News for 'Air Force Squadron'

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.

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.

India to buy 5 more S-400 Sudarshan air defence squadrons from Russia

India to buy 5 more S-400 Sudarshan air defence squadrons from Russia

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

In Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had deployed additional squadrons of the Chinese-origin HQ-9 air defence systems, which could not do much against the Indian aircraft when they brought down multiple terror targets inside Pakistan.

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

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

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

Iran claims downing of US A-10 aircraft after F-35 and F-15E

Iran claims downing of US A-10 aircraft after F-35 and F-15E

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Iranian military has asserted that its forces successfully targeted and downed a US A-10 aircraft, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

F-16 jets escort Modi's aircraft in UAE airspace

F-16 jets escort Modi's aircraft in UAE airspace

Rediff.com7 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft was escorted by UAE's F16 jets as he arrived in Abu Dhabi for the first leg of his five-nation tour. He is scheduled to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral issues, including energy cooperation, and regional and international matters.

Operation Sindoor pilot among 2 killed in Su-30 crash in Assam

Operation Sindoor pilot among 2 killed in Su-30 crash in Assam

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

An Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam during a training mission, prompting an immediate search operation for the missing pilots.

Iran claims downing of second US F-35, pilot unlikely to survive

Iran claims downing of second US F-35, pilot unlikely to survive

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A second United States fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet was struck and downed over central Iran by a modern air-defence system of the Islamic Republic's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with officials saying the pilot is unlikely to have ejected, Iranian state media reported on Friday.

IAF chief flies Tejas as air force inducts 2nd LCA squadron

IAF chief flies Tejas as air force inducts 2nd LCA squadron

Rediff.com27 May 2020

The No 18 Squadron, formed in 1965 with the motto "Teevra aur Nirbhaya" meaning "Swift and Fearless," was earlier flying MiG 27 aircraft.

5 Tejas are fully ready for delivery, says HAL

5 Tejas are fully ready for delivery, says HAL

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The delivery of the jets are facing delays primarily due to GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for supply of its aero engines to power the jets.

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran's state media cited the spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran's military to claim that a United States military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq. The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six service members on board had been killed.

Rajnath May Approve Rs 2.70 Trillion Rafales Today

Rajnath May Approve Rs 2.70 Trillion Rafales Today

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

If approved, the fighters would help the IAF to build its reducing squadrons, especially after the MiG-21 was decommissioned last year.

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of weapons and military hardware worth Rs 2.38 crore, including S-400 missiles and medium transport aircraft, to bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities.

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a significant step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities. The decision comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India.

SC revokes wrongful termination of IAF officer after 32 years

SC revokes wrongful termination of IAF officer after 32 years

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has revoked the wrongful termination of a former Indian Air Force official, restoring his honour after more than three decades, in a case involving alleged criminal force against a junior colleague.

Navy strengthens anti-submarine arm with second MH-60R squadron

Navy strengthens anti-submarine arm with second MH-60R squadron

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Indian Navy commissioned its second squadron of MH-60R (Romeo) anti-submarine helicopters, INAS 335 'Ospreys', at INS Hansa naval base. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, who emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime security.

Op Sindoor pilot killed in Su-30 MKI crash; father recalls last call

Op Sindoor pilot killed in Su-30 MKI crash; father recalls last call

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, an Indian Air Force pilot, tragically died in a Su-30 MKI fighter jet crash in Assam, leaving behind a grieving family and a legacy of dedication to his country.

US crew member rescued after Iran F-15E downing; search on for 2nd airman

US crew member rescued after Iran F-15E downing; search on for 2nd airman

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

US forces have launched search and rescue efforts for a US fighter jet, which several news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and CNN, said had been shot down over Iran.

Why The Battle Of Longewala Strikes A Chord

Why The Battle Of Longewala Strikes A Chord

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Battle of Laungewala fought in the Thar desert saw 120 soldiers heroically defend the Longewala post against a formidable Pakistani tank attack till first light brought IAF fighter jets. The air attack turned the desert into a graveyard of Pakistani tanks.

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The defence ministry is likely to take up the proposal by the Indian Air Force for approval at a defence acquisition council meeting planned to be held on October 23, sources said.

How the air force base confronts loss

How the air force base confronts loss

Rediff.com10 Dec 2021

To ensure the morale of the pilots does not suffer, flying activity continues without a pause. Pilots take to the sky like they would on any other day.

MiG-21 to fly in Air Force Day parade for last time, phaseout from 2025

MiG-21 to fly in Air Force Day parade for last time, phaseout from 2025

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

The legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 jets are set to participate for the last time at the annual Air Force Day parade on October 8, with the IAF rolling out the process to phase out the remaining three squadrons of the aircraft.

Iran rejects US proposal for 48-hour ceasefire as tension escalates

Iran rejects US proposal for 48-hour ceasefire as tension escalates

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Iran has formally turned down a proposal from the United States for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera, citing reports from the semi-official Fars news agency.

'We're in war': Trump says downing of US jet not to affect Iran talks

'We're in war': Trump says downing of US jet not to affect Iran talks

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has asserted that the destruction of an American military aircraft will have no bearing on diplomatic discussions with Iran, according to a report by NBC News.

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.

President Murmu To Take Rafale Sortie Today

President Murmu To Take Rafale Sortie Today

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet in Ambala, Haryana.

President Murmu poses with woman pilot claimed to have captured by Pak

President Murmu poses with woman pilot claimed to have captured by Pak

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu, who undertook a half-an-hour sortie in a Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday from Ambala, posed with Squadron leader Shivangi Singh, just before she took to the skies.

Vijay Chowk to echo with Vande Mataram at Beating Retreat ceremony

Vijay Chowk to echo with Vande Mataram at Beating Retreat ceremony

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The dominant theme at this year's ceremonial parade at the Kartavya Path, and other associated celebrations, has been the sesquicentenary of the national song, 'Vande Mataram.'

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a negotiated settlement with Iran and deployed additional fighter jets to West Asia to strengthen the UK's defensive operations.

MiG-21 jets to retire in Sep; Tejas LCA may replace Panthers squadron

MiG-21 jets to retire in Sep; Tejas LCA may replace Panthers squadron

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its MiG-21 aircraft in September after over six decades of service. The last of the MiG-21 jets will be given a farewell at a ceremony in Chandigarh.

UK Calls for Negotiation After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

UK Calls for Negotiation After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The British government has called for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East following joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, emphasizing the safety of UK nationals and the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has seen a reduction in fighter squadrons due to the phasing out of ageing MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence acknowledged the "shortage" and highlighted the multi-pronged approach being taken to address it. This includes the induction of indigenous Tejas fighters and the procurement of additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft. The report also addresses concerns over "incidences of spying" within the IAF and details the action taken against those involved.

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.

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

Bollywood's BEST Air Force Movies

Bollywood's BEST Air Force Movies

Rediff.com7 Mar 2019

May the Air Force be with you!

Harbhajan rescued by Indian Air Force

Harbhajan rescued by Indian Air Force

Rediff.com19 Jun 2013

India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who was stranded in Joshimath due to incessant rains while on a pilgrimage, was rescued and taken to safety by the Indian Air Force.

US Air Force chief flies 'Made in India's Tejas

US Air Force chief flies 'Made in India's Tejas

Rediff.com3 Feb 2018

The Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, General David L Goldfein, on Saturday flew India's indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas at the air force station in Jodhpur.

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.

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Indian Air Force is set to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets at a decommissioning event in Chandigarh. The event will mark the end of an era for the aircraft that has been a key part of the IAF's combat fleet for over six decades.