News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Air Force

  • Military court recommends dismissal of IAF officer over shooting down of Mi-17 chopper

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force’s General Court Martial (GCM) instituted to look into the accidental shooting down of an Mi-17 V5 in February 2019 has recommended dismissal of a Group Captain related to the incident.

    Sources said the GCM ordered the dismissal of Group Captain Suman Roy Chowdhury, who was serving then as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Srinagar Air Force Station.

    As per the Court of Inquiry, the attack helicopter was struck by the IAF’s own surface-to-air missile on February 27, 2019 — the day Indian and Pakistani air forces were engaged in a dogfight.

    However, it is yet to be sent to the IAF chief as the matter is sub judice in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.

    “The verdict of the GCM is subject to confirmation by the competent authority. Hence, the officer has not been dismissed from service till the said confirmation,” a defence source said.

    ALSO READ | India’s defence exports rise ten-fold in six years, reach all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore

    Sources said the IAF can only act on the GCM’s recommendation after a decision on a case relating to the incident by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

    As per the sources, last month the High Court of Punjab and Haryana allowed the GCM to pronounce its verdict while stating that it must not be implemented till it disposes of the case, which is awaited.

    According to laid down norms, the Chief of Air Staff has to give an approval on the recommendation of the GCM for sacking of the official.

    On the morning of February 27, 2019, a day after the Balakot air strike, fighter jets of India and Pakistan were involved in a duel over the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir near the Line of Control (LoC). The Mi-17V5 had crashed in the Budgam area shortly after take-off from Srinagar killing all six personnel on board and one civilian on the ground.

    The Court of Inquiry ordered to investigate the crash had put the responsibility on at least four officers, including a Group Captain.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force’s General Court Martial (GCM) instituted to look into the accidental shooting down of an Mi-17 V5 in February 2019 has recommended dismissal of a Group Captain related to the incident.

    Sources said the GCM ordered the dismissal of Group Captain Suman Roy Chowdhury, who was serving then as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Srinagar Air Force Station.

    As per the Court of Inquiry, the attack helicopter was struck by the IAF’s own surface-to-air missile on February 27, 2019 — the day Indian and Pakistani air forces were engaged in a dogfight.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    However, it is yet to be sent to the IAF chief as the matter is sub judice in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.

    “The verdict of the GCM is subject to confirmation by the competent authority. Hence, the officer has not been dismissed from service till the said confirmation,” a defence source said.

    ALSO READ | India’s defence exports rise ten-fold in six years, reach all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore

    Sources said the IAF can only act on the GCM’s recommendation after a decision on a case relating to the incident by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

    As per the sources, last month the High Court of Punjab and Haryana allowed the GCM to pronounce its verdict while stating that it must not be implemented till it disposes of the case, which is awaited.

    According to laid down norms, the Chief of Air Staff has to give an approval on the recommendation of the GCM for sacking of the official.

    On the morning of February 27, 2019, a day after the Balakot air strike, fighter jets of India and Pakistan were involved in a duel over the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir near the Line of Control (LoC). The Mi-17V5 had crashed in the Budgam area shortly after take-off from Srinagar killing all six personnel on board and one civilian on the ground.

    The Court of Inquiry ordered to investigate the crash had put the responsibility on at least four officers, including a Group Captain.

  • Cabinet Committee on Security likely to seal Rafale-M deal today

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to clear the multi-billion dollar acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighters at its meeting on Wednesday.

    Sources said that the Indian Navy has expressed its preference for the French fighter aircraft Rafale Marine over US’ F-18 Super Hornet. A proposal for the purchase of Rafale Marine has been sent to the CCS.

    The Indian Air Force has already acquired 36 Rafale fighters. The commonality of the fleet and the resultant savings on training, repairs and maintenance have reportedly tilted the scale in favour of Dassault’s Rafale Marine. The two versions of the aircraft have over 80 per cent common features.

    These aircraft will be deployed on India’s indigenously developed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. According to sources, the Ministry of Defence has worked out a comprehensive contract, including Performance-based Logistics, which will ensure that the Original Equipment Manufacturer will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the aircraft and the supply of spares. Dassault will also build a maintenance facility for the Rafales on INS Vikrant, besides one in Goa. The company will train the naval aviation ground crew, besides training the pilots.

    The fighters will be fully loaded with all maritime systems, including the maritime search radar that is capable of detecting submarines and warships in the sea. The price of the aircraft has not been revealed yet, but sources said it will be considerably lower than the IAF version. The government has decided to make the acquisition through an inter-governmental agreement rather than going in for an open tender.

    Rafale-M has been locked in a tight fight with Boeing’s Super Hornet. Sources said the Indian Navy brass was mighty impressed by the Rafale’s capabilities during a joint exercise in India recently and asked the ministry of defence to close the deal with the French vendor.

    The Indian Navy has been exploring options to replace its ageing MiG-29K as a short-term solution. India has been working on developing its own twin-engine deck-based fighters as a long-term solution to its need for carrier-based fighters. But since there are still some years before the aircraft is indigenously developed, the Navy has decided to go in for the acquisition to meet its requirement. The CCS includes the ministers for defence, home, finance, and external affairs and the national security advisor.

    NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to clear the multi-billion dollar acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighters at its meeting on Wednesday.

    Sources said that the Indian Navy has expressed its preference for the French fighter aircraft Rafale Marine over US’ F-18 Super Hornet. A proposal for the purchase of Rafale Marine has been sent to the CCS.

    The Indian Air Force has already acquired 36 Rafale fighters. The commonality of the fleet and the resultant savings on training, repairs and maintenance have reportedly tilted the scale in favour of Dassault’s Rafale Marine. The two versions of the aircraft have over 80 per cent common features.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    These aircraft will be deployed on India’s indigenously developed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. According to sources, the Ministry of Defence has worked out a comprehensive contract, including Performance-based Logistics, which will ensure that the Original Equipment Manufacturer will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the aircraft and the supply of spares. Dassault will also build a maintenance facility for the Rafales on INS Vikrant, besides one in Goa. The company will train the naval aviation ground crew, besides training the pilots.

    The fighters will be fully loaded with all maritime systems, including the maritime search radar that is capable of detecting submarines and warships in the sea. The price of the aircraft has not been revealed yet, but sources said it will be considerably lower than the IAF version. The government has decided to make the acquisition through an inter-governmental agreement rather than going in for an open tender.

    Rafale-M has been locked in a tight fight with Boeing’s Super Hornet. Sources said the Indian Navy brass was mighty impressed by the Rafale’s capabilities during a joint exercise in India recently and asked the ministry of defence to close the deal with the French vendor.

    The Indian Navy has been exploring options to replace its ageing MiG-29K as a short-term solution. India has been working on developing its own twin-engine deck-based fighters as a long-term solution to its need for carrier-based fighters. But since there are still some years before the aircraft is indigenously developed, the Navy has decided to go in for the acquisition to meet its requirement. The CCS includes the ministers for defence, home, finance, and external affairs and the national security advisor.

  • Airfield security review in Jammu: IAF officer urges people to promptly report any suspicious activities

    By PTI

    JAMMU: A top Indian Air Force officer on Saturday underlined the need to maintain strict vigil to ensure airfield security and urged people to provide timely information on any suspicious activities, according to a defence spokesperson.

    Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Force Station Jammu, Air Commodore G S Bhullar said this while chairing an airfield security review meeting here, the spokesperson said.

    Village heads from areas in the immediate vicinity of the Jammu airfield, officials of concerned civic agencies and key officials of the Airport Authority of India attended the meeting at the Air Force Station here.

    Addressing the meeting, the AOC highlighted the need for exercising strict vigil to prevent any untoward incidents and check any suspicious activities or drone sightings, and requested the stakeholders to promptly report them, the spokesperson said.

    He also expressed concern over rampant garbage dumping around the Jammu airport and how it is contributing to heightened bird activity which might lead to aircraft accidents.

    The officer urged all village heads and civic agencies to take steps to educate people in their areas about better waste segregation and disposal.

    Garbage disposal in important areas in the vicinity of the Jammu airfield was also highlighted during the meeting, the spokesperson said.

    JAMMU: A top Indian Air Force officer on Saturday underlined the need to maintain strict vigil to ensure airfield security and urged people to provide timely information on any suspicious activities, according to a defence spokesperson.

    Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Force Station Jammu, Air Commodore G S Bhullar said this while chairing an airfield security review meeting here, the spokesperson said.

    Village heads from areas in the immediate vicinity of the Jammu airfield, officials of concerned civic agencies and key officials of the Airport Authority of India attended the meeting at the Air Force Station here.

    Addressing the meeting, the AOC highlighted the need for exercising strict vigil to prevent any untoward incidents and check any suspicious activities or drone sightings, and requested the stakeholders to promptly report them, the spokesperson said.

    He also expressed concern over rampant garbage dumping around the Jammu airport and how it is contributing to heightened bird activity which might lead to aircraft accidents.

    The officer urged all village heads and civic agencies to take steps to educate people in their areas about better waste segregation and disposal.

    Garbage disposal in important areas in the vicinity of the Jammu airfield was also highlighted during the meeting, the spokesperson said.

  • IAF to conduct combat drills in Eastern Sector amid increased Chinese deployment along LAC

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force will carry out a mega exercise covering the Northeastern region early next month to check its combat readiness, amid the increased deployment of Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.

    This exercise, as per sources, will involve the activation of all major airbases in the eastern command. 

    Eastern Air Command will be conducting its annual Command-level exercise during the first week of February 2023. This exercise, named ‘Poorvi Akash’, is being conducted after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

    “The exercise will involve the activation of the Command’s fighter, helicopter and transport assets towards a routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises,” IAF added 

    The IAF is conducting a second such exercise after the Indian Army and China’s PLA troops were engaged in a clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9.

    The Chinese PLA troops had clashed with the Indian Army soldiers in the Eastern Sector while tensions continue in Eastern Ladakh where more than 50,000 troops along with their arms and equipment continue to remain deployed close to the LAC

    Last time, the exercise was conducted for two days. Air bases in Assam’s Tezpur, Chabua, Jorhat and West Bengal’s Hashimara were activated in the exercise. Fighter jets like Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI also participated last time. The most modern multi-role combat Rafale Fighters are also based in Eastern Sector at Hashimara Airbase.

    The 3,488 km long LAC is divided into three sectors including the Arunachal and Sikkim in Eastern Sector, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in Middle Sector and Ladakh in the Western Sector.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force will carry out a mega exercise covering the Northeastern region early next month to check its combat readiness, amid the increased deployment of Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.

    This exercise, as per sources, will involve the activation of all major airbases in the eastern command. 

    Eastern Air Command will be conducting its annual Command-level exercise during the first week of February 2023. This exercise, named ‘Poorvi Akash’, is being conducted after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

    “The exercise will involve the activation of the Command’s fighter, helicopter and transport assets towards a routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises,” IAF added 

    The IAF is conducting a second such exercise after the Indian Army and China’s PLA troops were engaged in a clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9.

    The Chinese PLA troops had clashed with the Indian Army soldiers in the Eastern Sector while tensions continue in Eastern Ladakh where more than 50,000 troops along with their arms and equipment continue to remain deployed close to the LAC

    Last time, the exercise was conducted for two days. Air bases in Assam’s Tezpur, Chabua, Jorhat and West Bengal’s Hashimara were activated in the exercise. Fighter jets like Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI also participated last time. The most modern multi-role combat Rafale Fighters are also based in Eastern Sector at Hashimara Airbase.

    The 3,488 km long LAC is divided into three sectors including the Arunachal and Sikkim in Eastern Sector, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in Middle Sector and Ladakh in the Western Sector.

  • ‘Critical deficiencies’ must be addressed to retain our combat edge: IAF Chief

    Express News Service

    The head of the Indian Air Force on Thursday impressed upon the “critical deficiencies” of the force which need to be addressed to retain the combat edge. This statement holds significance as the force is grappling with dwindled combat fighters and the associated force multipliers. The Air Chief also touched upon the “great power politics in play” of the Indo-Pacific and stated that this will have repercussions.

    Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said, “There are certain critical deficiencies like shortage of fighter squadrons and force multipliers which must be addressed on priority to retain our combat edge.”

    The IAF operates nearly 30 Combat Squadrons in place of the sanctioned 42 Combat squadrons.

    From an airpower perspective, IAF will be expected to contribute across the full spectrum of conflict. Airpower has the capability to deter, defend and if required punish the adversary in a conflict, he added.

    The Air Chief was giving the inaugural address at the 19th Subroto Mukherjee seminar organized by the IAF think tank Centre for Air Power Studies. Chief was speaking on “India’s eminence in the emerging world order.”

    “The Indian Air Force needs to evolve into an aerospace power and to do so, there is a need to develop the capability to fight and win tomorrow’s wars. Multi-domain operations and hybrid warfare are here to stay and we must, therefore, realign and reform to keep pace with technology to remain relevant.”

    Looking at the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, “we see great power politics in play where an established superpower is increasingly being challenged by an established regional power with global ambitions. The outcome of this great power competition will have repercussions for all major players in the region.” said ACM Chaudhari.

    Expounding on the emerging world order Chief said that a rising China and a resurgent Russia are seen as the biggest challenges to American dominance and he also brought out the shifting of the economic centre of gravity from the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific, to which India and China are significant contributors.

    As per the Air Chief, “the window of demographic dividend opportunity available from 2005-06 to 2055-56 is longer than any other country in the world. This bulge in the working age population will not last long and must be exploited.”

    “Our neighbourhood continues to remain volatile and uncertain. Amidst this volatility, we must enhance our collective strength by partnering with nations which share common beliefs and values. We must use our image as a stable country with considerable economic heft to forge mutually beneficial relationships and strategic partnerships. It is essential that we retain our strategic autonomy, and to do that, in my opinion, a strategy of balancing would be the way forward,” the chief said.

    There are many things that are going India’s way. “Our economic progress, military might, political stability and diplomatic deftness has put us at the centre stage and announced to the world that India has arrived.”

    The head of the Indian Air Force on Thursday impressed upon the “critical deficiencies” of the force which need to be addressed to retain the combat edge. This statement holds significance as the force is grappling with dwindled combat fighters and the associated force multipliers. The Air Chief also touched upon the “great power politics in play” of the Indo-Pacific and stated that this will have repercussions.

    Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said, “There are certain critical deficiencies like shortage of fighter squadrons and force multipliers which must be addressed on priority to retain our combat edge.”

    The IAF operates nearly 30 Combat Squadrons in place of the sanctioned 42 Combat squadrons.

    From an airpower perspective, IAF will be expected to contribute across the full spectrum of conflict. Airpower has the capability to deter, defend and if required punish the adversary in a conflict, he added.

    The Air Chief was giving the inaugural address at the 19th Subroto Mukherjee seminar organized by the IAF think tank Centre for Air Power Studies. Chief was speaking on “India’s eminence in the emerging world order.”

    “The Indian Air Force needs to evolve into an aerospace power and to do so, there is a need to develop the capability to fight and win tomorrow’s wars. Multi-domain operations and hybrid warfare are here to stay and we must, therefore, realign and reform to keep pace with technology to remain relevant.”

    Looking at the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, “we see great power politics in play where an established superpower is increasingly being challenged by an established regional power with global ambitions. The outcome of this great power competition will have repercussions for all major players in the region.” said ACM Chaudhari.

    Expounding on the emerging world order Chief said that a rising China and a resurgent Russia are seen as the biggest challenges to American dominance and he also brought out the shifting of the economic centre of gravity from the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific, to which India and China are significant contributors.

    As per the Air Chief, “the window of demographic dividend opportunity available from 2005-06 to 2055-56 is longer than any other country in the world. This bulge in the working age population will not last long and must be exploited.”

    “Our neighbourhood continues to remain volatile and uncertain. Amidst this volatility, we must enhance our collective strength by partnering with nations which share common beliefs and values. We must use our image as a stable country with considerable economic heft to forge mutually beneficial relationships and strategic partnerships. It is essential that we retain our strategic autonomy, and to do that, in my opinion, a strategy of balancing would be the way forward,” the chief said.

    There are many things that are going India’s way. “Our economic progress, military might, political stability and diplomatic deftness has put us at the centre stage and announced to the world that India has arrived.”

  • Driver flees with 4,000 eggs meant for IAF mess in MP’s Gwalior

    By PTI

    GWALIOR: The driver of an autorickshaw transporting 4,000 eggs to the Indian Air Force mess in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has allegedly fled with the consignment, a police official said on Monday.

    The vehicle went missing soon after it left for the IAF mess, following which the supplier filed a complaint with Morar police station on Sunday evening, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajesh Dandotiya.

    “The supplier has said he was loading vegetables in another vehicle when the autorickshaw driver fled with the eggs. A theft case has been registered and efforts are on the nab the accused,” he said.

    GWALIOR: The driver of an autorickshaw transporting 4,000 eggs to the Indian Air Force mess in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has allegedly fled with the consignment, a police official said on Monday.

    The vehicle went missing soon after it left for the IAF mess, following which the supplier filed a complaint with Morar police station on Sunday evening, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajesh Dandotiya.

    “The supplier has said he was loading vegetables in another vehicle when the autorickshaw driver fled with the eggs. A theft case has been registered and efforts are on the nab the accused,” he said.

  • BrahMos: Air force to get armed with next generation missile by 2025

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force will get armed with the BrahMos NG (next generation) versatile supersonic cruise missile system by 2025. The missile is under design and development stage with the infrastructure being created at Lucknow node of Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor for setting up of missile making units.

    BrahMos Aerospace GM (Air Version) Group Captain MK Srivastava (Retd) said: “We are looking for a range close to 300km and since we are still in the design stage there is a possibility of tweaking the range. It could be plus or minus three km here and there.”

    “We are looking for the land targets at our first attempt and once we achieve that we migrate to the sea target.”

    “We are expecting from the time we sign the contract and there is funding available they will take 2-2.5 years but notwithstanding the funding we have started certain processes with our own reserves, so that we meet the timeline and realize the missile at the earliest.”

    After completing the land-based targets, the sea target would only take 10-12 months, said Srivastava.

    The NG will be lighter in weight and smaller in size thus allowing the aerial platforms to carry more numbers of them. The NG will be weighing around 1330 kgs and around six metres long. The old current version of BrahMos is 2650 kg of weight with a length of around 9 metres.

    Another source said, “At present the Sukhois can carry only one and it will be able to carry a maximum four NG missiles.

    Since it is lighter, smaller and compact, the next generation missile systems can be fitted on several platforms. Right now the plan is to fit it in Sukhoi-30MKI and LCA.

     “The infrastructure construction work will be completed within two years and then production will start taking place. We would start delivering the lethal weapon system to the IAF by 2025,” said another official from BrahMos Aerospace at DefExpo2022.

    The range of the missile was 290 km, with a speed of 2.8 mach, till the time India was not part of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). India became a MTCR member in 2016 and extended its range to 450 km.

    The extended range capability of the missile coupled with the high performance of the Su-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF strategic reach. The missile system was successfully married with the Su-30 MKI in May this year.

    The NG is expected to gain a lot of export enquiries. “It has got a huge potential for export in comparison to existing missiles because of the weight which is much less so it fits on many platforms and we are definitely looking for export definitely that is one of our KRA,” Gp capt Srivastava (R) said.

    “In the next 3-4 years, we will start exporting it.”

    Several African countries and West Asian countries have evinced interest in the NG version of BrahMos missile system. Philippines has already approved a $374.96 million (Rs 2700 cr) contract for the purchase of a shore-based anti-ship missile system from India.

    The BrahMos missile can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land and has been inducted into all three services — Army, Navy and Air Force.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force will get armed with the BrahMos NG (next generation) versatile supersonic cruise missile system by 2025. The missile is under design and development stage with the infrastructure being created at Lucknow node of Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor for setting up of missile making units.

    BrahMos Aerospace GM (Air Version) Group Captain MK Srivastava (Retd) said: “We are looking for a range close to 300km and since we are still in the design stage there is a possibility of tweaking the range. It could be plus or minus three km here and there.”

    “We are looking for the land targets at our first attempt and once we achieve that we migrate to the sea target.”

    “We are expecting from the time we sign the contract and there is funding available they will take 2-2.5 years but notwithstanding the funding we have started certain processes with our own reserves, so that we meet the timeline and realize the missile at the earliest.”

    After completing the land-based targets, the sea target would only take 10-12 months, said Srivastava.

    The NG will be lighter in weight and smaller in size thus allowing the aerial platforms to carry more numbers of them. The NG will be weighing around 1330 kgs and around six metres long. The old current version of BrahMos is 2650 kg of weight with a length of around 9 metres.

    Another source said, “At present the Sukhois can carry only one and it will be able to carry a maximum four NG missiles.

    Since it is lighter, smaller and compact, the next generation missile systems can be fitted on several platforms. Right now the plan is to fit it in Sukhoi-30MKI and LCA.

     “The infrastructure construction work will be completed within two years and then production will start taking place. We would start delivering the lethal weapon system to the IAF by 2025,” said another official from BrahMos Aerospace at DefExpo2022.

    The range of the missile was 290 km, with a speed of 2.8 mach, till the time India was not part of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). India became a MTCR member in 2016 and extended its range to 450 km.

    The extended range capability of the missile coupled with the high performance of the Su-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF strategic reach. The missile system was successfully married with the Su-30 MKI in May this year.

    The NG is expected to gain a lot of export enquiries. “It has got a huge potential for export in comparison to existing missiles because of the weight which is much less so it fits on many platforms and we are definitely looking for export definitely that is one of our KRA,” Gp capt Srivastava (R) said.

    “In the next 3-4 years, we will start exporting it.”

    Several African countries and West Asian countries have evinced interest in the NG version of BrahMos missile system. Philippines has already approved a $374.96 million (Rs 2700 cr) contract for the purchase of a shore-based anti-ship missile system from India.

    The BrahMos missile can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land and has been inducted into all three services — Army, Navy and Air Force.

  • Theatre Command structure should not in any way compromise the IAF’s doctrine: IAF Chief

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Communicating the worries of the Indian Air Force with regards to the major reorganization exercise of the structure of the Armed Forces into theatres the Air Chief has clarified that the service was not opposing any process of integration or having theatre commands. “But we have certain reservations with respect to the structures.” said the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. He also talked about the situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh saying the best benchmark would be “complete withdrawal”.

    As reported earlier by TNIE the war fighting structure of the Armed Forces (Army, Air Force and Navy) is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    The IAF is in full support of the integration process but “It is only the methodology and the kind of structure that need to be future ready is what we are insisting on.” he added.

    Elaborating on his views to make the structures Future ready, “it should be shorter decision making, reduction in the layers of command and control and more importantly to synergy the core competencies. Each service has a doctrine. The doctrinal aspects of the IAF is what I am worried about, should not in any way be compromised by this new structure.”

    The Air Chief was addressing the media before the 90th Raising Day of the Force.

    The Chief, commenting on the situation in Eastern Ladakh, said, “The best benchmark would be return to status quo ante and complete withdrawal from all the points all along the LAC. That is the ideal situation that we would look for.”

    Disengagement has taken place at certain areas along the LAC. However, we keep monitoring the activities of the PLA Air Force. Infrastructure development continues to take place at a rapid pace across the LAC particularly Eastern Ladakh sector.” 

    On the increased air activity by the Chinese the air chief said “we continuously monitor it by enhancing our air defence efforts there.”

    “We have increased the presence of our radars and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) systems. We have integrated them into the IACCS network, and appropriate non-escalatory air-defence measures are taken, always in time. We have been able to signal our intent and signal our state of readiness with the actions taken so far.” He said.

    The Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) has been planned to provide the complete picture of the air domain to assist him with quick and informed decisions.

    As per the Chief, all preparedness in terms of infrastructure building, equipment, training and tactics is a continuous effort, irrespective of whether we see any belligerence on the part of the Chinese or not.

    “The Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between India and China are in place. We have ensured that none of the CBMs are violated. In case there is a violation, we now have an Air Force officer who represents us in the border talks. In the last border management talks, we had an Air Force officer and the various air violations cases have been communicated to them. We will use the Army hotlines for communicating any air violations.” Added the IAF Chief.

    NEW DELHI: Communicating the worries of the Indian Air Force with regards to the major reorganization exercise of the structure of the Armed Forces into theatres the Air Chief has clarified that the service was not opposing any process of integration or having theatre commands. “But we have certain reservations with respect to the structures.” said the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. He also talked about the situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh saying the best benchmark would be “complete withdrawal”.

    As reported earlier by TNIE the war fighting structure of the Armed Forces (Army, Air Force and Navy) is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    The IAF is in full support of the integration process but “It is only the methodology and the kind of structure that need to be future ready is what we are insisting on.” he added.

    Elaborating on his views to make the structures Future ready, “it should be shorter decision making, reduction in the layers of command and control and more importantly to synergy the core competencies. Each service has a doctrine. The doctrinal aspects of the IAF is what I am worried about, should not in any way be compromised by this new structure.”

    The Air Chief was addressing the media before the 90th Raising Day of the Force.

    The Chief, commenting on the situation in Eastern Ladakh, said, “The best benchmark would be return to status quo ante and complete withdrawal from all the points all along the LAC. That is the ideal situation that we would look for.”

    Disengagement has taken place at certain areas along the LAC. However, we keep monitoring the activities of the PLA Air Force. Infrastructure development continues to take place at a rapid pace across the LAC particularly Eastern Ladakh sector.” 

    On the increased air activity by the Chinese the air chief said “we continuously monitor it by enhancing our air defence efforts there.”

    “We have increased the presence of our radars and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) systems. We have integrated them into the IACCS network, and appropriate non-escalatory air-defence measures are taken, always in time. We have been able to signal our intent and signal our state of readiness with the actions taken so far.” He said.

    The Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) has been planned to provide the complete picture of the air domain to assist him with quick and informed decisions.

    As per the Chief, all preparedness in terms of infrastructure building, equipment, training and tactics is a continuous effort, irrespective of whether we see any belligerence on the part of the Chinese or not.

    “The Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between India and China are in place. We have ensured that none of the CBMs are violated. In case there is a violation, we now have an Air Force officer who represents us in the border talks. In the last border management talks, we had an Air Force officer and the various air violations cases have been communicated to them. We will use the Army hotlines for communicating any air violations.” Added the IAF Chief.

  • Female Agniveers in IAF from next year: Air Chief VR Chaudhari

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force has decided to induct women candidates under the Air Force Agniveers scheme from next year, said IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) VR Chaudhari on Tuesday. Air Chief was addressing annual press conference before its 90th Raising Day on October 8. This is the first time that the Air Force has announced women candidates joining the force at the Other Ranks (ORs) level. The Navy and Army had made announcements of inducting women as the ORs under the Agniveer scheme. The Air Force has been inducting women at officers level.

    While addressing the media persons in Delhi days ahead of 90th Indian Air Force Day, ACM Chaudhari said: “We as an organisation are gender agnostic and recognise merit and performance above everything else. A high ratio of women officers in the IAF is testimony to our commitment in providing equal opportunity and a level playing field for every individual irrespective of gender.”

    “Induction of female Agniveers is planned next year,” he said.

    Air Force plans to induct around 3,500 Agniveers as part of its recruitment next year. A total of 3,000 male Agniveers will join the service in December this year.

    “We are looking at 10 per cent females in the Agniveer scheme. We are looking at the fleets where we can use them and grow as time comes. We will accept them in the trade and fleet with an open mind.” said the Air Chief

    Speaking on the issue another officer said “The induction of the women candidates in the first year will be around 3 percent and it will keep rising to the level of 10 percent by the fourth year.”

    The Agniveers will not be positioned into the permanent Cadre which will be reserved for those inducted for permanent duty. The Air Force has 39 Trades which have streams and sub-streams.

    It was in June, the government had announced the new recruitment scheme for the armed forces under which the personnel at the soldiers level will be inducted initially for four years with no provision of pension. At the end of the fourth year 25 percent of them will be inducted for 15 years.

    On induction of the women Agniveers for permanent duties the officer said, “The induction will depend on merit and the numbers will not be fixed for them.” On induction the women will also be addressed as Airmen.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force has decided to induct women candidates under the Air Force Agniveers scheme from next year, said IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) VR Chaudhari on Tuesday. Air Chief was addressing annual press conference before its 90th Raising Day on October 8. This is the first time that the Air Force has announced women candidates joining the force at the Other Ranks (ORs) level. The Navy and Army had made announcements of inducting women as the ORs under the Agniveer scheme. The Air Force has been inducting women at officers level.

    While addressing the media persons in Delhi days ahead of 90th Indian Air Force Day, ACM Chaudhari said: “We as an organisation are gender agnostic and recognise merit and performance above everything else. A high ratio of women officers in the IAF is testimony to our commitment in providing equal opportunity and a level playing field for every individual irrespective of gender.”

    “Induction of female Agniveers is planned next year,” he said.

    Air Force plans to induct around 3,500 Agniveers as part of its recruitment next year. A total of 3,000 male Agniveers will join the service in December this year.

    “We are looking at 10 per cent females in the Agniveer scheme. We are looking at the fleets where we can use them and grow as time comes. We will accept them in the trade and fleet with an open mind.” said the Air Chief

    Speaking on the issue another officer said “The induction of the women candidates in the first year will be around 3 percent and it will keep rising to the level of 10 percent by the fourth year.”

    The Agniveers will not be positioned into the permanent Cadre which will be reserved for those inducted for permanent duty. The Air Force has 39 Trades which have streams and sub-streams.

    It was in June, the government had announced the new recruitment scheme for the armed forces under which the personnel at the soldiers level will be inducted initially for four years with no provision of pension. At the end of the fourth year 25 percent of them will be inducted for 15 years.

    On induction of the women Agniveers for permanent duties the officer said, “The induction will depend on merit and the numbers will not be fixed for them.” On induction the women will also be addressed as Airmen.

  • Appropriate measures put in place to deal with Chinese activities along LAC: IAF chief 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the Indian Air Force has taken appropriate “non-escalatory” measures to deal with Chinese activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

    Addressing a press conference ahead of the Air Force Day on October 8, he also said that recent developments at the global stage show the need for a strong military to ward off any challenge.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the IAF has been preparing for all kinds of security challenges including “worst-case scenario” and asserted that it is fully ready to face any situation.

    “We continue to be operationally deployed and ever vigilant,” he said, adding the IAF continues to monitor all Chinese activities along the LAC.

    When asked about recent incidents of Chinese fighter jets flying close to the LAC, he said appropriate non-escalatory measures have been taken and a message was sent to the neighbouring country.

    Our overall preparation is a continuous process irrespective of Chinese belligerence, he said.

    To a question, he said the benchmark for the situation to return to normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante and completion of disengagement in all friction points.

    Referring to the ambitious theaterisation plan, the Air Chief Marshal said the IAF understands imperatives of joint planning and execution with sister forces for future wars.

    We are not opposed to tri-services integration; our reservations are relating to only certain structures, he said.

    The chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF is in sync with the government on self-reliance in defence production.

    NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the Indian Air Force has taken appropriate “non-escalatory” measures to deal with Chinese activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

    Addressing a press conference ahead of the Air Force Day on October 8, he also said that recent developments at the global stage show the need for a strong military to ward off any challenge.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the IAF has been preparing for all kinds of security challenges including “worst-case scenario” and asserted that it is fully ready to face any situation.

    “We continue to be operationally deployed and ever vigilant,” he said, adding the IAF continues to monitor all Chinese activities along the LAC.

    When asked about recent incidents of Chinese fighter jets flying close to the LAC, he said appropriate non-escalatory measures have been taken and a message was sent to the neighbouring country.

    Our overall preparation is a continuous process irrespective of Chinese belligerence, he said.

    To a question, he said the benchmark for the situation to return to normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante and completion of disengagement in all friction points.

    Referring to the ambitious theaterisation plan, the Air Chief Marshal said the IAF understands imperatives of joint planning and execution with sister forces for future wars.

    We are not opposed to tri-services integration; our reservations are relating to only certain structures, he said.

    The chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF is in sync with the government on self-reliance in defence production.