority and dealt a psychological blow to the adversary.

Helicopters airlift stranded people in Uttarkashi; 4 more deaths confirmed

Helicopters airlift stranded people in Uttarkashi; 4 more deaths confirmed

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Helicopters are being used to airlift people stranded in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, following flash floods and landslides. Rescue operations are ongoing, with hundreds evacuated and efforts underway to restore connectivity and power.

India, GE set to seal $1 bn fighter jet engine deal by Sep

India, GE set to seal $1 bn fighter jet engine deal by Sep

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The deal is expected to help HAL to get its complete requirement of 212 GE-404 engines in continuity, avoiding any types of delays in engine supplies.

Sindhu Brings Indians Home From Israel

Sindhu Brings Indians Home From Israel

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

165 Indian nationals were evacuated from Israel by the Indian Air Force under Operation Sindhu in an effort to get citizens back home safe amid the Israel-Iran conflict.

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

By threatening to punish India with high tariff, Trump is actually planting a tantalising thought in the Indian mind that the Modi government should suitably 'incentivise' him, explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Human-rated LVM3 vehicle, the Crew Escape System and the Crew Module and Service Module are all in final stages of testing and integration.

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

10 Heroes of the 1965 War which ended on September 23 60 years ago.

Army, IAF, Navy Promised Faster Defence Buys

Army, IAF, Navy Promised Faster Defence Buys

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Currently, it takes between two and three years to formulate the request for proposal for procuring specific military equipment for the armed forces. It should not be this way.'

'In a one-on-one with F-22 it will be tough for Rafale'

'In a one-on-one with F-22 it will be tough for Rafale'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

'We will see whether there were losses or not, and whether the war aims were achieved. When the truth comes out, some may well be surprised,' says Dassault CEO.

Govt may approve Rs 45K cr deal to buy 156 desi LCH for Army, IAF

Govt may approve Rs 45K cr deal to buy 156 desi LCH for Army, IAF

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Of the 156 LCH, 90 would be for the Indian Army while 66 would be for the Indian Air Force.

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Squadron Leader Kanwal Deep Mehra's daredevilry during the 1971 War brought down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre. But he had to bail out of his plane, was badly injured. Then a fierce band of armed guerillas evacuated him to safety at great risk to their lives.

IAF's precision strike demolish JeM's communication network

IAF's precision strike demolish JeM's communication network

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on terror hideouts in Pakistan, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammad communication network housed in a primary health centre in Tehra Kalan village. The communication setup was essential for planning and coordinating activities with infiltrated terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes aim to dismantle the communication network and hinder the terrorists' ability to operate.

IAF Rafales Head To Alaska

IAF Rafales Head To Alaska

Rediff.com31 May 2024

Glimpses from the Indian Air Force participation in the multinational Red Flag 24 exercise at the US air force's Eielson base in Alaska.

650 rescued in Uttarkashi on Day 4, scores still missing

650 rescued in Uttarkashi on Day 4, scores still missing

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Authorities continue evacuating stranded pilgrims from areas around Dharali village in Uttarkashi, focusing on air rescue and relief operations due to damaged roads. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is overseeing the efforts, with central government support.