News Analysis India

Tag: IAF

  • India successfully flight tests long-range bomb from a fighter aircraft

    Express News Service

    BHUBANESWAR: India’s strategic defence preparedness received a boost on Friday when the country successfully flight-tested a Long-Range Bomb (LRB) released from an aerial platform off the Odisha coast.

    The indigenously-developed guided bomb covered the desired range and hit the land-based target with precision. The bomb was tested by a joint team of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

    Defence sources said an IAF fighter aircraft that took off from the Kalaikunda airforce base in West Bengal released the bomb that was guided to a land-based target at a long-range with accuracy within specified limits.

    The flight of the bomb and the performance was monitored by a number of range sensors including an electro-optical tracking system, telemetry and radar deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR).

    Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said all the mission objectives have been successfully met. “The successful flight test of LRB has marked an important milestone in indigenous development of this class of systems,” he said.

    The long-range bomb has been designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a DRDO unit at Hyderabad in coordination with other DRDO laboratories.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, IAF and other teams associated with the successful flight trials. He said the long range guided bomb will prove to be a force multiplier for the Indian Armed Forces.

  • IAF’s prompt actions in eastern Ladakh testament to combat readiness: Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary

    By PTI

    HINDON (Uttar Pradesh): The Indian Air Force’s prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to the combat readiness of the force, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary said on Friday.

    In an address to the air warriors on the occasion of the 89th Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate its territory.

    “As our challenges continue to rise, so does our strength and resolve to ensure best possible application of air power. When I look at the security scenario that we face today, I am acutely conscious that I have assumed the command at a crucial time,” he said at the event held at the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of Delhi.

    “We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory. I pledge to do all I can to provide you with clear direction, good leadership and the best of resources that I can muster,” he said.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the year gone by was “quite challenging yet extremely rewarding”.

    “The prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh was a testament to the Indian Air Force’s combat readiness. Our efforts in completing all Covid-related tasks was also a major achievement in support of the national efforts,” he said.

    The Chief of Air Staff said the security environment in the region and beyond has been “impacted by a complex interplay of geopolitical forces”.

    “Moreover, the advent of new domains over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted,” he said.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the ongoing capability enhancement in the Indian Air Force is aimed at providing the optimum means for employing air power and achieving desired results “swiftly and decisively”.

    “I will continue to rely on your skills, courage, determination and hard work in the years ahead. Remember that it is our sacred duty to protect the nation’s sovereignty and integrity at any cost and you are to do what it takes to ensure that we do not let the nation down,” he said.

  • Chinese Air Force’s presence across LAC won’t affect our operations: IAF chief Chaudhari

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari on Tuesday said that the  presence of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) along the LAC is not going to have any effect on the IAF’s operations.

    Addressing the media during his first press conference ahead of the 89th Air Force Day, ACM Chaudhari said, “Chinese PLAAF is still present along the LAC. This is not going to affect our air operations. For the air force, it will not make much difference.”

    It was a few days back that the Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane had said that the heavy presence of Chinese soldiers along the LAC is a matter of concern. The Air Chief also said that the PLAAF was developing airstrips but “they have a huge penalty of high altitude.”

    The weight carrying capacity of the PLAAF aircraft comes down heavily due to a rarefied atmosphere at the high altitude of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

    ALSO READ: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari takes charge as new Chief of Indian Air Force

    “We are fully committed to integration and jointness. The process and structure have to cater for future warfare,” said the Air Chief on the issue of the theatre command. However, he also maintained that the doctrine of each service needs to be kept in mind.

    India is reorganizing and integrating its armed forces into a theatre command where the three services will be integrated under one commander and every theatre assigned a fixed area for operational duty. At present, the three services of the Army, Navy and Air Force have their own commands and approach operations discretely.

    On the induction of the S-400 air defence system, he said, “Hopefully, the first squadron should be inducted within this year.”

    “There are four MiG 21 squadrons. We plan to retire them all in the next three to four years,” the IAF chief said.

    The Air Chief also denied reports of the air force conducting a two-finger test on a woman officer in Coimbatore who had accused a fellow IAF officer of rape. “Two finger test in the Coimbatore rape case was not done. It was misreported.” said the Air Chief, adding that a detailed inquiry will be conducted.

  • Focus should be on maintenance practices, robust physical and cyber security: IAF chief

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria has said there is a need for critical analysis to enhance operational preparedness and focus should be on maintenance practices as well as robust physical and cyber security.

    Addressing the annual commanders’ conference of the Indian Air Force’s Central Air Command in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, he also directed that readiness of all platforms, weapon systems and assets be kept at the highest level, according to an IAF statement.

    Urging the commanders to continue their efforts in ensuring a safe operational flying environment, he stressed on the need to augment the combat capability of the IAF through innovation, self-reliance and indigenisation, the statement issued on Friday said.

    Bhadauria emphasised the need for critical analysis to enhance operational preparedness, focus on maintenance practices, robust physical and cyber security, it said.

    He appreciated the role of the Central Air Command in the recent flood relief efforts and aid to civil administration.

    Last month, Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior-Chambal region of was hit by floods after heavy rainfall, and the IAF had assisted the civil administration in rescuing people and providing relief material to the affected.

  • ‘Game-changer in air-defence system’: Deadly MRSAM missile system handed over to IAF 

    Express News Service

    BHUBANESWAR: In a significant boost to India’s defence capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed over the first deliverable Firing Unit (FU) of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) System to Indian Air Force (IAF) at Jaisalmer Air Force Station in Rajasthan on Thursday.

    Developed jointly by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Indian industry, the MRSAM (IAF) is an advanced network-centric combat Air Defence System.

    Secretary of Department of Defence (Research and Development) and DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy handed over the firing unit to the Defence Minister, who in turn presented it to Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

    The DRDO and IAI officials demonstrated the capabilities of the MRSAM system, as part of the On-Site Acceptance Test (OSAT) during the event.

    Terming the MRSAM, one of the best state-of-the-art missiles in the world, the Defence Minister said the weapon will prove to be a game-changer in the air-defence system.

    He reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen the security infrastructure of the country to deal with any challenges arising out of the rapidly changing global strategic scenario.

    “Modernisation of the armed forces and building a self-reliant defence industry are being accorded top priority. The government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the security and overall development of the country,” Singh said besides stressing the need for a strong military.

    ALSO READ | India wants to create USD 5 billion worth of defence equipment by 2025: DRDO official 

    The Defence Minister described the development of the MRSAM system as a shining example of the close partnership between India and Israel, adding that handing over of the system to IAF has taken the decades-old friendship to greater heights.

    The new test facilities and infrastructure in the development of the missile system, Singh said, will be helpful in producing quality products for both countries in the future. The sub-systems being manufactured for the programme is a great example of synergy between Indian public and private sector companies, he added.

    The MRSAM system provides point and area air defence for ground assets against a wide range of threats including fighter aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, guided and unguided munitions, subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles.

    Powered by an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system for achieving high manoeuvrability during the terminal phase, the missile is capable of engaging multiple targets at ranges up to 70 km in extreme conditions.

    The firing unit comprises missiles, combat management system, mobile launcher system, advanced long-range radar, mobile power system, radar power system, reloader vehicle and field service vehicle.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of Air Staff said the system will bolster the air defence capabilities of the country. The DRDO Chairman complimented the teams involved in the development of the MRSAM system.

    Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command Air Marshal Sandeep Singh and President and IAI CEO Boaz Levy were present along with other senior civil and military officials.

  • Indian Air Force’s first Emergency Landing Field on National Highway inaugurated in Rajasthan

    Express News Service

    BARMER: Adding to the military infrastructure for air operations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated the first stretch of a National Highway to be developed as an Emergency Landing Field (ELF) for the Indian Air Force.

    The ELF is on NH-925 at the Gandhav Bhakasar section, south of Barmer in Rajasthan, and will be used for aircraft operations during emergencies on the Western borders with Pakistan.

    A Hercules C-130J plane of the IAF, carrying the two ministers and Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, conducted a mock emergency landing on the field.

    Multiple landing and touchdown sorties were conducted starting with a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter.

    AN-32 military transport aircraft and Mi-17v5 helicopter of the IAF also landed at the ELF, showing its complete operational readiness to act as an auxiliary military airbase.

    In his speech, the Defence Minister said that a total of 20 emergency landing strips are being developed across the country right now.

    “Many helipads are also being created with the help of the Union Roads Ministry. This is an important step to strengthen our security infrastructure,” Rajnath added.

    The ELF is a 3 km section of the Satta-Gandhav stretch of NH-925A and is part of the newly developed Bakhasar and Gandhav section. It has a total length of 196.97 km and has been constructed at the cost of Rs 765.52 crore under Bharatmala Pariyojana.

    “This project will improve connectivity between villages of Barmer and Jalore districts located on the international border. The stretch being located in the western border area will facilitate the vigilance of the Indian Army as well,” said the minister.

    This emergency landing strip will be helpful not only during a war but also during times of natural calamities, Rajnath Singh said, adding that a natural calamity is no less than any war.

    Apart from this ELF, three helipads (100 x 30 metres each) have been constructed in Kundanpura, Singhania and Bakhasar villages as part of this project according to the requirements of the Air Force/Army, which will be the basis for strengthening the military and security network on the Western borders.

    In normal circumstances, the ELF will be used like any other national highway and during operations of the ELF for the IAF, the service road will be used for smooth flow of traffic.

    Also, there are plans for constructing 20 such ELFs across the country, mostly along the borders.

    This ELF was constructed in a time span of 19 months. The work was commenced in July 2019 and completed in January 2021.

    The road work was carried out by GHV India Pvt Ltd under the supervision of the IAF and NHAI. It will be able to facilitate landing of all types of aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

    Similar mock drills by fighter jets and transport planes were done thrice earlier in 2015, 2016 and 2017 on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway to show that such highways can be used for air operations.

    The Lucknow-Agra Expressway is not a national highway as it comes under the Uttar Pradesh government.

  • Three Sikh scripture copies, 75 people being flown in from Kabul to India on IAF aircraft 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Three copies of Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib and 75 people, including 46 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, are being evacuated from war-ravaged Afghanistan on an IAF plane, people coordinating the evacuation efforts with the Indian government said on Monday.

    Nearly 200 more Afghan Sikhs and Hindus are still stranded in Afghanistan, said Puneet Singh Chandhok, president of the Indian World Forum, an organisation coordinating the evacuation efforts with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

    “These people have taken shelter at the Karte Parwan gurdwara in Kabul, which is close to the airport,” he added. Announcing the evacuation flight, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri took to Twitter to say, “Three Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are being escorted to the IAF aircraft at Kabul Airport. Forty-six Afghan Hindus and Sikhs along with stranded Indian nationals are blessed to return on the same flight.”

    ALSO READ | Centre to brief leaders of political parties on developments in Afghanistan

    “Seventy-five people are on the flight. Three Guru Granth Sahib ji are also being brought to India,” Chandhok said.

    Referring to those still stranded in Kabul, he said the 10-kilometre-long drive to the international airport from the Gurdwara Karte Parwan through various checkpoints is one of the biggest challenges in the rescue efforts.

    Around 100 more Afghan Sikhs and Hindus are likely to be evacuated in a couple of hours, Chandhok added.

    The evacuation of these 46 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus at such a challenging time is a big relief for us, said Manjinder Singh Sirsa, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, which is also coordinating with the Indian government in the evacuation mission.

    “US security forces escorted these people to the Kabul airport,” he said.

    ALSO WATCH:

    India on Monday brought back 146 citizens on four different flights from Qatar’s capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft amid the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country.

    On Sunday, it had evacuated 392 individuals from Kabul on three flights.

    Among them were 24 Afghan Sikhs, including two Afghan MPs — Narinder Singh Khalsa and Anarkali Kaur Honaryar — and their families.

    India is carrying out the evacuation missions in coordination with the US and several other friendly countries.

  • Afghanistan crisis: India evacuates 168 people from Kabul in IAF’s transport aircraft

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India on Sunday evacuated 168 people including 107 Indians from Kabul in a military transport aircraft of the IAF amid the deteriorating security situation in the Afghan capital city following its takeover by the Taliban a week back.

    Another group of 87 Indians and two Nepalese nationals who were flown in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft to the Tajikistan capital of Dushanbe from Kabul on Saturday, arrived in Delhi on Sunday morning, people familiar with the development said.

    They were brought back in a special Air India flight from Dushanbe, they said.

    Separately, a group of 135 Indians, who were earlier evacuated from Kabul to Doha in the last few days by the US and NATO aircraft, also returned to India.

    ALSO READ | Andhra govt sets up helpdesk for stranded citizens

    It is learnt that the Indians evacuated to Doha from Kabul were employees of a number of foreign companies that were operating in Afghanistan.

    “Evacuation continues!IAF special repatriation flight with 168 passengers onboard, including 107 Indian nationals, is on its way to Delhi from Kabul,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

    It is learnt that a number of prominent Sikh leaders are on board the flight.

    “Bringing Indians home from Afghanistan!AI 1956 carrying 87 Indians departs from Tajikistan for New Delhi. Two Nepalese nationals also evacuated. Assisted and supported by our Embassy @IndEmbDushanbe. More evacuation flights to follow,” Bagchi tweeted at around 1:20 am.

    Bringing Indians home from Afghanistan!AI 1956 carrying 87 Indians departs from Tajikistan for New Delhi. Two Nepalese nationals also evacuated.Assisted and supported by our Embassy @IndEmbDushanbe.More evacuation flights to follow. pic.twitter.com/YMCuJQ7595
    — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 21, 2021

    Evacuation continues!IAF special repatriation flight with 168 passengers onboard, including 107 Indian nationals, is on its way to Delhi from Kabul. pic.twitter.com/ysACxClVdX
    — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 22, 2021
    India evacuated 200 people including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in Kabul in two C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft of the IAF after the Taliban seized control of Kabul.

    The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on Monday.

    The second C-17 aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on Tuesday.

    The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities including Kabul in the backdrop of the withdrawal of the US forces.

    COLUMN | Exit from Kabul: America’s bungle, India’s burden

    The mission to evacuate close to 200 Indians was accomplished with support from the US Following the evacuation, the MEA said the focus now would be to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals from the Afghan capital.

    The MEA said the immediate priority for the government is to obtain accurate information about all Indian nationals currently staying in Afghanistan.

    It also requested the Indians as well as their employers to urgently share the relevant details with the special Afghanistan cell.

    As per a rough estimate earlier, the number of Indians stranded in Afghanistan could be around 400 and India has been looking at ways to evacuate them including by coordinating with the US and other friendly countries.

    PTI MPB DV DV 08220924 NNNN

  • IAF’s C-17 aircraft from Kabul lands at Jamnagar, leaves for Delhi after refuelling

    By PTI

    JAMNAGAR: An Indian Air Force plane with 120 people, including the Indian ambassador and staff at the embassy in Kabul, landed on Tuesday at Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat from Afghanistan, an official said. The C-17 aircraft touched down at the IAF airbase at 11:15 am en route to the Hindon airbase near Delhi.

    #WATCH | Evacuated Indians from Kabul, Afghanistan chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ after landing in Jamnagar, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/IqvESz79IO
    — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2021
    It took off for Hindon shortly after 3 pm after refuelling, the official said. The aircraft had taken off from Kabul carrying Indian personnel as part of the emergency evacuation because of the prevailing situation in the Afghan capital following its takeover by the Taliban.

    Immediately after passengers on board the C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft deplaned, they were greeted by people present on the tarmac, the official said. Many passengers were garlanded and many others were seen chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.

    Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon told reporters in Jamnagar that the situation in Kabul is complex and “quite fluid” now and that Indians stuck in the city will be brought back home when the commercial flight services resume.

    “Happy to be back home safely and securely. We are a very large mission. We are a mission of 192 personnel who were evacuated from Afghanistan literally within three days in a very orderly fashion in two phases,” he said.

    Tandon, who assumed charge as Indian ambassador in Afghanistan in August last year, said the embassy assisted and even gave shelter to many distressed Indians following the fast-changing situation in Kabul.

    “We are continuously monitoring the situation because there are still some Indian citizens who are there. That is why Air India will continue to run its commercial services to Kabul,” he said.

    “Your welcome has an impact on all of us. Thank you to the Indian Air Force who flew us out under conditions that are not normal,” Tandon, said, adding continuing to work for the welfare of the Afghan people is very much on India’s mind This is the second evacuation flight.

    On Monday, another C-17 aircraft had evacuated around 40 people including some Indian embassy staff from Kabul before the operations at the airport in the city were suspended. “Those on board were given lunch after landing at Jamnagar,” Gujarat minister of state for food and civil supply Dharmendrasinh Jadeja said.

    Gujarat government said in a release that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “personally looking after the evacuation of Indian nationals and officials stranded in Afghanistan” after the Taliban took over the war-ravaged country.

    H’ble PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji led government is working tirelessly to evacuate our countrymen stuck in Afghanistan. In one such rescue operation, IAF plane C-17 on its way to New Delhi lands in Jamnagar for refuelling. 150 Indians are welcomed home warmly at Jamnagar! pic.twitter.com/pNZavR36NV
    — Poonamben Maadam (@PoonambenMaadam) August 17, 2021
    “H’ble PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji led government is working tirelessly to evacuate our countrymen stuck in Afghanistan. In one such rescue operation, IAF plane C-17 on its way to New Delhi lands in Jamnagar for refuelling. 150 Indians are welcomed home warmly at Jamnagar!” tweeted Jamnagar BJP MP Poonamben Maadam.

    WATCH | Taliban shuts Kabul airport as thousands try to flee Afghanistan desperately:

  • IAF’s C-17 aircraft from Kabul lands at Jamnagar with over 100 Indians aboard

    By PTI

    JAMNAGAR: An Indian Air Force plane with over 100 persons on board landed on Tuesday at Jamnagar in Gujarat from Kabul in Afghanistan, an official said.

    The C-17 aircraft touched down at the IAF air base at Jamnagar shortly before noon, the official said.

    #WATCH | Evacuated Indians from Kabul, Afghanistan chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ after landing in Jamnagar, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/IqvESz79IO
    — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2021
    The aircraft had left Kabul carrying Indian personnel as part of the emergency evacuation in view of the prevailing situation in the Afghan capital following its takeover by the Taliban.

    Immediately after passengers on board the C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft deplaned, they were greeted by people present on the tarmac, the official said.

    WATCH | Taliban shuts Kabul airport as thousands try to flee Afghanistan desperately: