Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
25-October, 2015 11:17 IST
Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff(CAS) Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Visits Brazil

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, leaves on a four-day official visit to Brazil from 25 October 2015. As Chairman COSC, he would be visiting various establishments of the three Services of the Brazilian Armed Forces. His schedule includes visit to the Embraer Headquarters and the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology in Sao Paulo. At Manaus, he will visit the Centre for Jungle Warfare Training and the Amazon Military Command Headquarters where he would witness riverine operations by the Brazilian Navy and Marines in the Amazon river. A visit to the Integrated Air Defence and Air Traffic Control Center in Manaus is also on the cards. Towards the end of his tour, Air Chief Marshal Raha would be visiting the Superior War College at Rio De Janeiro which is the Brazilian equivalent of India’s National Defence College.

The Air Chief would be meeting the Chiefs of Brazilian Army and Air Force during his stay at Brasilia. He would also interact with the Chief of Joint Staff of the Armed Forces and later the Defence Minister of Brazil, Mr Jose Aldo Rebelo Figueiredo.

The visit is aimed at enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in defence related matters. Presently, the Indian Air Force operates the Embraer 135 in the communication role whilst the AEW&C platform for the indigenous AEW&C programme which is nearing completion uses the Embraer 145. Additionally, there are plans for the two countries to engage with each other on a wide array of issues under the aegis of the BRICS grouping.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
29-October, 2015 11:40 IST
Indian Air Force (IAF) to Commence Exercise-Livewire

The Indian Air Force is commencing its annual exercise, Exercise Livewire, on 31 October 2015. The exercise involves utilization of air assets of all types available with the IAF. The aim of the exercise is to validate the full spectrum of IAF capability in undertaking operations in response to likely future threats and operational contingencies, and also to exercise its latest acquisitions effectively in a network centric environment. The latest operational concepts and preparedness would be checked out.

During such exercises, exposure is also given to the young generation of air warriors in honing their skills. Along with operational requirements, maintenance as well as administrative requirements would also be tested in as close to the likely real-time scenario as possible. Communications, net centric warfare operations and reconnaissance capabilities would be checked. Joint operations with Indian Army and Navy would be practised on realistic targets, so as to synergise the Op capability of all the three Services. Liaison with Airports Authority of India has been ensured for de-confliction with civil air traffic during the exercise.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
30-October, 2015 16:42 IST
Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh Retires after 37 years of Glorious Service

Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) who held the appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Air HQs, retires on 31 October 2015 after 37 years of glorious service. The Air Marshal who belongs to Amritsar was commissioned in the Electronics stream of Aeronautical Engineering branch in IAF on 02 July 1979. He is a graduate in Electronics and Communication from REC Kurukshetra (now NIT) and a post graduate in Integrated Electronics from IIT Delhi. He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in Jan 1999 for his distinguished service in IAF. He has rich experience in the field of maintenance management of aircraft, radars and guided weapons.

The Air Marshal plans to settle down in Chandigarh after retirement.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
01-November, 2015 11:54 IST
Air Marshal Khanna Takes Over as Maintenance Head of the Indian Air Force (IAF)
Air Marshal Virender Mohan Khanna assumes the responsibilities of Air Officer-in-charge Maintenance (AOM) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi today.

The Air Marshal was commissioned in the Mechanical stream of Aeronautical Engineering branch in IAF on 25 July 1977. He is a graduate from Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra and post graduate in Industrial Engineering and Management from IIT, Kharagpur. He is an also an alumnus of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Additionally, he also acquired post graduate diploma in Journalism and Human Rights.

During his career spanning 38 years, the officer has held important appointments of Director General (Aircraft) and Assistance Chief of Air Staff Engg (Transport and Helicopters) at Air HQ, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer and Chief Engineering Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command. The officer has also served at various Base Repair Depots as Chief of Aircraft, Chief of Production and Planning and Commanding Officer. He was instrumental in successful induction of large number of MI-17 V5 helicopters, Hawk AJT and Pilatus aircraft.

Air Marshal had led a team of IAF Pilots and Maintenance Officers which trained pilots and engineers of Botswana Defence Force thus strengthening Indo-Africa ties. Air Marshal has served as Flight Engineer and flown MI-8, MI-17 and MI-26, the largest helicopters in the world based at Chandigarh.

An avid sportsman, Air Marshal was also the member of two Indian Expeditions to Antarctica where IAF played a pivotal role in setting up Indian permanent Bases Dakshin Gangotri and Maitri.

Air Marshal has been decorated by President of India with Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

 

[Hindustani78]

Aviation Corps celebrates 30th Raising Day - The Hindu

Updated: November 2, 2015 07:02 IST
The Aviation Corps of the army on Sunday celebrated its 30th Raising Day at a function held at the headquarters of the Northern Command in Udhampur of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Army Aviation Corps was raised on Nov 1, 1986 as a separate Corps. On this occasion, various functions were organised by officers, JCOs and Jawans with their families at various Army Aviation units, a defence spokesperson said.

Lt Gen D. S. Hooda, General Officer Commanding-in-chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command complimented all personnel of the Corps for their dedication, hard work and whole-hearted support beyond the call of duty in all operations in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

The Army Aviation Corps, the ‘Arm of the future’, has not only performed exceedingly well in its role in support of the ground forces during operations but also aided civil population as a support to civil authorities, the Spokesperson said. PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy, Vice Admiral Muhammad Farid Habib calling on the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, in New Delhi on November 02, 2015.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
04-November, 2015 15:41 IST
Indian Air Force (IAF) Ex Livewire Continues

The IAF is in the midst of Exercise Livewire. The exercise has been planned to validate the IAF’s operational philosophy as well as to assist the young generation of air warriors in honing their skills in a near-wartime scenario. Missions flown till date have placed emphasis on joint operations with the Indian Army and Navy. Integrating service elements to provide a better understanding of interoperability forms an important part of training. In addition to air operations, ground defence is also being practised. Updation of security around frontline bases is an ongoing process and this too is being put to test during the exercise. This exercise would assist in enhancing operational capability of the IAF as a whole. Almost all types of existing air assets of the IAF are being exercised.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
09-November, 2015 12:11 IST
President of India condoles the passing away of Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra, former Chief of Air Staff.

In his condolence message to his son, Shri Suneel Mehra, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father, Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra, former Chief of Air Staff.

Air Chief Marshal Mehra led the Indian Air Force with distinction for more than three decades. He had many firsts to his credit. During his service in the Air Force he flew a very wide variety of aircrafts including Tiger Moth and finally the Jaguar (in UK) and the MiG-21. Air Chief Mehra implemented several reforms and rules that saw improvement in fight safety across the IAF. He was not just a brave air warrior but also served the nation as Governor of Maharashtra (1980) and Governor of Rajasthan (1982).

For his outstanding services to the nation and the Indian Air Force, he was honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 1968. Air Chief Marshal Mehra was honoured by the nation with a Padma Vibhushan in 1977 for his service to the Indian Force. His services to the nation will be always remembered.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of your family, the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
09-November, 2015 15:41 IST
Indian Air Force (IAF) Exercise Livewire Concludes

IAF’s annual exercise, Exercise Livewire, came to a close on 08 Nov 15. It was a country-wide Air Force exercise conducted to work up the full spectrum of IAF capability and undertake planned operations in response to likely future threats and operational contingencies. During the exercise, the IAF operated its latest acquisitions in a network centric environment, achieving very high levels of synergy with the Army and the Navy. During this exercise, hundreds of missions were flown with impeccable planning and execution. The successful and seamless conduct of the exercise has brought great confidence among the operating crew in the capability of their equipment and aircraft. The exercise was based on a scenario that included rapid deployment across the country at all operational Air Force bases. The operational philosophy of the IAF has been validated as a whole after numerous tactical and strategic missions in a dynamic warfare environment. Some of the major types of missions flown included long range strikes, Air-to-Air Refueling, Air Defence in a net-centric environment, Counter Surface Force Operations and operations in varied kinds of terrain. Needless to say, the learning value after the exercise at such a large scale has been immense.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
09-November, 2015 16:11 IST
PM condoles the passing away of Shri OP Mehra


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Shri OP Mehra.

"Am pained on passing away of a brave and distinguished patriot, Shri OP Mehra. He will always be remembered for his contribution to India.

Shri OP Mehra spent years in service of the nation, first in the Air Force and then through sports administration and as Governor of states.

My thoughts are with the family and all those whose lives Shri OP Mehra touched. May his soul rest in peace", the Prime Minister said.

***


The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha releasing a book “Code of Conduct for Aero Space – A Strategy for India”, penned by Shri Manpreet Sethi, at 12th Subroto Mukerjee Seminar on ‘India’s Security Challenges : Role of Aerospace Power’, in New Delhi on November 09, 2015.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha addressing at the 12th Subroto Mukerjee Seminar on ‘India’s Security Challenges : Role of Aerospace Power’, in New Delhi on November 09, 2015.

 

[Hindustani78]

IAF officer falls to death from chopper in UP - The Hindu

An Indian Air Force (IAF) officer died on Tuesday while jumping off a chopper during a routine drill when his parachute failed to open, officials said.

The incident took place at the Sarsawa Air Force station in Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh.

District police officials said Karma Shrang fell on the banks of the Yamuna river during the practice exercise and died on the spot. He is said to be from the Ladakh region. His family has been informed, an official said.

 

[Abingdonboy]

C-130J-30 visiting the newly upgraded Panagarh air base:
Exclusive: Indian Air Force Aircraft C-130 Hercules Gets New Base - Latest News India, Indian News Today, Breaking News , Live News - Picsture

A signficant moment @MilSpec @Koovie @PARIKRAMA @Water Car Engineer @Aminroop . This (Panagarh) is where the MSC will be Headquartered and the AFB has been upgraded and expanded to house the next SQN of C-130J-30s, C-17s and A330 MRTTs in the long term.

(ignore the actual reporting by the way- no mention made of the fact these are dedicated Special Operations a/c and the idiot even calls them the largest planes in the IAF!)

 

[PARIKRAMA]

C-130J-30 visiting the newly upgraded Panagarh air base:
Exclusive: Indian Air Force Aircraft C-130 Hercules Gets New Base - Latest News India, Indian News Today, Breaking News , Live News - Picsture

A signficant moment @MilSpec @Koovie @PARIKRAMA @Water Car Engineer @Aminroop . This (Panagarh) is where the MSC will be Headquartered and the AFB has been upgraded and expanded to house the next SQN of C-130J-30s, C-17s and A330 MRTTs in the long term.

(ignore the actual reporting by the way- no mention made of the fact these are dedicated Special Operations a/c and the idiot even calls them the largest planes in the IAF!)

I will give you more good news. In a months time, it is expected that 7 (seven) ALG will be ready in Arunachal Pradesh. C130s will surely visit there and demonstrate their abilities. I wish we could have ordered around 15-20 more and make 2 more squadrons of them (10 each in one) They are good force multiplier and does good relief work also for humanitarian missions. To gether with say 30 C130 J30s and 30 Chinooks the transport fleet will rock good. On top 10 C17s we have now and if we can get even second hand 5 more that would be awesome. The only thing left would be A330 MRTTs, a fleet of dedicated aerial tankers in good numbers is also very important. And a confirmed story of MTA !!!

IAF to have 7 operational Advanced Landing Grounds in Arunachal Pradesh in a month

17 Nov, 2015, 04.24AM IST

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force is readying to fully operationalise seven Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh after almost two years of repair and reconstruction, a move that promises to provide a major boost to the country's operational capability.

The Rs 720-crore project to develop ALGs got an impetus in 2013, when the state government and the forces witnessed massive construction and development on the Chinese side along the 1,080-km border. The area remains a bone of contention between the Indian and Chinese forces where the line of actual control acts as the de facto border.

"All seven ALGs, except Tawang will be developed by December this year," Air Marshal SB Deo, commanding-in-chief of Western Air Command, told ET. Of the seven ALGs, the one in Walong was inaugurated last month. The rest include ALGs in Mechuka , Vijoynagar, Tuting, Passighat, Ziro and Aalo.

The ALG in Tawang is yet to reach completion, but once it does it will allow for the landing of C-130J Super Hercules, the latest addition to the air force's transport aircraft.

These ALGs will have night landing capabilities that could prove a big asset to the forces manning the borders. These landing grounds will also be used by the civil flights, providing a fillip to infrastructure and tourism in the region.

"The local populations and local government has provided support to a great extent in the venture and this will also provide further impetus for tourism," said Deo. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha had last month said at a conference that the upgradation of ALGs would enhance the economic development of the Northeastern region.

A similar exercise is being undertaken in Ladakh. Currently the Air Force has one operational ALG at Daulet Beg Oldi. Plans are afoot to develop one ALG at Nyoma and extend the Kargil airfield to enable fighter operations.

IAF to have 7 operational Advanced Landing Grounds in Arunachal Pradesh in a month - The Economic Times

 

[Abingdonboy]

will give you more good news. In a months time, it is expected that 7 (seven) ALG will be ready in Arunachal Pradesh. C130s will surely visit there and demonstrate their abilities. I wish we could have ordered around 15-20 more and make 2 more squadrons of them (10 each in one) They are good force multiplier and does good relief work also for humanitarian missions. To gether with say 30 C130 J30s and 30 Chinooks the transport fleet will rock good. On top 10 C17s we have now and if we can get even second hand 5 more that would be awesome. The only thing left would be A330 MRTTs, a fleet of dedicated aerial tankers in good numbers is also very important. And a confirmed story of MTA !!!

Great stuff.

As for more C-130J-30s, don't fret too much brother. Believe me this option is on the table and there is no looming C-130 production line closure, the MTA is becoming more and more remote with everyday and the C-130 will be the perfect candidate to step in and fill the void when (sadly, I don't think it is a case of if anymore) the MTA project offically collapses.

The C-130XJ (a stripped down J model) would fit the IAF's needs well in this regard:

The IAF won't need much of the "extras" it has specific for its bespoke Spec Ops J-30 models, it just needs a air taxi which is what the XJ is meant to be.

100+ An-132s to be replaced would require around 50-60 C-130XJs (likely many more given the ever growing demand on the IAF).

 

[PARIKRAMA]

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/conte...esday/Wed 0830 C-130XJ-LM-Kathleen Atkins.pdf