News for '-iaf'

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

'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.

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 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.

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.

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.'

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.

Meet The IAF's New Chief!

Meet The IAF's New Chief!

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

'He has remained the leader of our course all through 40 years, not allowing his energy and enthusiasm to fade. And through all his achievements, he has remained grounded.' Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes his NDA coursemate Amar Preet Singh as he takes over as Chief of the Air Staff.

India way behind China, need to catch up: IAF chief

India way behind China, need to catch up: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

At a press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 8, he also said that India needs to catch up with China on technology and speed in production of military equipment, holding that "we are way behind" the neighbour. Air Chief Marshal Singh, at the same time, said the Indian military is way ahead in terms of personnel including those operating various machines and platforms. "I am very confident that as far as human angle is concerned, as far as our people behind the machine are concerned, we are way ahead of them," he said.

'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.

IAF And Army To The Pilgrims' Rescue!

IAF And Army To The Pilgrims' Rescue!

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

The Indian Army and Indian Air Force rescued pilgrims from landslide-affected areas of Sonprayag on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, and from Kedarnath Dham on Monday, August 5, 2024 respectively.

A Salute To An IAF Legend

A Salute To An IAF Legend

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

'There cannot be anyone like Air Marshal Keelor -- he was so difficult to emulate.' Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes War Hero Air Marshal Denzil Keelor PVSM, KC, AVSM, VrC who passed into the ages last month.

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.

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.

One can serve nation even without military colours: IAF chief

One can serve nation even without military colours: IAF chief

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF), stated that every Indian citizen is akin to a soldier. While acknowledging the unique appeal of serving in uniform, he emphasized that contributing to the nation doesn't necessitate military attire. Addressing NCC cadets at the Republic Day camp, Singh highlighted the importance of national service, emphasizing that it's not limited to those in uniform. He cited an example, stating that 'every soldier is a citizen in uniform, and every citizen is a soldier out of uniform.' He encouraged cadets to embody the values of discipline and patriotism in their daily lives, even outside of the military context, for the betterment of the nation.

IAF's MiG-29 aircraft crashes in Rajasthan, pilot safe

IAF's MiG-29 aircraft crashes in Rajasthan, pilot safe

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

A senior IAF official said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

IAF relief chopper makes emergency landing in Bihar flood waters

IAF relief chopper makes emergency landing in Bihar flood waters

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said, "All four occupants appear safe and unharmed. However, as a precaution, they are being taken to a local hospital for check-up and treatment, if required."

'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.

'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.

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.

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.

IAF's air show in Chennai turns tragic, 5 spectators die

IAF's air show in Chennai turns tragic, 5 spectators die

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Several persons fainted and emergency workers carried them in stretches and provided care in shelters. Over 30 people were rushed to nearby government hospitals with symptoms of dehydration.

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.

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.

IAF tests inaugural flight at Navi Mumbai airport

IAF tests inaugural flight at Navi Mumbai airport

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

The airport, being developed by the Adani Group, is expected to start commercial operations early next year.

IAF chief meets Modi amid rising India-Pakistan tension

IAF chief meets Modi amid rising India-Pakistan tension

Rediff.com4 May 2025

India's Air Chief Marshal A P Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday to discuss the security situation arising from escalating tensions with Pakistan. The meeting comes after a similar briefing by the Navy Chief on the situation in the Arabian Sea. This follows a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which India has blamed on Pakistan. India has taken several retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and banning imports from Pakistan.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh takes over as IAF chief

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh takes over as IAF chief

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, an accomplished fighter pilot with more than 5,000 hours of flying experience, on Monday assumed charge as new chief of the Indian Air Force, succeeding incumbent Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

'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.

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.

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military projects worth approximately Rs 67,000 crore, including drones, radars, and missile systems, aimed at enhancing India's military capabilities.

Continuing Op Sindoor would have hurt...: Experts

Continuing Op Sindoor would have hurt...: Experts

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Defence experts discuss the objectives and strategic pause of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the avoidance of a prolonged conflict and its potential impact on the Indian economy.

'Even One Crash Is Too Many'

'Even One Crash Is Too Many'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The death of a young pilot and three fighter jet crashes prompt the question -- should there be more simulation training?

Special prayers offered in Lucknow for Group Captain Shukla's success

Special prayers offered in Lucknow for Group Captain Shukla's success

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Special prayers were offered in Lucknow on Tuesday for the success of the thrice-postponed lift-off of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, on board SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket, that would propel him into history as the first Indian to step onto the International Space Station.

The Stranded Pilgrim's Progress

The Stranded Pilgrim's Progress

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.