News for 'IAF'

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.

How Shubhanshu Shukla's life came full circle with space trip

How Shubhanshu Shukla's life came full circle with space trip

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's second astronaut, shares his journey from a shy child hearing stories of Rakesh Sharma to becoming part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. He emphasizes the role of the IAF in his transformation and inspires India's youth to explore space.

IAF's MiG-29 crashes near Agra, probe ordered

IAF's MiG-29 crashes near Agra, probe ordered

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

A MiG-29 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed in a field near Uttar Pradesh's Agra on Monday during a routine training sortie after it encountered a 'system malfunction', officials said.

HAL Poised For Growth With Strong Order Book

HAL Poised For Growth With Strong Order Book

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

HAL's order book amounts to Rs 2.45 trillion by end of Q2FY26, implying a book-to-bill ratio of 32 times based on FY25 revenue.

It's all over...: Pak minister's reply on proof of downing IAF jets

It's all over...: Pak minister's reply on proof of downing IAF jets

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India dismissed claims on Pakistan social media about 'Operation Sindoor', saying the neighbouring country has unleashed a 'full-blown disinformation offensive' with 'lies' and digital theatrics to control the narrative.

IAF Widow Becomes Army Officer

IAF Widow Becomes Army Officer

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Her husband, Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, died in a helicopter crash in the Nilgiris in which India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat was killed.

IAF carries out 'Exercise Aakraman' wth Rafales, Su-30s in central sector

IAF carries out 'Exercise Aakraman' wth Rafales, Su-30s in central sector

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The exercise is taking place at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have gone up after the Pahalgam attack.

'I Wish Asia Cup Ends Without Hatred'

'I Wish Asia Cup Ends Without Hatred'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

This Asia Cup has charred the relationship between India and Pakistan players.

Combat Jets To Get Make In India Boost

Combat Jets To Get Make In India Boost

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'The aircraft is expected to be ready for rollout between January and March 2026, and to fly by the end of the year.'

The IAF Pilot Who Saved A Jaguar

The IAF Pilot Who Saved A Jaguar

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The sky outside was a perfect blue with fair winds on that hot day in July, but inside the Jaguar an emergency was unraveling with every passing second. Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane had two options: Eject and see his beloved aircraft crash -- which would come at a great cost to the nation and cause harm to civilian life and property on the ground. Or try the limits of his training; push the aircraft and his flying skills to the edge of technical and human endurance and save them both.

Op Sindoor impact: IAF, Navy to place mega orders for BrahMos missiles

Op Sindoor impact: IAF, Navy to place mega orders for BrahMos missiles

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Navy would be using the missiles for equipping its Veer-class warships while the Indian Air Force would be using them to equip its Russian-origin Su-30 MKI fighter jet fleet, the sources said.

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

India and the UK have announced a series of defence cooperation initiatives, including a USD 468 million deal for the supply of lightweight multirole missile systems to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

IAF martyr's parents feel 'ignored', seek policy change

IAF martyr's parents feel 'ignored', seek policy change

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The parents of Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai, an IAF pilot who died in a trainer jet crash in December 2023, have expressed their anguish over being ignored for entitlements and honours that were given to their daughter-in-law. They believe the government policy should be revised to include parents of martyred soldiers. Group Captain Amitabh Rai (retd) and his wife Chitralekha, the bereaved parents, say they have received no condolences from the government despite losing their only son. They argue that the current policy unfairly favors the martyr's wife, often leading to neglect of the parents. The Rais claim their son's death is not being recognized as a "battle casualty" and therefore he is not being treated as a martyr. They also raise concerns about the pressure on IAF trainers to complete training programs successfully, even when cadets are not prepared, potentially endangering both the trainer and the cadet.

IAF Rafales Head To Alaska

IAF Rafales Head To Alaska

Rediff.com31 May 2024

Glimpses from the Indian Air Force participation in the multinational Red Flag 24 exercise at the US air force's Eielson base in Alaska.

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.

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'But that was not our aim. Our objective was already achieved.'

Pak officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan, killed by Taliban

Pak officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan, killed by Taliban

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, 37, was killed on Tuesday in a clash with the Taliban militants in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan near the Afghan border, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army.

'Milestone moment': Army receives 3 Apache choppers from US

'Milestone moment': Army receives 3 Apache choppers from US

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The AH-64 Apache is one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and is flown by the US Army.

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Squadron Leader Kanwal Deep Mehra's daredevilry during the 1971 War brought down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre. But he had to bail out of his plane, was badly injured. Then a fierce band of armed guerillas evacuated him to safety at great risk to their lives.

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21 episode demonstrates that procurement is always strategic.
Choices about what aircraft to acquire, who builds them, who supplies the spares, who trains the pilots and technicians are decisions with political consequences lasting for decades.

Meet The IAF's New Chief!

Meet The IAF's New Chief!

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

'He has remained the leader of our course all through 40 years, not allowing his energy and enthusiasm to fade. And through all his achievements, he has remained grounded.' Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes his NDA coursemate Amar Preet Singh as he takes over as Chief of the Air Staff.

India way behind China, need to catch up: IAF chief

India way behind China, need to catch up: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

At a press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 8, he also said that India needs to catch up with China on technology and speed in production of military equipment, holding that "we are way behind" the neighbour. Air Chief Marshal Singh, at the same time, said the Indian military is way ahead in terms of personnel including those operating various machines and platforms. "I am very confident that as far as human angle is concerned, as far as our people behind the machine are concerned, we are way ahead of them," he said.

Army, IAF, Navy Promised Faster Defence Buys

Army, IAF, Navy Promised Faster Defence Buys

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Currently, it takes between two and three years to formulate the request for proposal for procuring specific military equipment for the armed forces. It should not be this way.'

Masood Azhar's family 'torn into pieces' on May 7: JeM commander

Masood Azhar's family 'torn into pieces' on May 7: JeM commander

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

In a viral video uploaded to a YouTube channel on Tuesday, JeM commander Ilyas Kashmiri can be heard fuming over the Indian attack that killed the family members of Azhar and also bragging about fighting in neighbouring countries for Pakistan.

IAF And Army To The Pilgrims' Rescue!

IAF And Army To The Pilgrims' Rescue!

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

The Indian Army and Indian Air Force rescued pilgrims from landslide-affected areas of Sonprayag on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, and from Kedarnath Dham on Monday, August 5, 2024 respectively.

A Salute To An IAF Legend

A Salute To An IAF Legend

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

'There cannot be anyone like Air Marshal Keelor -- he was so difficult to emulate.' Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes War Hero Air Marshal Denzil Keelor PVSM, KC, AVSM, VrC who passed into the ages last month.

IAF's MiG-29 aircraft crashes in Rajasthan, pilot safe

IAF's MiG-29 aircraft crashes in Rajasthan, pilot safe

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

A senior IAF official said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

One can serve nation even without military colours: IAF chief

One can serve nation even without military colours: IAF chief

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF), stated that every Indian citizen is akin to a soldier. While acknowledging the unique appeal of serving in uniform, he emphasized that contributing to the nation doesn't necessitate military attire. Addressing NCC cadets at the Republic Day camp, Singh highlighted the importance of national service, emphasizing that it's not limited to those in uniform. He cited an example, stating that 'every soldier is a citizen in uniform, and every citizen is a soldier out of uniform.' He encouraged cadets to embody the values of discipline and patriotism in their daily lives, even outside of the military context, for the betterment of the nation.

IAF relief chopper makes emergency landing in Bihar flood waters

IAF relief chopper makes emergency landing in Bihar flood waters

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said, "All four occupants appear safe and unharmed. However, as a precaution, they are being taken to a local hospital for check-up and treatment, if required."

Govt may approve Rs 45K cr deal to buy 156 desi LCH for Army, IAF

Govt may approve Rs 45K cr deal to buy 156 desi LCH for Army, IAF

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Of the 156 LCH, 90 would be for the Indian Army while 66 would be for the Indian Air Force.

Sindhu Brings Indians Home From Israel

Sindhu Brings Indians Home From Israel

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

165 Indian nationals were evacuated from Israel by the Indian Air Force under Operation Sindhu in an effort to get citizens back home safe amid the Israel-Iran conflict.

IAF's air show in Chennai turns tragic, 5 spectators die

IAF's air show in Chennai turns tragic, 5 spectators die

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Several persons fainted and emergency workers carried them in stretches and provided care in shelters. Over 30 people were rushed to nearby government hospitals with symptoms of dehydration.

'Inescapable web': How Chaitanyananda intimidated students

'Inescapable web': How Chaitanyananda intimidated students

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing students, allegedly created an 'inescapable web' of intimidation at a private management institute, ensuring his control over its operations.

IAF's precision strike demolish JeM's communication network

IAF's precision strike demolish JeM's communication network

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on terror hideouts in Pakistan, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammad communication network housed in a primary health centre in Tehra Kalan village. The communication setup was essential for planning and coordinating activities with infiltrated terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes aim to dismantle the communication network and hinder the terrorists' ability to operate.

'Downing Pak special mission aircraft from 300km shows...'

'Downing Pak special mission aircraft from 300km shows...'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

Military officials detail how the Indian Air Force's downing of a Pakistani aircraft at a long distance reflects its air superiority and dealt a psychological blow to the adversary.

'In a one-on-one with F-22 it will be tough for Rafale'

'In a one-on-one with F-22 it will be tough for Rafale'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

'We will see whether there were losses or not, and whether the war aims were achieved. When the truth comes out, some may well be surprised,' says Dassault CEO.

Helicopters airlift stranded people in Uttarkashi; 4 more deaths confirmed

Helicopters airlift stranded people in Uttarkashi; 4 more deaths confirmed

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Helicopters are being used to airlift people stranded in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, following flash floods and landslides. Rescue operations are ongoing, with hundreds evacuated and efforts underway to restore connectivity and power.

IAF tests inaugural flight at Navi Mumbai airport

IAF tests inaugural flight at Navi Mumbai airport

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

The airport, being developed by the Adani Group, is expected to start commercial operations early next year.

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

By threatening to punish India with high tariff, Trump is actually planting a tantalising thought in the Indian mind that the Modi government should suitably 'incentivise' him, explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.