News for 'Air Force'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

All Ready For Air Force Day!

All Ready For Air Force Day!

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Glimpses from the Indian Air Force's dress rehearsal in Ghaziabad ahead of Air Force Day.

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'.

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.

Indian Air Force's Tejas Fleet Set to Fly Again After Software Glitch Resolved

Indian Air Force's Tejas Fleet Set to Fly Again After Software Glitch Resolved

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force's Tejas light combat jets are scheduled to return to the skies next week after being grounded for two months due to a software glitch. HAL expects to deliver over 20 Tejas Mark 1A variants by December, but delays persist due to engine supply issues.

Air Force Personnel Cleared in Molestation Case After 'Dream' Revelation

Air Force Personnel Cleared in Molestation Case After 'Dream' Revelation

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An Indian Air Force personnel has been acquitted of molestation charges after his sister-in-law testified that the alleged incident was a dream. The court has also ordered proceedings against the complainant for presenting false evidence.

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.com6 days ago

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.

IAF's vintage aircraft in flypast on Air Force Day

IAF's vintage aircraft in flypast on Air Force Day

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also decided to bring back another vintage symbol of the IAF, the 1967 Ford Saloon car, for the Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad.

UK, French air forces destroy ISIS arms bunker in Syria

UK, French air forces destroy ISIS arms bunker in Syria

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

British and French air force jets conducted intelligence-led strikes to destroy an arms bunker occupied by the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group in Syria.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How The IAF Smashed Pakistan Air Force

How The IAF Smashed Pakistan Air Force

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The attacks against the Pakistani air force have taken them at least five years back and caused great damage to them and their Chinese and Turkish inventory of weapons.

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).

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.

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.

The Rescue Mission That Came Full Circle

The Rescue Mission That Came Full Circle

Rediff.com17 hours 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).

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."

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.com3 days ago

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.