News for 'indian air force'

ITBP raises drone units to counter China, prepares for Galwan-like battles

ITBP raises drone units to counter China, prepares for Galwan-like battles

Rediff.com23 Oct 2026

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is undergoing a significant modernization drive, establishing drone platoons, developing a new 'Strike' course for Galwan-like situations, and constructing underground infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control. This strategic shift, announced by DG Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, aims to counter China, identified as India's 'biggest adversary,' by embracing modern warfare techniques learned from recent global conflicts.

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero after he thwarted an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight carrying nearly 180 people. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Indian envoys met his family in Dubai, assuring full government support, while the co-pilot has been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The defence ministryh has "initiated efforts" to join the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, Future Combat Air System (FCAS), spearheaded by the French government, and sought from it the roadmap to acquire such aircraft, a parliamentary panel has said.

From Rustication To Medals: Indian Athletes' Inspiring Asian Games Journeys

From Rustication To Medals: Indian Athletes' Inspiring Asian Games Journeys

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Soft tennis player Jay Meena, marathon runner Sawan Barwal, and air pistol shooter Kamaljeet share their personal journeys and challenges leading up to their medal wins at the Asian Games. Meena recounts how school rustication led him to soft tennis and his struggle with quarterfinal defeats. Barwal discusses the mental pressure of switching to marathon running, while Kamaljeet reflects on injury setbacks and the pressure of securing India's first shooting gold at the Games.

Shooters Ravi, Deepak asked to report to duty by Indian Air Force

Shooters Ravi, Deepak asked to report to duty by Indian Air Force

Rediff.com27 Feb 2019

Done with the World Cup, shooters Ravi Kumar and Deepak Kumar said they have been asked to report by their employers, the Indian Air Force -- a routine practice but they expect 'instructions on protocol' in view of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan.

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian captain and Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroically fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

PHOTOS: IAF celebrates 90th Air Force Day in style

PHOTOS: IAF celebrates 90th Air Force Day in style

Rediff.com8 Oct 2022

Several aircraft such as Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Rafale, IL-76, C-130J, and Hawk displayed their skillful manoeuvres, amid a thundering applause from the gathering.

Bharatpreet, Nitika rewrite record books in athletics

Bharatpreet, Nitika rewrite record books in athletics

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Discus thrower Bharatpreet Singh and pole vaulter Nitika Anup established new meet records at the 6th Indian Open U23 Athletics Competition in Jaipur. Bharatpreet won gold with a throw of 54.70m, while Nitika secured gold by clearing 4.15m. The event also saw other athletes achieve notable results across various disciplines.

Race To Modernisation: Air Force, Navy Beats Army

Race To Modernisation: Air Force, Navy Beats Army

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

The Army has now fallen behind the other two services for four years in a row.

Smaller Indian Contingent Faces Hurdles At Asian Para Games

Smaller Indian Contingent Faces Hurdles At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

India faces a challenging Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a significantly smaller contingent of 168 athletes, down from 303. While aiming to build on its record 111-medal haul from the last Games, selection disputes in para-shooting and para-cycling, coupled with reduced athlete numbers in key disciplines like para-athletics, pose hurdles. Despite these challenges, star athletes across para-athletics, archery, para-badminton, shooting, and table tennis are expected to lead India's medal charge.

Mairaj Ahmad Khan's Unconventional Path To Sporting Excellence

Mairaj Ahmad Khan's Unconventional Path To Sporting Excellence

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Mairaj Ahmad Khan, a 50-year-old Indian skeet shooter, is set to compete in his fourth Asian Games, showcasing remarkable longevity. The article traces his unique journey from a promising cricketer, who even played with Virender Sehwag, to becoming a decorated shooter with Olympic appearances and World Cup medals. Despite past disappointments, Khan approaches the upcoming games with renewed spirit, embodying wisdom gained over decades in sport.

Air Force Day: Rafale, Tejas to showcase India's air power

Air Force Day: Rafale, Tejas to showcase India's air power

Rediff.com7 Oct 2020

Air Force Day is celebrated to mark the day the IAF was established in 1932.

TBAL Rolls Out 400th Apache Fuselage From Hyderabad Facility

TBAL Rolls Out 400th Apache Fuselage From Hyderabad Facility

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) has achieved a significant milestone by rolling out the 400th fuselage for the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter from its Hyderabad facility. This joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Limited manufactures fuselages for global supply, including to the US Army and the Indian Army, highlighting India's growing role in the global defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Dhoni congratulates Indian Air Force on induction of Tejas

Dhoni congratulates Indian Air Force on induction of Tejas

Rediff.com1 Jul 2016

India's ODI cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Congratulated the induction of first squadron of the indigenously made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas into the Indian Air Force, on Friday.

At 125 kmph, Cyclone Arnab to hit Andhra coast on Wednesday; schools shut

At 125 kmph, Cyclone Arnab to hit Andhra coast on Wednesday; schools shut

Rediff.com7 days ago

A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Arnab, expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27. It is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on the morning of October 28, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and take precautions.

PHOTOS: What to expect on Air Force Day

PHOTOS: What to expect on Air Force Day

Rediff.com7 Oct 2019

Ahead of the spectacular air show, here's a tiny glimpse of what to expect.

The Unsung Guardians Of India's Borders

The Unsung Guardians Of India's Borders

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

At the border, places that you had just seen on a map, suddenly acquire a life. Looking at the vast expanse of quiet land, you realise an emotional connect, a sense of belonging binds you to a piece of land which is not merely territory, but a part of who you are.

Laser weapons, AI and quantum tech on Navy's modernisation agenda

Laser weapons, AI and quantum tech on Navy's modernisation agenda

Rediff.com20 Oct 2026

The Indian Navy is enhancing its operational capabilities across all domains, including air, underwater, AI, and quantum technology, to become a multi-domain network force. Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, highlighted lessons from recent conflicts, the exploration of directed-energy weapon systems, and significant procurement plans, including 42 new platforms on order and RFPs issued for LPDs and next-generation frigates. The Navy's focus on indigenous innovation and technology absorption, guided by "scale, sophistication, speed, and spiral development," aims to meet evolving operational requirements and protect maritime interests, especially amidst ongoing global crises.

How Mumbai Police Tracked Down History-Sheeters Threatening Cops

How Mumbai Police Tracked Down History-Sheeters Threatening Cops

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Two history-sheeters from Satna, Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly firing outside an Indian Air Force officer's house and later threatening police on social media. The accused, Amarsingh Ashoksingh Parihar and Abhigyan Sankatmochan Tripathi, were apprehended in south Mumbai after fleeing from Satna.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.

Air Force Day: Balakot heroes, Abhinandan soar high

Air Force Day: Balakot heroes, Abhinandan soar high

Rediff.com8 Oct 2019

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the Indian Air Force who shot down a Pakistan air force F-16 during a dogfight on February 27 earlier this year, flew a MiG-21 Bison aircraft during the Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Base. Three Mirage 2000 aircraft and two Su-30MKI fighter aircraft also flew in the 'Avenger formation'. The planes are being flown by pilots who took part in Balakot airstrike. Here are highlights from the parade.

Mirage 2000 'Turned The Tide' Of Kargil War

Mirage 2000 'Turned The Tide' Of Kargil War

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

How the Indian Air Force's strategic deployment of Mirage 2000 jets and precision laser-guided bombs during Operation Safed Sagar delivered a 'decisive and crushing blow' to the enemy, playing a pivotal role in India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War.

Indian Air Force is 'in a crisis', says US think tank

Indian Air Force is 'in a crisis', says US think tank

Rediff.com28 Mar 2016

The report authored by Ashley Tellis, the top American expert on India and South Asia, states that the IAF's fighter force is weaker than numbers suggest.

Govt gets power to intervene in airline fares amid high prices

Govt gets power to intervene in airline fares amid high prices

Rediff.com17 hours ago

The government has introduced new aviation rules, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026, granting it the power to intervene in airline ticket pricing during extraordinary situations.

NRAI Unveils LA 2028 Olympic Selection Criteria

NRAI Unveils LA 2028 Olympic Selection Criteria

Rediff.com1 days ago

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has announced the selection criteria for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, largely retaining the Olympic Selection Trials (OST) format used for the 2024 Paris Games. This system, which calculates a shooter's Final Average Score (FAS) and Quota Bonus Points (QBP), faced discontent and legal challenges in the previous cycle, with some quota winners losing their spots. The NRAI mandates participation in at least three of four OSTs and reiterates that Olympic quota places belong to the country, not the individual athlete.

IAF fighter jet's 'hard landing' shuts Pune runway, flight ops hit

IAF fighter jet's 'hard landing' shuts Pune runway, flight ops hit

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Pune airport runway has been reopened after being temporarily closed due to a frontline aircraft's hard landing, which damaged the strip.

Defence Forces Pedal For Fit India Campaign

Defence Forces Pedal For Fit India Campaign

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The 73rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle saw participation from defence forces and citizens at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Delhi SIR: Bimal Jalan, IAF ex-chief Browne among voters issued notices

Delhi SIR: Bimal Jalan, IAF ex-chief Browne among voters issued notices

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan, ex-IAF Chief NAK Browne, and other prominent figures in Delhi have received notices regarding discrepancies in their voter details during the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. Over 33 lakh electors have been identified for such notices, with a deadline of September 30 for responses.

Satya Niketan owner's son, others sent to 2-day police custody

Satya Niketan owner's son, others sent to 2-day police custody

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has remanded the building owner's son, a PG operator, and a contractor in police custody following the collapse of a five-storey structure in Satya Niketan that resulted in seven deaths. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the Sunday incident, with authorities probing the role of alleged illegal constructions.

What Are IAF Planes Doing On UP Expressway?

What Are IAF Planes Doing On UP Expressway?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force conducted a day-and-night exercise on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, activating an emergency-landing facility with fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft to demonstrate operational readiness and validate standard operating procedures.

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated 'Vayu UTtaM', an indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system, at 'Dronathon 2026' in Pokhran. This ground-based system is designed to manage drone operations in congested airspace and identify rogue drones, with applications extending to critical infrastructure, civil aviation, and public safety. The event also saw the release of the 'IAF UAS Roadmap' to guide indigenous innovation in unmanned systems.

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

India is deeply concerned by the growing consolidation of Pakistan-backed jihadi and radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly in the strategically vital Chittagong Hill Tracts, which experts warn is transforming the country into a new safe haven for these networks and posing a direct threat to India's security.

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.

PHOTOS: IAF celebrates 86th Air Force Day

PHOTOS: IAF celebrates 86th Air Force Day

Rediff.com8 Oct 2018

Here are some of the glimpses from the celebration.

Kargil War veteran seriously hurt in attack over Gurugram parking row

Kargil War veteran seriously hurt in attack over Gurugram parking row

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Kargil War veteran Group Captain Amit Kumar Gupta was allegedly attacked with an iron rod by a parking attendant in Gurugram, sustaining a serious head injury and fractured elbow. Gupta claims the hospital's MLC report is false and police assistance has been lacking, while an FIR has been registered against unknown accused.

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Israeli envoy Reuven Azar praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai plane en route to Tel Aviv. Azar detailed Israel's immediate response, including scrambling fighter jets, and highlighted the combined efforts of the captain, Israeli passengers, and crew in ensuring a safe landing in Saudi Arabia, saving nearly 180 lives.

HAL, Tata, Adani, L&T among firms in race for IAF's Rs 30K cr UAV deal

HAL, Tata, Adani, L&T among firms in race for IAF's Rs 30K cr UAV deal

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

In the race for 87 Medium-Altitude Long-Range, Endurance unmanned aerial vehicles deal, around 10 bids have been received from Indian private and public sector firms.

Operation Safed Sagar Review: Eye In The Sky, Feet On Ground

Operation Safed Sagar Review: Eye In The Sky, Feet On Ground

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Operation Safed Sagar is prime purpose may be to honour IAF warriors but it is an inadvertent reminder of how we went from a nation of Jung na hone denge to Ghar mein ghus ke marenge, observes Sukanya Verma.

India advises caution to citizens in Saudi, cancels flights

India advises caution to citizens in Saudi, cancels flights

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

India has advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to 'remain calm and vigilant' due to an evolving security situation, including drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which recently resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others.