News for 'Air Force Two'

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

In a first, women Agniveers to join Republic Day Parade

In a first, women Agniveers to join Republic Day Parade

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Nine women Agniveer will be part of the Indian Air Force's band contingent that will march down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade, marking a historic first. Flt Lt Akshita Dhankar will unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu.

Op Sagar Bandhu: Another C-130J deployed, Mi-17s on standby in Colombo

Op Sagar Bandhu: Another C-130J deployed, Mi-17s on standby in Colombo

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The Indian Air Force has stepped up its efforts to assist Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, deploying aircraft and helicopters for relief operations and evacuation of stranded citizens under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Indian Strike Damaged Nur Khan Base, Admits Pakistan's Foreign Minister

Indian Strike Damaged Nur Khan Base, Admits Pakistan's Foreign Minister

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Pakistani government has once again found itself embarrassed on the world stage, now acknowledging the impact of India's strategic and precision strikes on its military installation during the escalation in May, following Operation Sindoor, which came in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Trump administration says US 'not at war' with Iran

Trump administration says US 'not at war' with Iran

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Trump administration maintains the US is 'not at war' with Iran, despite military engagement reaching a critical legal threshold under the War Powers Resolution, potentially leading to a confrontation with Congress.

Air Force aircraft crashes in Odisha; pilots injured

Air Force aircraft crashes in Odisha; pilots injured

Rediff.com3 Jun 2015

An advanced jet trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in a paddy field at Kudarsahi in Mayurbhanj district on Wednesday, leaving two pilots injured.

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The largest tranche came in July, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the DAC according acceptance of necessity -- or initial approval -- for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately 1.05 trillion through indigenous sourcing.

Air India Delhi-New York flight suffers engine damage at Delhi airport

Air India Delhi-New York flight suffers engine damage at Delhi airport

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

An Air India Airbus A350 sustained engine damage after ingesting a baggage container while taxiing at Delhi airport. The incident occurred after the flight returned to Delhi due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. The DGCA is investigating.

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Israel wishes to continue its bombing campaign until Iran's military and industrial infrastructure are degraded to a point where it ceases to pose a threat to Israel. Iran, for its part, has learnt from its experience in the 12-day war of last June. Any ceasefire, it believes, will only be a prelude to another attack on itself. It is determined to convey that any attack on Iran will impose heavy costs on Israel, the US, America's allies in the Gulf -- and on the world at large, points out T T Ram Mohan.

800 Taliban killed in ongoing operation: Pakistan

800 Taliban killed in ongoing operation: Pakistan

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Information Minister claims nearly 800 Afghan Taliban terrorists have been killed in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, launched in response to cross-border firing.

Air Force bases on high alert over terror threat

Air Force bases on high alert over terror threat

Rediff.com25 Sep 2019

An orange alert has been sounded for Srinagar, Avantipur, Jammu, Pathankot, Hindon airbases after the monitoring of the terrorists' movements by the intelligence agencies.

Penalties shared as Atletico, Arsenal draw Champions League semis first leg

Penalties shared as Atletico, Arsenal draw Champions League semis first leg

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Atletico Madrid and Arsenal played to a 1-1 draw in their Champions League semi-final first leg, with both goals coming from penalties. Julian Alvarez equalised for Atletico after Viktor Gyokeres had given Arsenal the lead.

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The Indian Air Force's Republic Day flypast will feature a 'Sindoor' formation of combat jets, symbolizing its dominance during recent hostilities. The flypast will also commemorate Operation Sindoor.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Cricket Canada Under ICC Investigation for Anti-Corruption Breach

Cricket Canada Under ICC Investigation for Anti-Corruption Breach

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The ICC is investigating Cricket Canada for alleged breaches of its anti-corruption code, including scrutiny of a T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, following allegations highlighted in a recent documentary.

Talking with 'a top person' in Iran, not new supreme leader: Trump

Talking with 'a top person' in Iran, not new supreme leader: Trump

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The US President clarified that these negotiations do not involve the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie onboard the Indian Navy's INS Vaghsheer, highlighting the nation's naval capabilities and commitment to maritime security.

Quantico To Citadel: Ranking Priyanka Chopra's Global Projects

Quantico To Citadel: Ranking Priyanka Chopra's Global Projects

Rediff.com4 May 2026

As Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns as the debonair spy Nadia in Citadel Season 2, we take look at how her Hollywood projects stack up against each other from underwhelming to standout.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

Patriot Review: Mammootty-Mohanlal's Power-Packed Combo In A Grounded Thriller

Patriot Review: Mammootty-Mohanlal's Power-Packed Combo In A Grounded Thriller

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Mahesh Narayanan's Patriot is a cerebral spy thriller that delves into the weaponisation of digital surveillance against civilians and the targeting of whistleblowers, featuring Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Fahadh Faasil.

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

...is a way out, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War. What the indefinite extension produces is a prolonged condition of not-war-not-peace, in which oil markets cannot stabilise, Asian refineries cannot plan, European governments cannot stop subsidising consumption they cannot afford, and the next flashpoint -- a seized tanker, a miscalculated drone strike, a Truth Social post that claims too much -- is one news cycle away.

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Reports indicate Pakistan targeted Bagram airbase in Afghanistan as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, following alleged Afghan Taliban attacks. The operation aims to address the failure to stop terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil.

IPL 2026: SRH vs CSK: Chennai falter late as SRH seal tense win

IPL 2026: SRH vs CSK: Chennai falter late as SRH seal tense win

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Eshan Malinga shared five wickets between them as hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Chennai Super Kings by 10 runs in their IPL match on Saturday.

IAF @ 83: Air Force puts up a grand show

IAF @ 83: Air Force puts up a grand show

Rediff.com8 Oct 2015

The Indian Air Force on Thursday put up a scintillating display as part of its 83rd anniversary celebrations.

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A close aide to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claims that Pakistan has achieved its targets in the recent military operation against Afghanistan, following attacks by Afghan Taliban forces along the border.

Lankan Air Force pounds LTTE base, 15 killed

Lankan Air Force pounds LTTE base, 15 killed

Rediff.com27 Dec 2007

The LTTE has been conducting multi-pronged war exercises at the facility when it was hit by the jets, the defence ministry said. "The LTTE's Kilinochchi leadership is yet to reveal losses," the army said citing intercepted communication.

Cuba is ready to fall, says Trump

Cuba is ready to fall, says Trump

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

As Cuba announced that 32 of its citizens were killed during the United States military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, US President Donald Trump issued a warning, saying he believed the Cuban government was close to collapse.

Stay sharp, adapt and innovate, CDS Gen Chauhan tells IAF commanders

Stay sharp, adapt and innovate, CDS Gen Chauhan tells IAF commanders

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan addressed IAF commanders, emphasizing professional competence, operational readiness, and continuous adaptation in the evolving security environment. The conference focused on enhancing the IAF's capabilities and commitment to national security.

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

President Trump asserts the US military has decimated Iran's forces and no longer requires assistance from NATO allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier requests for support.

Pakistan Declares 'Open War' After Airstrikes on Afghan Taliban

Pakistan Declares 'Open War' After Airstrikes on Afghan Taliban

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Pakistan declared an 'open war' with Afghanistan following airstrikes targeting Taliban fighters in response to alleged cross-border attacks. The situation has drawn international concern, with calls for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

DRDO, air force conduct successful flight tests of desi anti-airfield weapon

DRDO, air force conduct successful flight tests of desi anti-airfield weapon

Rediff.com3 Nov 2021

The Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Air Force have jointly conducted two flight tests of an indigenously developed smart anti-airfield weapon in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

40 Venezuelans, 32 Cuban troops killed in US operation

40 Venezuelans, 32 Cuban troops killed in US operation

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

At least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians, were killed in the United States strike on Venezuela early Saturday, The New York Times reported, citing a senior Venezuelan official who spoke on condition of anonymity, amid claims by Cuba that 32 of its officers were also killed in the operation.

Fans Turn Up Heat Ahead of India-Pakistan Clash in Colombo

Fans Turn Up Heat Ahead of India-Pakistan Clash in Colombo

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Fans gather in huge numbers at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash, with confidence and emotions running high on both sides.

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman called for maintaining law and order and sought cooperation in building a safe and humane Bangladesh after his party's victory in parliamentary elections.

'Why Will I Apologise?': Chavan Defiant On Op Sindoor Remark

'Why Will I Apologise?': Chavan Defiant On Op Sindoor Remark

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Why will I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Maximum city, minimum air: Mumbai's AQI worsens

Maximum city, minimum air: Mumbai's AQI worsens

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stop-work notices to 53 construction sites for contributing to air pollution in Mumbai. The civic body has also directed strict adherence to air pollution guidelines, including the use of AQI monitoring sensors. The Bombay High Court has also addressed the issue of air pollution in the city.

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.