News for 'Air Force One'

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.

'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.

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.

All about Air Force One

All about Air Force One

Rediff.com28 Feb 2006

A history of the US presidential carrier.

Air Chief Marshal Singh Takes NCC Cadet On Memorable Sortie

Air Chief Marshal Singh Takes NCC Cadet On Memorable Sortie

Rediff.com1 days ago

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh undertook a flying sortie with NCC cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy on October 20 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. This special flight, part of Singh's final sorties before superannuation, aimed to familiarise the cadet with aviation and encourage defence careers, aligning with the 'Viksit Bharat -2047' vision.

First Look: India's Air Force One

First Look: India's Air Force One

Rediff.com21 Sep 2005

The cost of the five Embraers ordered in September 2003 by the then National Democratic Alliance government and endorsed recently by the ruling United Progressive Alliance is about 75000 million rupees

US: Intruder boards military plane at Air Force One base

US: Intruder boards military plane at Air Force One base

Rediff.com6 Feb 2021

After gaining access to the airfield, the unarmed intruder then entered a C-40 aircraft from the 89th Airlift Wing, known as the "presidential wing," officials said.

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.

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.

'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.

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

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

Rediff.com5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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).

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.

Sindoor: Pakistan Air Force Was No Match For IAF

Sindoor: Pakistan Air Force Was No Match For IAF

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'Operation Sindoor had three objectives.' 'One, destroy the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters at Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur.' 'Second, deter and defend any counterstrike by Pakistan.' 'And third, if they persist, demonstrably deliver counterforce punishment.' 'All of the three boxes, the IAF checked,' points out Shekhar Gupta.

The Rescue Mission That Came Full Circle

The Rescue Mission That Came Full Circle

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

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).

'Eager to visit India': Trump tweets in Hindi from Air Force One

'Eager to visit India': Trump tweets in Hindi from Air Force One

Rediff.com24 Feb 2020

The US President is accompanied by First Lady Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the top brass of his administration.

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.

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.

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The attack occurred hours after Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, in a pre-dawn press conference reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order.

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."

President unveils India's own Air Force One

President unveils India's own Air Force One

Rediff.com1 Apr 2009

President Pratibha Patil will do the honours first by taking a ride on the Indian Air Force's Boeing Business Jets from the Palam air base on Monday. "The inaugural flight of the VVIP jets on April 1 will have the President, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, as its first passenger," officials said.

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.

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A veteran White House reporter has revealed that the Clinton administration used a decoy aircraft during President Bill Clinton's high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000, a security measure disclosed to journalists off-the-record due to the significant dangers involved.

PIX: Trump kicks off race with limo loop, Air Force One flyby

PIX: Trump kicks off race with limo loop, Air Force One flyby

Rediff.com17 Feb 2020

US President Donald Trump took a loop around the Daytona 500 racetrack on Sunday in his presidential limousine, drawing cheers from fans at NASCAR's most prestigious race not long after completing a dramatic flyby on Air Force One. Ramping up his nationwide re-election effort after his acquittal in the US Senate impeachment trial, Trump served as grand marshal at the annual National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing event, which takes place in the electoral swing state of Florida.

Rahul's AIR standoff signals escalation in Oppn's 'vote chori' campaign

Rahul's AIR standoff signals escalation in Oppn's 'vote chori' campaign

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Rahul Gandhi led a significant opposition protest in New Delhi, attempting to march to the Election Commission office to allege "vote chori" and demand the CEC's resignation. The protest resulted in a lockdown of Parliament Street, a standoff at the All India Radio premises, and detentions of several opposition MPs, drawing strong reactions from the ruling BJP.

2 Navy jets collide mid-air during air show in US

2 Navy jets collide mid-air during air show in US

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, with all four crew members ejecting safely before the aircraft crashed.

'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.

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.

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.

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.com2 days 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.

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Rediff.com15 May 2026

United States President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for his return home following diplomatic engagements in Beijing.

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.