News for 'Pakistan Air Force'

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Pakistan plans to procure 40 jets of advanced Chinese stealth fighter J-35, which, if materialised, will mark the first export of China's latest jet. The sale would mark Beijing's first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan's rival India. The acquisition of new aircraft was pursued despite the serious economic crisis faced by Pakistan. China has helped Pakistan to jointly develop and operate the J-17 Thunder fighter jet, the mainstay of the PAF. China has delivered four advanced naval frigates to the Pakistan Navy in the last few years to enable it to play a bigger role along with its navy in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, says IAF on X

Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, says IAF on X

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The Indian Air Force on Sunday said it has successfully executed its assigned tasks with precision and in line with national objectives during Operation Sindoor.

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

11 soldiers killed in India's Op Sindoor, says Pak

11 soldiers killed in India's Op Sindoor, says Pak

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The military also claimed that 40 civilians, including seven women and 15 children, were killed and 121 others injured in strikes by India on the night of 6-7 May.

'Army, jihadis have now become one': JeM terrorist exposes Pak

'Army, jihadis have now become one': JeM terrorist exposes Pak

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

JeM commander Ilyas Kashmiri also said that the Pakistan Army and the jihadis have become one after 25 years of his outfit's struggle.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

'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.

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

At least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft including F-16 jets were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on Friday while describing Islamabad's claim of India's losses as "fanciful stories".

Sky Force Review: The Jingoism Is Toned Down

Sky Force Review: The Jingoism Is Toned Down

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The nationalism of Sky Force is low key -- which is its weakness, as well as its strength -- and it does not manipulate the audience into a pre-decided hate-the-enemy response, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Trump said that the decision would be "immediately" in effect and that the "order is final and conclusive."

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Funeral prayers were held for Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia amid tight security. Millions joined the namaz-e-janaza of Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and political icon of Bangladesh.

India cautions Chinese media over 'Operation Sindoor' posts

India cautions Chinese media over 'Operation Sindoor' posts

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The Indian Embassy in Beijing has warned China's state-run tabloid Global Times to verify information before spreading it on social media. The embassy accused the publication of spreading disinformation about Indian military strikes on Pakistan's terror infrastructure. The embassy's statement comes after the Global Times published articles based on Pakistan Air Force claims about the strikes, which were later debunked by Indian authorities.

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

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.

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Mock drills were conducted on Saturday in states and Union territories adjoining the western border -- from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat -- to enhance wartime emergency preparedness and response capabilities, officials said.

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.'

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

The India-Russia Defence Link That Lasts

The India-Russia Defence Link That Lasts

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Russia, being bogged down by the Ukraine war and prioritising the requirements of its own armed forces, along with India's consistent diversification policy, will remain a major challenge to the bilateral partnership, note Harsh V Pant and Aleksei Zakharov.

China delivers second of 8 submarine to Pak to back Arabian Sea strength

China delivers second of 8 submarine to Pak to back Arabian Sea strength

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

China has delivered a second advanced submarine to Pakistan, part of a larger deal to bolster the South Asian nation's naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean. The move underscores China's growing influence in the region and its strategic partnership with Pakistan.

Pak rebuilding destroyed terror camps with IMF aid: Rajnath

Pak rebuilding destroyed terror camps with IMF aid: Rajnath

Rediff.com16 May 2025

India on Friday called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider its $1 billion assistance to Pakistan, suggesting that Islamabad could use it for terror funding.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Maharashtra: Defence firm engineer held for spying for Pakistan

Maharashtra: Defence firm engineer held for spying for Pakistan

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Maharashtra's elite Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a Thane-based junior engineer on charges of spying, alleging that he provided sensitive defence information to a Pakistani intelligence operative who honey-trapped him online, officials said on Thursday.

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Rediff.com30 May 2025

In an interaction with naval warriors on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Goa, Singh sent a stern warning to Islamabad saying India will not hesitate to use the methods to deal with terrorism that Pakistan cannot even think of.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

'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.

Farewell MiG-21. Flying Legend, IAF's Soul

Farewell MiG-21. Flying Legend, IAF's Soul

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21's sharp silhouette and supersonic roar will live on in the memories of those who flew it, those who maintained it, and those who watched it streak across the sky as a symbol of India's strength, asserts IAF veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

China-Pak air exercise; Cause for worry?

China-Pak air exercise; Cause for worry?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2020

'There is much to glean from such exercises. And make it known that we are ready to take them on together!', says Air Commodore Nition Sathe (retd).

India's iron dome? Modi announces Mission Sudarshan Chakra

India's iron dome? Modi announces Mission Sudarshan Chakra

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Announcing the launch of "Mission Sudarshan Chakra", Modi said it will be aimed at neutralising enemy threat and enhancing India's offensive capabilities.

Blast kills 24 in Pak province, residents allege air strikes

Blast kills 24 in Pak province, residents allege air strikes

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The local administration denied the rumours about aerial strikes by the Pakistani fighter jets on the compound, saying the explosives used in bomb making exploded, causing the death of 24 people, including 14 militants.

MiG-21 flies through Indian skies for last time

MiG-21 flies through Indian skies for last time

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet for more than six decades, streaked through Indian skies for the last time on Friday -- its final adieu edged in history and many a remembrance.

Our forces will protect us from Pak drones: Raj border residents

Our forces will protect us from Pak drones: Raj border residents

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The western Rajasthan experienced a complete blackout and sirens were sounded multiple times, particularly in Barmer, to alert residents.

11, 13, 15. Number Of Days India Took To Act Against Pakistan

11, 13, 15. Number Of Days India Took To Act Against Pakistan

Rediff.com7 May 2025

11, 13, 15 are not some random odd numbers but the number of days that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to act against Pakistani terror strikes on Indian soil.

Op Sindoor: Defence attache says India 'lost jets'; Cong slams govt

Op Sindoor: Defence attache says India 'lost jets'; Cong slams govt

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The Congress on Sunday cited the reported comments of India's defence attache to Indonesia that the Indian Air Force lost fighter jets to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and accused the government of having 'misled' the country.

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.

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Pakistan has found itself in a favourable position after Operation Sindoor by appreciating the mediation as claimed by Trump and recommending him for the Nobel Peace Prize.'

IAF hero rebuilds life after Operation Sindoor injury

IAF hero rebuilds life after Operation Sindoor injury

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

An Indian Air Force paramedic, who lost his hand in an operation, is regaining independence with the help of a cosmetic hand and support from the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune. The centre is also helping other armed forces personnel recover from severe injuries.

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Union Budget 2025-26 had allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore (BE) to the ministry helmed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Indian Military's Awesome 3

Indian Military's Awesome 3

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Field Marshal K M Cariappa Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh The three highest-ranking military heroes of the Indian Armed Forces. They were the rarest of the rare. The bravest of the brave.

Half-a-dozen drones from Pakistan sighted near LoC

Half-a-dozen drones from Pakistan sighted near LoC

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The movement of the drones from across the border was picked up over Balakote, Langote and Gursai nallah in Mendhar sector at 9.15 pm on Sunday, the officials said.

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.