Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/638299/iaf-plans-highway-landing-its.html

DH News Service, New Delhi, Oct 18 2017, 0:22 IST

After discussions with several state governments, IAF identified 22 road segments where light weight fighters and transport aircraft can land. Screen Grab

Indian Air Force plans to land several of its fighter and transport aircraft on the Agra-Lucknow express-way next week to train the pilots on emergency landing.

Allhabad-based Central Air Command intends to land multiple aircraft including Mirage and Jaguar fighters on the highway on October 24, defence ministry sources said.

This would be the third highway landing for IAF in the last two years. Previously Yamuna Express way, which connects Delhi to Agra, and Lucknow-Agra express way were used by the force for some of its combat jets to touch down.

After discussions with several state governments, IAF identified 22 road segments where light weight fighters and transport aircraft can land.

The first such landing took place on the Yamuna Express way in May 2015 when an IAF's Mirage test landed after taking off from Gwalior.

Some of India's neighbours use highways as landing strips. While Myanmar has vast experience in this area, Pakistan Air Force used a piece of the highway between Lahore and Islamabad for its J-17 jet's touch down and take-off .

During the 1971 Bangladesh war, PAF planned using the roads of Dhaka as temporary runway. But it could not implement the plans due to the presence of electrical wires on both sides of the road, obstructing the aircraft.

A fighter aircraft's touch down and take off from a public road is a challenging task because of narrow margin of error for fighter jet operation and poor load bearing capacity of most of the Indian roads.

But the IAF wants to prepare its pilots with more emergency landing skills because air bases are one of the first targets of an enemy attack in case of war. In such a situation, highways can be used as a back-up runway.

 

[Hindustani78]

Indian Air force paratroopers perform maneuvers at Bamhrauli Air station as the Indian Air Force celebrates its 85th Anniversary Allahabad on Saturday

People take photos as the Sarang Aerobatic team of Indian Air force perform formation flying and maneuvers at Bamhrauli air station on the 85th anniversary of IAF Day celebration in Allahabad on Saturday. PTI Photo

Indian Air force pilot showing their skill at Bamhrauli air station as the Indian Air Force celebrates its 85th Anniversary Allahabad on Saturday. PTI Photo

 

[Gomig-21]

I know there's been rumblings about the IAF being somewhat displeased with the progress of the PAK-FA/FGFA, but is there any truth to this?

Indian Air Force wants out of fighter program with Russia

https://www.defensenews.com/air/201...rce-wants-out-of-fighter-program-with-russia/

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa inspecting the guard of honour, during the WAC Station Commanders’ Conference: 2017, at HQ Western Air Command, in New Delhi on October 23, 2017.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa meeting the Commanders of Western Air Command, during the WAC Station Commanders’ Conference: 2017, at HQ Western Air Command, in New Delhi on October 23, 2017.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa presenting the Best Overall Performance “Fighter Squadron” Trophy to the Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Halwara, Air Commodore D.V. Khot, during the WAC Station Commanders’ Conference: 2017, at HQ Western Air Command, in New Delhi on October 23, 2017.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa in a group photograph with the Commanders of Western Air Command, during the WAC Station Commanders’ Conference: 2017, at HQ Western Air Command, in New Delhi on October 23, 2017.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa addressing the personnel in hollow square, prior to his departure from HQ Western Air Command, in New Delhi on October 23, 2017.

 

[Lord Of Gondor]

I know there's been rumblings about the IAF being somewhat displeased with the progress of the PAK-FA/FGFA, but is there any truth to this?

Indian Air Force wants out of fighter program with Russia

https://www.defensenews.com/air/201...rce-wants-out-of-fighter-program-with-russia/

I don't think so.
Indian media is notorious for inaccuracies in defence reporting and conjuring "sources" from thin air.
The Air Chief said a few weeks ago that the report on the FGFA has been submitted to the MoD and it's confidential.
This is on the back of a separate report submitted by a panel headed by Air Marshal S Varthman (Veteran) to the MoD.

 

[Hindustani78]

//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61190155.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

As many as 20 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including AN-32 transport, Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi 30 MKI, will make a touchdown on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway tomorrow, a defence official said today.

It is for the first time that any transport aircraft will "land and then take off", PRO, Defence (Central Command), Gargi Malik Sinha claimed.

The aircraft touchdown exercise will be conducted on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway near Bangarmau in the neighbouring Unnao district.

The AN-32 are meant for humanitarian assistance and relief operations during floods or any other natural calamity.

"The aircraft can bring a large amount of relief material. It can also help evacuate people," Sinha said.

Twenty aircraft, including two AN-32 transport and fighter planes such as Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Sukhoi 30 MKI will take part in the exercise tomorrow, she added.

 

[Gomig-21]

I don't think so.
Indian media is notorious for inaccuracies in defence reporting and conjuring "sources" from thin air.
The Air Chief said a few weeks ago that the report on the FGFA has been submitted to the MoD and it's confidential.
This is on the back of a separate report submitted by a panel headed by Air Marshal S Varthman (Veteran) to the MoD.

I thought so. Seems like most Indian aviation enthusiasts are also saying the same thing on several other forums, especially when it doesn't name any officials and they make the comparison to the F-35. Even though I don't think it's too far out of the realm of possibilities that some of the top IAF brass have had some exposure to the F-35, it would seem unlikely that they would discuss it publicly. And it would be an ultimate shame if that thing doesn't end up in the Indian Air Force after all these years. And speaking of all these years, I'm still dumbfounded that Sukhoi hasn't released any pics of the weapons bay doors open, let alone the thing actually testing any missile firing. It's been 8 years and 11 prototypes (not including the prior 8 years of development.) Can only hope they've been doing it behind closed doors, or air in this case.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
24-October, 2017 18:34 IST
IAF Landing Operations on Agra-Lucknow Expressway

Indian Air Force carried out major landing operations on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, about 60 km west of Lucknow, today. The series of landings took place close to Bangarmau in Unnao District of Uttar Pradesh, where a 3 km stretch was specially prepared for such operations. The landing operations commenced at around 1015 hrs and continued till about 1200 hrs. A total of sixteen aircraft participated in the operation which comprised IAF’s frontline Air Superiority Fighters including the Sukhoi-30, Mirage-2000 and Jaguar fighter aircraft. These aircraft took off from Bareilly, Gwalior and Gorakhpur respectively. In addition, the IAF carried out drills in which Garud Commandos were inserted and extricated for ground operations, by the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft which took off from Hindon airbase.

A team of Senior IAF Officials headed by Senior Air Staff Officer HQ CAC, IAF Allahabad Air Marshal AS Butola were present to oversee the operations. While the operation was conducted under the aegis of HQ CAC, Bamrauli Allahabad, Air Force Station Bakshi Ka Talab Station Commander, Gp Capt J Suares and his team, were responsible for the overall control and coordination of the exercise.

On site arrangements were made for a Mobile Air Traffic Control, Radar Control, Meteorological Facility, Aerospace Safety and Security Control. In addition, to deal with any situation, crash, firefighting, rescue and medical teams were positioned. IAF sought assistance from State Government authorities for temporary closure of the expressway and other matters like crowd control, etc. A large number of police personnel were stationed along the stretch to ensure smooth conduct of operations.

The exercise commenced with an impressive short landing by the C-130 which on its landing roll itself started off loading the Garud Commandos and their vehicle in manoeuvre called Combat ERO (Engine Running Offload). Immediately on disembarking from the C-130, the Commandos took up position on either side of the airstrip to cordon it off for the fighter operations. This was followed by two sets of 3-3 Mirages, five SU30s and three Jaguars. All 14 fighter aircraft carried out a roller/touch and go manoeuvre on the expressway. The C-130 then returned for another short landing to extricate the Garud Commandos.

Over the past few years, IAF has been increasing its efforts to utilise certain straight stretches of National Highways for emergency landings. Such highway stretches are planned to be used in emergencies, if an active airport is not available for some reason. These operations increase the flexibility in the use of Air Power. In addition, use of transport aircraft for quick insertion of forces for Human Assistance and Disaster Relief into civil area and Special Forces in case of contingencies has been validated.

IAF had already carried out landings by fighter aircraft for the first time on the Yamuna expressway on 21 May 2015. The stretch of Agra – Lucknow expressway was earlier activated for the first time for IAF operations in November 2016 in which six fighter aircraft of the IAF landed on the expressway. However, in this exercise, IAF included the Jaguar fighter aircraft for the first time. Also for the first time, IAF’s C-130J transport aircraft participated in highway landing operations for insertion and extrication of Garud Special Forces. While the operations on 24 October 2017 required the closure of the portion of the expressway for road traffic, through the excellent support of the UP State Government and UPEIDA, once the planned works are completed, such road traffic closure will not be required henceforth. Two diversion roads on either side of the airstrip are near completion. In addition, wire fencing on both sides is also being undertaken to keep the airstrip clear of stray animals. Two parking areas for aircraft at both ends of the airstrip are also nearing completion.

Several countries like Germany, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, Finland, Switzerland, Poland, Singapore, Czechoslovakia, Pakistan, etc. have dedicated stretches on their highways and expressways for aircraft to land and take off in emergencies or war like events.

This operation has majorly boosted IAF’s capability to undertake unhindered operations even during non-availability of standard runways. It has demonstrated the expert flying skills of its fighter and transport aircrew, and the capability of its ground crew in activating such expressway airstrips on short notice. Such activations of highway stretches all across India are planned to be practised regularly by the IAF in future.

MJPS/NA/GM/PCJ/RP

Ministry of Defence
24-October, 2017 15:58 IST
WAC Station Commanders’ Conference

The Western Air Command, Station Commanders’ Conference was held on 23 and 24 Oct 17 at New Delhi. Air Officers Commanding / Station Commanders of all Air Force Stations under Headquarter Western Air Command and all Principal Staff officers at HQ WAC attended the conference. The Chief Guest, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of Air Staff was received by Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, AVSM VM VSM ADC, Air Officer Commanding in Chief of Western Air Command. On arrival, the CAS was presented a ceremonial guard of honour.

Addressing the Commanders, the CAS emphasized the need to enhance mission capability of all platforms and weapon systems. He reiterated the need for development and upkeep of operational infrastructure and continuous orientation of human resource so as to absorb induction of new technologies for a smooth transition of the IAF into a potent Aerospace power. The Chief re-emphasized the importance and pivotal role of Western Air Command in all future conflicts and in humanitarian assistance and Disaster Relief Missions. He appreciated the aerospace safety record of WAC and urged the commanders to continue the earnest efforts towards creating an environment for safe operations. He appreciated the rapid response and untiring efforts of Western Air Command in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in recent times, which included numerous casualty evacuation and transportation of live organs. He exhorted the commanders to revise their plans in consonance with lessons learnt during various exercises to bolster the mission capability of WAC. CAS made a special mention on the need to maintain very high levels of vigil to ensure security of our air bases in the backdrop of the existing internal security situation.

During the conference, discussions and reviews were focused on critical analysis and measures to enhance operational preparedness, further improvement in maintenance practices and ensuring fool-proof physical and cyber security.

The CAS was accompanied by Mrs Kamalpreet Dhanoa, President Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA), who was received by Mrs Devika Hari Kumar, President AFWWA (Regional). Mrs Kamalpreet Dhanoa presided over the Board of Management Meeting of AFWWA (Regional) and reviewed various welfare activities undertaken by local AFWWA Units of Western Air Command. She also interacted with the Sanginis of WAC.

******

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/639233/very-high-level-vigil-needed.html

Air Force chief B S Dhanoa has stressed on maintaining "very high levels" of vigil to ensure security of air bases, an IAF statement said today.

Addressing the Western Air Command (WAC), Station Commanders' Conference, held on October 23-24 here, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) emphasised the need to enhance mission capability of all platforms and weapon systems.

"The CAS (Dhanoa) made a special mention on the need to maintain very high levels of vigil to ensure security of our airbases in the backdrop of the existing internal security situation," the Air Force statement said.

The IAF has taken several steps to beef up the security of its bases after the January 2016 terror attack on the Pathankot airbase.

Air Officers Commanding/Station Commanders of all Air Force Stations under Headquarter Western Air Command and all Principal Staff officers at HQ WAC attended the conference.

Dhanoa exhorted the commanders to revise their plans in consonance with lessons learnt during various exercises to bolster the mission capability of WAC.

"He reiterated on the need for development and upkeep of operational infrastructure and continuous orientation of human resource so as to absorb induction of new technologies for a smooth transition of the IAF into a potent aerospace power," the statement added.

The CAS also lauded the "rapid response and untiring efforts" of Western Air Command in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in recent times, which included evacuation and transportation of live organs.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/640050/defence-minister-pulls-up-iaf.html

The top brass of the Indian Air Force has reportedly been pulled up by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for inappropriate responses on its depleting squadron strength before a parliamentary panel.

At a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Defence on October 27, IAF officials, including Vice Chief Air Marshal S B Deo, were reportedly criticised by the minister, as they only talked about the problems related to depleting squadron strength, but did not offer any solution.

As the meeting discussed the IAF's depleting strength, Deo explained the problems to the lawmakers but stopped short of suggesting a solution to the crisis. This angered the minister, who wanted IAF and defence ministry officials to also tell the MPs about the possible solution.

The officials later told the minister that in the next meeting of the panel, they would come prepared with possible solutions on the vexed issue.

The IAF's squadron strength has come down to 33 in comparison to the sanctioned strength of 42. Of the 33 squadrons, nearly 10 squadrons are made up of old MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft that are being phased out.


The only new induction is 36 French origin Rafale aircraft. The first one is expected to be inducted by 2019. The IAF would also get another 36 Su-30 MKI aircraft and plans to induct more than 120 indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft.

To make up for the MiG multi-role combat jets on the verge of retirement, the IAF is looking at purchasing more single-engine fighter aircraft of the same class. The government, however, is yet to take a final decision on the proposal.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
31-October, 2017 18:42 IST
Indian Air force contingent leaves for Israel to Participate in ‘Ex Blue Flag-17’

A 45 member contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Israel today to participate in exercise ‘Blue Flag-17’. Blue Flag is a bi-annual multilateral exercise which aims to strengthen military cooperation amongst participating nations. Indian Air Force is participating with the C-130J special operations aircraft along with Garud commandos. The exercise would provide a platform for sharing of knowledge, combat experience and in improving operational capability of the participating nations. The exercise is being conducted at Uvda Air Force Base in Israel from 02-16 Nov 17. The team consists of personnel from various combat elements of the IAF and is led by Gp Capt Maluk Singh VSM.

This is the first time the Indian Air Force is operating with Israeli AF in a multilateral exercise setting. Exercise Blue Flag gives opportunity to the IAF to share and learn best practices with some of the best professionals from other Air Forces.

*****

 

[RISING SUN]

IAF chief to begin Vietnam visit on Monday

Indian Air Force chief B.S. Dhanoa will on Monday reach Vietnam on a five-day visit, during which he will hold meetings with top brass of the Vietnamese Air Force, an official statement said.

During his visit, which will go on till November 3, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa will hold bilateral meeting with top officers of the Vietnam People's Air Force and Air Defence (VPAF) on security challenges in the current geopolitical scenario and explore ways to deepen defence cooperation.


"The main focus of the visit would be on improving bilateral relations, promoting defence ties and evolving steps to further strengthen defence cooperation between the two Air Forces," the statement said.

He would also visit the VPAF's headquarters and a few operational air bases as well.

India and Vietnam share historical and strategic ties. Officers from the Vietnamese Army and Air Force undergo training at various Indian defence training institutes including the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. Both's armed forces also carry out exchanges of subject matter experts and pursue a structured cooperation mechanism through the medium of staff talks of their respective Services.

Warships from Indian Navy have been regularly visiting ports at Vietnam, and Vietnamese Navy ship Dinh Tien Hoang, a Gepoard Class Frigate, also visited Visakhapatnam in February 2016, for participation in the International Fleet Review.

The two countries are also in a dialogue for possible export of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, to Vietnam.

Media reports in Vietnam August suggested that the cruise missile has been sold to Vietnam but was denied by both governments.

--IANS

http://www.business-standard.com/ar...n-vietnam-visit-on-monday-117102900628_1.html

 

[RISING SUN]

Air Force chief B S Dhanoa on 5-day visit to Vietnam
Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa is on an official visit to Vietnam from October 30 to November 3. "Aim of visit is to improve Bilateral Relations & #DefenceCooperation," the official handle of the Indian Air Force tweeted. Last month, Navy chief Sunil Lanba had undertaken a four-day visit to the Southeast Asian nation. The aim of his visit was to "consolidate cooperation" between the armed forces of India and Vietnam and also to "explore new avenues of defence cooperation".
https://www.oneindia.com/india/air-force-chief-b-s-dhanoa-on-5-day-visit-vietnam-2574414.html

 

[Hindustani78]

An Indian Air Force Hercules C-130J prepares to touch down at the Agra-Lucknow highway during an exercise by the Indian Air Force in Uttar Pradesh on October 24, 2017. (AFP)

 

[RISING SUN]

India Air Force Contingent Trains in Israel for First Time
India has sent an unprecedented contingent of 45 members of the country’s air force to an international military exercise in Israel.
The “Blue Flag-17” exercise marks the first time that India has dispatched a delegation to participate in a military drill in the Jewish state. The exercise also includes representatives from the US, France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland. The Indian participants are members of the elite Garud Commando Force and arrived in Israel aboard the C-130J “Super Hercules” aircraft.

“The exercise…will provide a platform for sharing of knowledge, combat experience and improving operational capability of the participating nations,” an Indian military officer said, The Times of India reported. The military exercise follows July’s historic visit to Israel by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The countries have established deep defense ties during the last year, as Israel has supplied India with various weapons systems, missiles and drones. Israeli defense sales to India amount to nearly $1 billion per year.
http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/11/03/indian-air-force-contingent-trains-israel-first-time/