The Indian Air Force celebrated its 82nd Air Force Day at the Hindon base on Wednesday.
In a major operational milestone, US fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets are set to participate in joint combat drills alongside the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the first time during the upcoming multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Air Staff, has expressed significant concern over the inordinate delays in inducting new combat jets, including the indigenous Tejas aircraft, stating that these delays are severely impacting the Indian Air Force's depleting fighter squadron strength. He highlighted the need for 36-40 new fighter jets annually to address these gaps and voiced worry over Pakistan's collaboration with China on a fifth-generation fighter jet.
In a major defence acquisition push, India on Monday cleared procurement of a range of military platforms and weapon systems, including light multi-role helicopters, long-range Kamikaze drones and radars, at a cost of Rs 2.12 lakh crore to boost the combat prowess of the defence forces.
The Indian Air Force has always inspired awe. Here we take a brief look at the various career paths available the Indian Air Force offers and how you can scale the ranks.
Former champions Gokulam Kerala registered a comfortable 2-0 win over the Indian Air Force (IAF) in a Group C match of the Durand Cup football tournament in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated on Sunday that the Indian Air Force's Operation Sindoor demonstrated its capability to strike targets across the Western front, serving as a warning to adversaries. He highlighted the operation's validation of the IAF's capability-centric approach, indigenous weapon systems, and commitment to zero collateral damage, while also outlining the force's long-term vision for 2047 to become a multi-domain aerospace power.
Indian AI startup Sarvam has signed a five-year agreement with the Ministry of Defence to develop and deploy artificial intelligence applications for the armed forces. This Memorandum of Understanding with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff aims to enhance operational capabilities, decision support, and training across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, focusing on building an indigenous AI layer on sovereign infrastructure.
Jeetu, as he is known in the IAF, is known for his high intellect, ability to quickly grasp the essentials of complex situations and the readiness to articulate his views clearly and unambiguously. An excellent professional in every sense of the word, he has a well-trained military mind, honed by extensive operational flying and flight testing experience, avers Air Marshal B Manikantan (retd).
The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the procurement of military hardware worth an estimated Rs 1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This significant move aims to enhance India's combat prowess and reduce dependency on foreign vendors, with approximately 98 per cent of procurements sourced from Indian industry.
A serving Indian Air Force officer faces arrest and charges under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing sensitive military information after being honey-trapped by a Pakistani intelligence operative on social media.
Lockheed Martin aims to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities in India, particularly through its partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, if it secures the bid to supply 60 medium transport aircraft to the Indian armed forces. The proposal includes local production of 48 aircraft and an upgrade for the existing IAF C-130J fleet.
The Indian Air Force on Monday said it was short of around 600 pilots and over 5,000 personnel below officer rank while maintaining that several steps were being taken to fill up the manpower gaps.
Images from the investiture ceremony of batting ace Sachin Tendulkar as Indian Air Force honorary Group Captain.
When asked about Dhruv helicopters being grounded, Tyagi said there was a problem in the tail rotor but asserted that there was nothing to worry.
Varthaman, who downed an enemy jet during an aerial combat with Pakistan in 2019 and was held captive for three days in that country, was honoured with the Vir Chakra award in 2021.
State-run defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered LCA Tejas Final Operational Clearance twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, along with Dhruv next-generation helicopters to Pawan Hans. This significant handover, witnessed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a crucial step in India's journey towards self-reliance in the aerospace sector, showcasing HAL's diverse capabilities in military, civil, and training aviation.
'I can't imagine anybody else doing the kind of things he did in the war,' Group Captain Deb Gohain asserts about Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cook, the 1965 War hero who passed into the ages last week.
During the 10-week programme, the pilots underwent ground school training and simulator sorties at Royal Air Force Valley, avionics training at BAE Systems in Brough, and sea survival training, prior to flying training.
The Indian Air Force has launched 'Dronathon 2026' at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer, a three-day event showcasing advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies by domestic manufacturers. The initiative aims to bolster the IAF's capabilities in the unmanned domain, align with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' objective, and assess indigenous technologies against operational requirements through live demonstrations. It also fosters interaction between the IAF, industry, and even students, promoting the development of scalable unmanned solutions.
Aerospace major Embraer and the Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur as a potential manufacturing hub for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, should their bid for India's multi-billion-dollar Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) deal be successful. This strategic partnership aims to establish a localised production and support ecosystem in India, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative and strengthening the country's indigenous aerospace capabilities.
Clearances include next-gen air defence, anti-tank missiles, anti-drone systems, loitering munitions, and naval UAVs.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, clarified that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's arrival in New Delhi two years ago was unexpected and not facilitated by the Indian military. He addressed ongoing extradition requests from the current Bangladeshi government, stating India acted out of duty during tragic circumstances in Bangladesh.
'The close collaboration between Pakistan and China, and the assistance Pakistan receives, is a factor in our planning, and the IAF is building its capacity to counter precisely such collusive threats.'
A stranded message that failed for three days over telephone lines was delivered in minutes by a MiG-21 pilot flying above the desert.
Trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft are being carried out in Goa by the Indian Navy. The trials are for the modifications to the aircraft required for carrying out operations from the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Defence officials said on Wednesday.
India has grounded its entire Sukhoi-30 fleet and each aircraft is undergoing a thorough technical check following a recent crash near Pune.
For nearly three decades, the two sides of the story had existed independently. One had been recorded in a pilot's logbook; the other carried in the memory of a young boy who had survived a terrible accident, recalls Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).
In a first, Indian Army's combat dog jumps from a plane with handler, paratrooper.
The article explores the growing fascination with American football among Indian Americans, from first to third generations. It highlights how immigrants, initially unfamiliar with the sport, are embracing its strategic depth and social aspects, drawing parallels to cricket's popularity in India. The piece features personal anecdotes, explains the sport's structure, and touches upon its cultural significance and economic scale.
Indian airlines are increasingly focusing on developing in-house maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to support their rapidly expanding fleets and reduce reliance on overseas facilities. This strategic shift is driven by market growth projections, with India's MRO market expected to triple to USD 9.5 billion by 2035, and recent geopolitical challenges highlighting the need for domestic capacity.
Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.
Official confirmation from the government is still awaited, and more details are expected soon.
Rediff.com's Ashish Narsale reviews the Android game Indian Air Force: A Cut Above.
Indian Army athlete Biten Singh clinched the men's title at the sixth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, setting a new course record of 4 hours, 24 minutes and 29 seconds. Over 2,000 triathletes from 30 countries participated in the endurance event. Singh, who trained while serving in Tawang, had aimed to break the record after withdrawing from the 2024 edition. Marina Shliakhtina won the women's category, and Team Fit Swaggers Goa secured the relay title.
Glimpses of Cyclone Arnab battering India's eastern coast, bringing heavy rain, rough seas, flooding and widespread damage across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions, on October 28.
Glimpses of Cyclone Arnab battering India's eastern coast, bringing heavy rain, rough seas, flooding and widespread damage across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions, on October 28.
