News for 'Air Officer Commanding'

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.

Over 4,000 AI cameras, 15K personnel deployed for India AI Impact Summit

Over 4,000 AI cameras, 15K personnel deployed for India AI Impact Summit

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Over 4,000 AI-enabled cameras and 15,000 security personnel are deployed for the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, ensuring high-level security and surveillance.

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'The entire US ecosystem built over decades at the bases in the Gulf region, especially the UAE, costing trillions of dollars have been decimated, dealing a mortal blow to the US Central Command's war capability,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

If Xi Jinping can establish control over the PLA Ground Force, relations between India and China will settle down to an even keel. The next few weeks will show whether Xi has finally succeeded in gaining control over the PLA Ground Force. That could bring about the substantive shift in India-China relations that both our leaders have been working for, observes Ambassador Prabhat Shukla.

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Around 100 artistes heralded the parade, on the theme 'Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.

'Intelligence failure': HC pulls up Navy over high-rise near INS Shikra

'Intelligence failure': HC pulls up Navy over high-rise near INS Shikra

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Bombay High Court criticized the Navy for an intelligence lapse regarding a high-rise building near INS Shikra, questioning why it went unnoticed and raising concerns about selective opposition to construction projects.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Fresh Air Becomes Real Estate Must-Have

Fresh Air Becomes Real Estate Must-Have

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Interest in green living is rising, with clean air and open spaces becoming key selling points for residential projects, particularly as Indian cities struggle with deteriorating air quality.

'15 out of 10': Trump rates US war performance against Iran

'15 out of 10': Trump rates US war performance against Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Trump claims the United States is performing exceptionally well in its ongoing conflict with Iran, citing weakened Iranian military capabilities and a strong US position.

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh is new chief of air staff

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh is new chief of air staff

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff.

Tri-service chiefs agree to disagree on integrated commands

Tri-service chiefs agree to disagree on integrated commands

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The divergent views on the proposed theater commands was visible at a two-day military conclave at the Army War College, Mhow, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh cautioning against implementing the plan in a hurry while Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi asserted that his force is committed to it.

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) expressed deep sorrow over the death of an Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, in a Tejas aircraft crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The incident involved the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and marked the second crash involving a HAL-manufactured aircraft in 20 months.

ISS pioneer Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra

ISS pioneer Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, has been awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. The award recognizes his contributions to the Axiom-4 mission and India's advancements in human space exploration.

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.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

AAIB begins Baramati crash probe, focus on technical factors

AAIB begins Baramati crash probe, focus on technical factors

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A specialized team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has arrived at the Baramati crash site to investigate the accident that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The investigation will focus on the technical factors that led to the crash of the Learjet 45 aircraft during its second landing attempt.

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: 'No Crew Would Crash A Plane'

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: 'No Crew Would Crash A Plane'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'In any aviation emergency, the first rule is aviate -- fly the aircraft.' 'The fact that the commander's voice is not on the recording simply means he was focused entirely on flying. It does not imply anything more than that.'

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Chinese military is planning to revamp its English-language instruction in its academies to improve graduates' communication skills on the international stage, according to an article by senior lecturers from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Indian Army Showcases Military Might at Army Day Parade in Jaipur

Indian Army Showcases Military Might at Army Day Parade in Jaipur

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Indian Army held its Army Day Parade outside a cantonment area for the first time in Jaipur, showcasing military might and capabilities.

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Iqra Qureshi, an elusive drug operator in Dongri, becomes the NCB's prime target after confessions expose her as the key figure in a mephedrone network. Despite months of surveillance, she remains a step ahead of the authorities. A sudden tip-off leads to a raid on her home, where officers recover a significant drug consignment and arrest her-though her composure hints the story may not truly end there.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Black box recovered; Bombardier to assist probe

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Black box recovered; Bombardier to assist probe

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Black Box of the Learjet 45 aircraft that crashed near the Baramati airstrip on Wednesday has been recovered, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.

Wife honours Tejas pilot Syal with a last, tearful salute

Wife honours Tejas pilot Syal with a last, tearful salute

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The wife and daughter of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show, bid him a tearful farewell as he was cremated in his native village.

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'The unexpected turn of events and assertion of sovereignty by the Taliban has baffled the Pakistan security establishment.'

Remembering 1971 In The Skies Of The East

Remembering 1971 In The Skies Of The East

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Returning to the Brahmaputra for Vijay Diwas was not just a journey across geography, but across memory of war, service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between the Indian Air Force and the north east, asserts Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Was Homi Bhabha Murdered? The Mystery Behind His Death

Was Homi Bhabha Murdered? The Mystery Behind His Death

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

60 years ago, on January 24, 1966, Dr Homi J Bhabha, the father of India's nuclear programme, died in an air crash on Mont Blanc. The official inquiry said the plane went off course in bad weather, but coincidences, missing evidence, and later unproven claims have kept conspiracy theories alive. A fascinating excerpt from Bakhtiar Dadabhoy's book, Homi J Bhabha: A Life.

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh's role at the press briefing for Operation Sindoor is consistent with her experience as a helicopter pilot in Jammu and Kashmir during the course of her career.

Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra: Many firsts at R-Day Parade

Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra: Many firsts at R-Day Parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

61 Cavalry, Bhairav light commando battalion, DRDO's Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and many more key military assets were part of a grand Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.

9 IAF officers get Vir Chakra for Operation Sindoor

9 IAF officers get Vir Chakra for Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

As festivities for Independence Day begin, the Centre on Thursday awarded Vir Chakra to nine Indian Air Force officers for their brave contributions in the service of the nation during Operation Sindoor.

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The armed forces of India will be wise to remember that its public interface needs to be tempered with discretion, maturity and example, keeping in mind the nation's multi-cultural and multi-religious fabric which is its greatest strength but which can also become its biggest fault-line, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan's tenure extended till May next year

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan's tenure extended till May next year

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The government has extended the tenure of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan up to May next year.

Asim Munir becomes more powerful, elevated as Pak's 1st Chief Of Defence Forces

Asim Munir becomes more powerful, elevated as Pak's 1st Chief Of Defence Forces

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Asim Munir, who was promoted to the Field Marshal rank this year, will also simultaneously hold the office of the Chief of Army Staff, along with his duties as CDF.

Supreme Court: Pilot Not To Be Blamed For Air India Crash

Supreme Court: Pilot Not To Be Blamed For Air India Crash

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday said no one blamed the chief pilot of the Air India Dreamliner for the June 12 crash, which claimed 260 lives, and asked his 91-year-old father not to carry any emotional burden.

How IAF Will Investigate Tejas Crash

How IAF Will Investigate Tejas Crash

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

An IAF aircrash investigation typically concludes in two/three odd months. The reason for the crash is usually established in a week's time.

'If IAF Had Been Used During 1962 War...'

'If IAF Had Been Used During 1962 War...'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan says the Indian Air Force would have slowed the Chinese offensive considerably during the 1962 War.

SEE: President Murmu takes a sortie in Rafale

SEE: President Murmu takes a sortie in Rafale

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station in Ambala. This follows a previous sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft in April 2023.

Asim Munir's Power Surge Splits Pakistan Military

Asim Munir's Power Surge Splits Pakistan Military

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Creating a powerful new chief of defence forces has split the Pakistan military into four competing factions, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'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.