News for 'Indian Air Force'

'Human error' blamed for crash that killed Gen Bipin Rawat

'Human error' blamed for crash that killed Gen Bipin Rawat

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A parliamentary panel report has attributed the December 8, 2021, helicopter crash that killed India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, and his wife, to "human error." The report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, also revealed that 34 Indian Air Force aircraft accidents occurred during the 13th Defence Plan period, including nine in 2021-22 and 11 in 2018-19.

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka after causing widespread destruction and over 120 deaths, heading towards the Indian coast. Heavy rains and high winds are expected to continue.

Akash missiles key to neutralising Pak drones

Akash missiles key to neutralising Pak drones

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Army in the intervening night of May 8 and May 9 successfully repelled and responded to multiple drone attacks by Pakistan along the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

In message to China, India flies Rafales on long-range sorties in Indian Ocean

In message to China, India flies Rafales on long-range sorties in Indian Ocean

Rediff.com31 May 2023

Four Rafale fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force carried out a "strategic" mission over the Indian Ocean region for over six hours, in a significant demonstration of their long-range combat capabilities, people familiar with the operation said on Wednesday.

UK engineers arriving in Kerala to repair stranded F-35B jet

UK engineers arriving in Kerala to repair stranded F-35B jet

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

The aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport after developing an engineering issue, a British high commission spokesperson said on Friday.

Op Sindoor: Pak President Zardari advised to hide in bunker

Op Sindoor: Pak President Zardari advised to hide in bunker

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Speaking during an event on Saturday, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari revealed that during New Delhi's retaliatory strikes in May, his Military Secretary urgently advised him to move to a bunker for safety, highlighting the intense fear gripping Pakistan's top leadership amid the Indian operation.

US-Israel-Iran Conflict: 'India Is Too Late In...'

US-Israel-Iran Conflict: 'India Is Too Late In...'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'To suddenly give the impression of taking a position that is hostile to Iran, or, at least, not friendly to Iran, is not a good thing.'

Less than 50 weapons...: IAF officer reveals Op Sindoor details

Less than 50 weapons...: IAF officer reveals Op Sindoor details

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari reveals details of Operation Sindoor, claiming IAF strikes forced Pakistan to request an end to hostilities.

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.

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

When missiles fly in this region, they are never just aimed at military targets.

Drones Are What India Needs For Future Wars

Drones Are What India Needs For Future Wars

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The foremost lesson for India today is to beef up its air defence to cater for multiple drone attacks. As seen in Operation Sindoor, we have come a long way, but there's room for getting better. We must develop a robust and almost impregnable air cover over ourselves, asserts IAF veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

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.

Working to repair stranded F-35B fighter jet in Kerala: British envoy

Working to repair stranded F-35B fighter jet in Kerala: British envoy

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions.

Rajnath okays made-in-India 5G fighter jet programme

Rajnath okays made-in-India 5G fighter jet programme

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the "execution model" for the indigenous development of a fifth-generation deep penetration advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will execute the programme through industry partnership, with equal opportunities for both private and public sectors. The project is a major step towards "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in the aerospace sector and is expected to cost around Rs 15,000 crore.

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.

Every inch of Pakistan within BrahMos range: Rajnath's big warning

Every inch of Pakistan within BrahMos range: Rajnath's big warning

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Pakistan's entire territory is within the range of the BrahMos missile. He highlighted the missile's importance to India's armed forces during a flag-off ceremony in Lucknow.

54 MiGs Have Crashed In 17 Years

54 MiGs Have Crashed In 17 Years

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Between FY09 and FY25, 101 IAF fighter jets have crashed, costing the lives of 28 pilots.

'Munir Hid In Bunker During Sindoor'

'Munir Hid In Bunker During Sindoor'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

'If 138 soldiers have been given a gallantry award as 'shaheed' (by Pakistan) for Operation Sindoor, how many would have been the actual casualties. This decides who won.

Drones spotted near Ambala air base, FIR filed

Drones spotted near Ambala air base, FIR filed

Rediff.com17 Aug 2022

Reports of unauthorized drones inside the Indian territory surrounding the border have been reported in various parts of the country.

India will stop buying Russian oil by year end: Trump

India will stop buying Russian oil by year end: Trump

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that India will significantly reduce Russian oil imports by year-end, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance.

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.

IAF Rafale jets wrap up 10-day Red Flag exercise in Alaska

IAF Rafale jets wrap up 10-day Red Flag exercise in Alaska

Rediff.com16 Jun 2024

The IAF contingent participated in the exercise from June 4 to 14.

Bengaluru road rage: Techie held for attacking IAF officer

Bengaluru road rage: Techie held for attacking IAF officer

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

A 40-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused by a group of individuals in Bengaluru while on his way to the airport with his wife. The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, has been termed a case of road rage by police. The accused, Vikas Kumar, has been arrested and a case has been registered at the Byappanahalli police station. The incident has sparked outrage, with Bose sharing a video on Instagram detailing the events and displaying injuries on his face and neck.

'Bangladesh-Pakistan-China Nexus Is Alarming'

'Bangladesh-Pakistan-China Nexus Is Alarming'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'Should China's interest in the Teesta River projects be approved, it would likely result in heightened Chinese presence near the Siliguri corridor.'

India, France ink Rs 63,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale M fighters

India, France ink Rs 63,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale M fighters

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The sealing of the mega deal came three weeks after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the procurement.

'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.

HAL Speeds Up Tejas Production

HAL Speeds Up Tejas Production

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

HAL has assured the IAF that 12 Mk1A aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2025-2026.

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

'Where rostering systems are automated and duty time software interfaces directly with DGCA, the assertion that they suddenly discovered crew shortages is simply implausible.' 'If adequate crew planning hasn't materialised within 12 to 24 months from inception, how will 45 days -- from December 5 to February 12 -- suddenly resolve matters?'

SC stops IAF from releasing Operation Sindoor officer

SC stops IAF from releasing Operation Sindoor officer

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Indian Air Force not to release Wing Commander Nikita Pandey from service. Pandey, who participated in Operation Balakot and Operation Sindoor, was denied a permanent commission despite being an expert fighter controller. The court raised concerns about the uncertainty faced by Short Service Commission (SSC) officers who are denied permanent commissions after years of service. The court emphasized the need for a system to accommodate all suitable SSC officers in permanent commissions, highlighting the excellent performance of women officers. The court has ordered the IAF to consider Pandey's case in a second selection board and has postponed the hearing to August 6.

Women We Admire: India's Trailblazing Pilots

Women We Admire: India's Trailblazing Pilots

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

We celebrate the pioneering achievements of Captain Durba Banerjee and Avani Chaturvedi, leaders in Indian aviation.

Nothing can deter Indian armed forces: CDS at LAC

Nothing can deter Indian armed forces: CDS at LAC

Rediff.com3 Jan 2021

Gen Rawat carried out an aerial recce of certain areas and was briefed about key aspects of the security matrix in the region by senior military commanders.

India, US to seal 10-year defence pact; Rajnath presses over Tejas engine

India, US to seal 10-year defence pact; Rajnath presses over Tejas engine

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

In the phone conversation on Tuesday, Singh urged Hegseth to expedite the delivery of GE F404 engines to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, people familiar with the matter said.

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.

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India's recent missile strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Bahawalpur, mark a significant escalation in the long-standing military tensions between the two nations. This article provides a historical overview of the Indo-Pak military confrontations, tracing their roots back to the 1947 war following India's independence and the partition of the sub-continent, and highlighting key conflicts such as the 1965 war, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the 1999 Kargil War, the 2016 Uri attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Lotus-Inspired Mumbai Airport Set to Bloom

Lotus-Inspired Mumbai Airport Set to Bloom

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

NMIAL is spending close to Rs 18,000 crore to get the airport up and running.

'Should Have Played In Thiruvananthapuram': Tharoor

'Should Have Played In Thiruvananthapuram': Tharoor

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was called off without a ball being bowled on Wednesday, as dense fog and worsening air quality rendered playing conditions unsafe at the Ekana stadium.

He carries with him...: Modi hails Shukla's launch

He carries with him...: Modi hails Shukla's launch

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The Axiom-4 mission, marking the return to space for India, Hungary and Poland, blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 12:01 pm on Wednesday.

IAF to unveil its new ensign after 72 years on Sunday

IAF to unveil its new ensign after 72 years on Sunday

Rediff.com7 Oct 2023

The Indian Air Force's move comes over a year after the Navy made changes in its ensign shedding its colonial past.

Indian Women Create Their 1983 Moment

Indian Women Create Their 1983 Moment

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

If the men of 1983 gave India a reason to dream, the women of 2025 could give it something rarer -- the courage to live that dream in full daylight, under an open sky that finally belongs to them, points out Prem Panicker.

Chinese choppers violate Indian air space in Uttarakhand

Chinese choppers violate Indian air space in Uttarakhand

Rediff.com4 Jun 2017

The Indian Air Force is probing the incident, an IAF source said.