News for 'Eastern Air Force Command'

Pix: Defence forces join yoga day celebrations

Pix: Defence forces join yoga day celebrations

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

India's armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, extensively participated in yoga sessions across the country to commemorate International Day of Yoga. From high-altitude regions to parade grounds, thousands of personnel, their families, and cadets engaged in various asanas, highlighting yoga's role in promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and holistic well-being.

IAF Evacuates NCC Cadets From Violence-Hit Manipur

IAF Evacuates NCC Cadets From Violence-Hit Manipur

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The swift operation ensured that the cadets would safely reach their destinations in time for their examinations, bringing relief to anxious parents.

Russia responds to India's S-400 tender for 5 more squadrons

Russia responds to India's S-400 tender for 5 more squadrons

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

In a significant development, the Russian side has submitted a detailed proposal to the Defence Ministry in response to the Indian tender for acquiring five more squadrons of the S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defence systems for the Indian Air Force.

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.

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

We are back to the 1971 moment with both China and the US supporting Pakistan, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

US launches new strikes on Iran after Trump vows to hit 'hard'

US launches new strikes on Iran after Trump vows to hit 'hard'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched self-defence strikes against multiple targets in Iran, citing ongoing Iranian aggression. This action has led to Iran's Red Crescent placing emergency centres on high alert amidst reports of explosions in several Iranian cities. Concurrently, Iraqi media claims Iran retaliated with a missile strike on a US air base in Erbil.

India, China likely to set up air force to air force hotline to avert flare-ups

India, China likely to set up air force to air force hotline to avert flare-ups

Rediff.com9 Aug 2022

The structure and the level at which the hotline would be set up is likely to come up for discussion in future meetings between the two countries at the military level, they said.

Indonesian fighter jets escort Modi's plane in grand welcome

Indonesian fighter jets escort Modi's plane in grand welcome

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival in Jakarta on Monday, with Indonesian Air Force fighter jets escorting the PM's aircraft upon entering Indonesian airspace, marking a ceremonial welcome.

'The Chinese air force is no threat'

'The Chinese air force is no threat'

Rediff.com24 Aug 2020

'Our air force can strike them with impunity.'

IAF formally inducts Rafale into 101 Squadron of Eastern Command

IAF formally inducts Rafale into 101 Squadron of Eastern Command

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

The 101 Squadron is the second IAF squadron to be equipped with the Rafale fighter jets. In September last year, the Rafale aircraft were inducted into the 17 'Golden Arrows' Squadron.

Iran retaliates, strikes US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Iran retaliates, strikes US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched missile and drone strikes on four US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. This action is in retaliation for recent American strikes against targets in Iran, which the IRGC condemned as a "violation of commitments" and an "anti-civilian act." The IRGC has warned of an expanded "crushing response" if US aggression continues.

CDS calls Air Force a support arm; IAF chief disagrees

CDS calls Air Force a support arm; IAF chief disagrees

Rediff.com3 Jul 2021

Gen Rawat's comments about the supporting role of the Air Force came at a conference when asked about the growing perception that the Indian Air Force was not keen on setting up the proposed theatre commands integrating the capabilities of the three forces.

Is China Itching For War?

Is China Itching For War?

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The Chinese People's Liberation Army's eastern theatre command continued its military drills around Taiwan for a second consecutive day on December 30, involving naval, air and ground forces in what it described as a demonstration of joint operational and blockade capabilities.

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Voters who exercise their franchise in favour of a particular political dispensation do not do so unconditionally. Their loyalty is subject to maintaining trust and living up to their expectations. It is subject to allowing the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck several targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz simultaneously over the past 24 hours, targeting sites linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, air defence systems and military headquarters.

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).

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

While the Andaman and Nicobar islands serve as a vital, stationary asset for projecting power in the Indian Ocean, referring to them as an unsinkable aircraft carrier ignores key military and geopolitical limitations, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

US can eliminate Iran's leadership 'with one shot', but wants talks: Trump

US can eliminate Iran's leadership 'with one shot', but wants talks: Trump

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington has the capability to liquidate the surviving Iranian leadership with "one shot" if it desired, pointing to the congregation of top Iranian officials attending the week-long state funeral for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who lost his life in joint US-Israeli air strikes on February 28.

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.

Op Sindoor: 'Pakistan Was Completely Blind'

Op Sindoor: 'Pakistan Was Completely Blind'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'We won not (only) because we were able to carry out long-range precision strikes.' 'That is, of course, one of the reasons but we had better situational awareness about what's happening than Pakistan.'

Iran begins new 'heavy strikes' in region: IRGC

Iran begins new 'heavy strikes' in region: IRGC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The IRGC had announced earlier that it was carrying out an intense wave of attacks on US and Israeli positons throughout the region since dawn, using missiles as well as drones.

Bangladesh air force jet crashes in Chittagong, pilot missing

Bangladesh air force jet crashes in Chittagong, pilot missing

Rediff.com29 Jun 2015

The authorities have launched a search operation to trace the missing pilot identified as Flight Lieutenant Tahmid.

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.

Why Is Air Marshal Patnaik In Arunachal Pradesh?

Why Is Air Marshal Patnaik In Arunachal Pradesh?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2022

Eastern Air Commander Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik visited the Vijaynagar Advanced Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh to review operational preparedness and interacted with Indian Army troops deployed in the theatre.

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined key goals of the campaign, including degrading Iran's missile capabilities, dismantling its defence industrial base, eliminating naval and air power, preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capability, and protecting United States allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Army, IAF special forces carry out multi-domain drill in eastern sector

Army, IAF special forces carry out multi-domain drill in eastern sector

Rediff.com13 Apr 2023

The exercise was aimed at validating joint plans for strategic airlift of specialised forces employing IAF's fixed and rotary wing platforms by landing and dropping in designated areas for undertaking kinetic actions, they said.

Air Force fighter jets get a base near China

Air Force fighter jets get a base near China

Rediff.com19 Aug 2016

Activation of this advanced landing ground would not only improve the response time for various operational situations but also the efficacy of the air operations in the eastern frontier.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'As result, Netanyahu 'convinced' Trump to go to war with the help of overoptimistic Israeli intelligence assessments, essentially explaining to him that they only need to bomb Iran for 3-4 days, and the regime would then collapse.' 'Rather unsurprisingly, Netanyahu is ever since blaming his own intel service for the entire operation failing.'

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries, citing "serious safety risks."

Arup Raha takes over as chief of Indian Air Force

Arup Raha takes over as chief of Indian Air Force

Rediff.com31 Dec 2013

Air Marshal Arup Raha, an ace fighter pilot, on Tuesday took over as the Indian Air Force chief succeeding Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne.

Look out notice against Sohrabs in air force officer's death

Look out notice against Sohrabs in air force officer's death

Rediff.com14 Jan 2016

Kolkata police on Thursday issued a look out notice against Ambia Sohrab, Sambia Sohrab and their father former RJD MLA Mohammed Sohrab.

'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.

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Rediff.com2 May 2026

I wonder if I can rest assured -- before the election ink on my finger fades -- that my home state is at the threshold of a better future, wonders Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Why Army chief visited the Eastern Command

Why Army chief visited the Eastern Command

Rediff.com25 Jan 2017

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday made his first visit to the Eastern Command after taking over the office and also went to the forward areas at the international borders with China.

Rawat outlines plan to merge 17 single service commands into 4

Rawat outlines plan to merge 17 single service commands into 4

Rediff.com16 Sep 2021

The first joint theatre command would be responsible for the border against Pakistan in what the military refers to as the "western theatre"; while a second command -- the northern theatre command -- would be responsible for the border with China. A third, navy-heavy theatre, called the "maritime command" will be responsible for the security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR); and an island command, already functional and called the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), would project power into the eastern Indian Ocean.

India-Australia Sign Air-To-Air Refuelling Pact

India-Australia Sign Air-To-Air Refuelling Pact

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

'India is a top-tier security partner for Australia and we continue to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.'

US reveals first-ever drone strike inside Venezuela

US reveals first-ever drone strike inside Venezuela

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The United States carried out a covert drone strike on a port facility along Venezuela's coastline earlier this month, in what is believed to be the first known American attack on a target inside Venezuelan territory, CNN reported.

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.

Former IAF vice chief who reactivated Lakakh's DBO airstrip dies

Former IAF vice chief who reactivated Lakakh's DBO airstrip dies

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

Former vice chief of Indian Air Force Air Marshal P K Barbora (retd), known to be an outstanding air warrior who was instrumental in reactivation of the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) air strip in eastern Ladakh, passed away at a military hospital in New Delhi on Monday. He was 72.