News for 'squadron'

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.

Rajnath May Approve Rs 2.70 Trillion Rafales Today

Rajnath May Approve Rs 2.70 Trillion Rafales Today

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

If approved, the fighters would help the IAF to build its reducing squadrons, especially after the MiG-21 was decommissioned last year.

5 Tejas are fully ready for delivery, says HAL

5 Tejas are fully ready for delivery, says HAL

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The delivery of the jets are facing delays primarily due to GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for supply of its aero engines to power the jets.

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a significant step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities. The decision comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India.

Vijay Chowk to echo with Vande Mataram at Beating Retreat ceremony

Vijay Chowk to echo with Vande Mataram at Beating Retreat ceremony

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The dominant theme at this year's ceremonial parade at the Kartavya Path, and other associated celebrations, has been the sesquicentenary of the national song, 'Vande Mataram.'

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Around 100 artistes heralded the parade, on the theme 'Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.

In a first, women Agniveers to join Republic Day Parade

In a first, women Agniveers to join Republic Day Parade

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Nine women Agniveer will be part of the Indian Air Force's band contingent that will march down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade, marking a historic first. Flt Lt Akshita Dhankar will unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu.

BSF raises first drone squadron to counter UAV threat from Pak

BSF raises first drone squadron to counter UAV threat from Pak

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) is raising a maiden 'drone squadron' for deployment along the India-Pakistan border. The squadron will comprise reconnaissance, surveillance and attack drones and specially-trained personnel.

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Suresh Kalmadi brought several top-class events to India including the 2003 Afro Asian Games, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

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.

President Murmu poses with woman pilot claimed to have captured by Pak

President Murmu poses with woman pilot claimed to have captured by Pak

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu, who undertook a half-an-hour sortie in a Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday from Ambala, posed with Squadron leader Shivangi Singh, just before she took to the skies.

US launches Operation Hawkeye in Syria

US launches Operation Hawkeye in Syria

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Friday said that in response to Islamic State's killing of two Americans in Syria, the US retaliated by striking the nation.

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The defence ministry is likely to take up the proposal by the Indian Air Force for approval at a defence acquisition council meeting planned to be held on October 23, sources said.

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

According to an international media report, the jet crashed in the afternoon local time while flying a demonstration flight at the prestigious air show.

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

On the table are additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, which India used with immense success during Operation Sindoor. India could buy at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets plus joint production of S-500 air defence systems.

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a two-day visit to India from December 4 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is expected to produce a plethora of significant outcomes, including in the defence sphere, to further solidify the bilateral strategic ties.

Russia agrees to boost joint defence manufacturing in India

Russia agrees to boost joint defence manufacturing in India

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

India and Russia have agreed to encourage joint manufacturing of military hardware and spare parts in India, aiming to improve maintenance of Russian-origin defence equipment and boost overall bilateral defence cooperation.

India holds key defence talks with Russia; eyes more S-400, gets Su-57 offer

India holds key defence talks with Russia; eyes more S-400, gets Su-57 offer

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

India and Russia are set to expand their defence cooperation, with India expressing interest in procuring additional S-400 missile systems. Discussions took place ahead of the India-Russia annual summit.

Su-57 stealth jet, S-400 in focus during Putin's visit

Su-57 stealth jet, S-400 in focus during Putin's visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

However, these are understood to be exploratory talks, with an agreement unlikely to be formalised during the current visit.

How IAF Will Investigate Tejas Crash

How IAF Will Investigate Tejas Crash

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

An IAF aircrash investigation typically concludes in two/three odd months. The reason for the crash is usually established in a week's time.

SC upholds dismissal of Christian officer for refusing to enter temple

SC upholds dismissal of Christian officer for refusing to enter temple

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Describing the act as the 'grossest kind of indiscipline', the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a former Christian officer's plea challenging his termination from the armed forces, after he allegedly refused to participate in regimental religious activities at the sanctum sanctorum of a temple at a place of his posting.

SEE: President Murmu takes a sortie in Rafale

SEE: President Murmu takes a sortie in Rafale

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station in Ambala. This follows a previous sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft in April 2023.

President Murmu To Take Rafale Sortie Today

President Murmu To Take Rafale Sortie Today

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet in Ambala, Haryana.

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?'

The Importance Of Putin's India Visit

The Importance Of Putin's India Visit

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The enduring relationship between the two countries have survived the disintegration of the erstwhile USSR in 1991, the end of the Cold War and the regime change in both countries, points out Rup Narayan Das.

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.

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has seen a reduction in fighter squadrons due to the phasing out of ageing MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence acknowledged the "shortage" and highlighted the multi-pronged approach being taken to address it. This includes the induction of indigenous Tejas fighters and the procurement of additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft. The report also addresses concerns over "incidences of spying" within the IAF and details the action taken against those involved.

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.

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Indian Air Force is set to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets at a decommissioning event in Chandigarh. The event will mark the end of an era for the aircraft that has been a key part of the IAF's combat fleet for over six decades.

HAL Boosts Tejas as MiG-21 Era Ends

HAL Boosts Tejas as MiG-21 Era Ends

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

HAL aims to raise output from the current ceiling of 24 aircraft a year to 30 by the end of 2027

Tejas Mk1A Gets Ready To Boost IAF Air Power

Tejas Mk1A Gets Ready To Boost IAF Air Power

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

HAL executives said deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A to the IAF would begin within this year, but only after the successful completion of the weapons-firing trials currently underway.

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.

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

10 Heroes of the 1965 War which ended on September 23 60 years ago.

Race For Stealth Fighter Jet Heats Up

Race For Stealth Fighter Jet Heats Up

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

This is seen as the first concrete opportunity to break HAL's monopoly in combat aircraft manufacturing, potentially opening the door to a private-sector fighter jet producer.

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).

Doval travels to Russia as Trump doubles tariffs

Doval travels to Russia as Trump doubles tariffs

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has travelled to Russia to hold crucial talks on bilateral energy and defence ties and to prepare ground for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India later this year.

India mulls to buy more S-400 missile systems from Russia after Op Sindoor

India mulls to buy more S-400 missile systems from Russia after Op Sindoor

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

The Indian side would prefer to get S-500 air defence system which has more range than the S-400 but it would require a clearance from the top Russian leadership for its sale, they said.

Dates for Putin's India visit being finalised: Doval

Dates for Putin's India visit being finalised: Doval

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

NSA Ajit Doval has indicated that dates for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India are being worked out during his meetings in Moscow. Discussions also covered bilateral energy and defence cooperation, amidst ongoing concerns over India's procurement of Russian crude oil.

BSF Trains 'Drone Commandos, Drone Warriors' for Modern Warfare

BSF Trains 'Drone Commandos, Drone Warriors' for Modern Warfare

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) is training specialized 'drone commandos' and 'drone warriors' for modern warfare, with plans to deploy them in missions like Operation Sindoor. A 'School of Drone Warfare' has been inaugurated to provide training in UAV operations, anti-drone warfare, and surveillance.

Su-57 in India? Russia studies local production plan

Su-57 in India? Russia studies local production plan

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

The Russian agencies concerned are carrying out studies to determine the level of investments they will have to make to manufacture the aircraft in India, defence sources said.