Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[Gomig-21]

So that would be close to 850 fighters at a minimum, at current squadron sanction levels. You can add in few more Su30s, to keep the line running. Maybe 30 to 40 more.

That's a crazy amount of aircraft TBH, even if it's understandable that India needs that many because of the country's shape, size and borders not to mention the political climate. Need a lot of well trained pilots and maintenance crews and the more aircraft the more the entire list expands. Really incredible the scope of all this and that's not even counting the MiG-29Ks on the carrier and the naval sector.

Speaking of adding a few Su-30s, one of the most beautiful photos of the MKI over Dubai!

 

[Hindustani78]

Aircraft with IAF

The Indian Air Force inventory is a mix of old and new equipment. Ageing of equipment is a natural process and is dealt with through proper maintenance, obsolescence management, upgrades and acquisition of new equipment without compromising safety. The MiG-21 and MiG-27 UPG aircraft of Indian Air Force will be phased out on completion of their Total Calendar Life / Total Technical Life by 2024.

Phasing out of aircraft and their replacement with new generation aircraft depends upon national security, strategic objectives and operational requirements of the defence forces and is reviewed by the Government from time to time. This is a continuous process.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
15-March, 2018 13:04 IST
Curtain Raiser for Award of President’s Standard Presentation to 51 Sqn and colours presentation to 230 signal unit

Air Marshal C Hari Kumar PVSM, AVSM,VM, VSM, ADC Air officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command addressed a media conference at Air Force Station Halwara, as a curtain raiser to the prestigious President’s Standard and Colours Presentation ceremony, scheduled to be held on 22 Mar 18 at AF Stn Halwara.

In his address, Air Marshal C Hari Kumar informed the media personnel that the Hon’ble President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sh. Ram Nath Kovind would be awarding the prestigious President’s Standards to 51 Squadron and Colours to 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force. Gp Capt Satish S Pawar, Commanding Officer of 51 Sqn, would receive the Presidents Standard and Gp Capt SK Tripathi Station Commander of 230 Signal Unit would receive the Presidents Colours from the Hon’ble President of India during a spectacular ceremonial parade at Air Force Station Halwara. On this occasion the Hon’ble President would also release the First Day Covers of 51 Sqn and 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force.

The award of the President’s Standard and Colours is the highest military honour for an armed forces unit. The selection for the Presidents Standard and Colours is based on the squadron’s performance and achievements during both peace and hostilities. The selected units are honoured for the meritorious services rendered by them over at least 25 years. This award is an acknowledgement of the operational excellence, dedication and the proven contribution of the unit during both peace and war.

This prestigious ceremony would be witnessed by Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Marshal C Hari kumar PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, ADC Air officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command along with high ranking defence officers. The civilian dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include the Governor, Chief Minister and other senior Govt Officials of Punjab State.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
20-March, 2018 19:01 IST
IAF Hawk MK-132 Crash

An Indian Air Force Hawk Mk-132 aircraft crashed around 1220 hrs today, after getting airborne from Air Force Station Kalaikunda, for a routine training mission.

The pilot after having ejected safely has been evacuated to the base in an IAF helicopter. A Court of enquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident..

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[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
22-March, 2018 11:18 IST
President of India presents Standard to the 51 Squadron and Colours to the 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force;

says resilience, tenacity and zeal of our valiant air warriors is a source of pride for every Indian

The President of India, Shri Ram NathKovind,presented the Standard to the 51 Squadron and Colours to the 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force at Halwara, Punjab, today (March 22, 2018).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the 51 Squadron and the 230 Signal Unithave distinguished themselves in service to our nation. They have a rich history of professional excellence and have served India with honour and distinction, during peace and hostilities. It is a proud moment for him to honour the units for their dedication, professional conduct and courage. He complimented the personnel and families, past and present, of these units for their selfless sacrifice and service to the nation.

The President said that the Indian Air Force symbolises our military excellence. The performance of its personnel in exercises, both at home and abroad, is a glowing testimony to its high standards. The Indian Air Force, besides safeguarding our sovereign skies, has always been at the forefront of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The resilience, tenacity and zeal of our valiant Air Warriors is a source of pride for every Indian.


***

President's Secretariat
22-March, 2018 11:18 IST
Address by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovindon the occasion of presentation of Standard to 51 Squadron and Colours to 230 Signal Unit

1. I am glad to be at Air Force Station Halwara to award the Standard to the 51 Squadron and Colours to the 230 Signal Unit.

1. These frontline units have distinguished themselves in service to our nation. They have a rich history of professional excellence and have served India with honour and distinction, during peace and hostilities. It is a proud moment for me to honour the units today for their dedication, professional conduct and courage. My compliments to the Air Warriors on parade today, for their impeccable turnout and smart movement!

1. India has gained prominence as the world’s fastest growing major economy. While we remain firmly committed to peace, we would not hesitate to use our might to protect the sovereignty of our nation, if the need so arises. I am confident that our valiant men and women in uniform would be more than equal to the occasion. Our armed forces, exemplified by the Air Warriors who stand before us, reflect this firm national resolve.

1. The Indian Air Force symbolises our military excellence. The performance of its personnel in international exercises, both at home and abroad, is a glowing testimony to its high standards of training and preparedness. The Indian Air Force, besides safeguarding our sovereign skies, has always been at the forefront of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The resilience, tenacity and zeal of our valiant Air Warriors is a source of pride for every Indian.

1. I am privileged to be at Air Force Station Halwara today. The Airbase was founded in March 1950 and is a premier operational base, hosting a variety of weapon systems. The airbase was the location of heroic feats during the wars of 1965 and 1971.

1. 51 Squadron or “Sword Arms” was formed on February 1, 1985, in Chandigarh and equipped with MiG-21 Type-75 aircraft. The squadron has enhanced its sterling reputation in the past 33 years, be it while flying the MiG-21 Type-75 aircraft of yester-years or the state-of-the art MiG-21 Bison aircraft of today. The squadron has an enviable operational record and has remained vigilant to ensure credible deterrence while guarding the skies of the valley of Kashmir. It has thus lived up to its motto of विजयाय पराक्रम:. I am confident that the Sword Arms will continue to uphold this rich tradition and operate as a formidable fighting force.

1. 230 Signal Unit, known as “Vigilants”, was initially formed in Chandigarh on April 4, 1964. Vigilants has always answered to the call of duty and set high standards of professionalism in radar surveillance and interception. This unit remains alert round the year to ensure credible deterrence to the adversary, thereby living up to its motto of ‘सततं तत्पर:’. I am confident that Vigilants too will continue to live up toits commendable history.

1. In acknowledgement and recognition of their outstanding performance, I am pleased to award the Standard to 51 Squadron and Colours to 230 Signal Unit. On this occasion, I take the opportunity to compliment the personnel and families,past and present, of these units for their selfless sacrifice and service to the nation. Our people are very proud of you. I wish you and your families a glorious future and convey the good wishes of every citizen of India.

Jai Hind!

***
The President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Shri Ram Nath Kovind reviewing the Parade, during the presentation of the President’s Standard to 51 Squadron and President’s Colours to 230 Signal Unit, at Air Force Station Halwara, in Punjab on March 22, 2018.

The President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Shri Ram Nath Kovind awarding the President’s Standard to 51 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, at Air Force Station Halwara, in Punjab on March 22, 2018. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa is also seen.

The President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Shri Ram Nath Kovind awarding the President’s Colours to 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force, at Air Force Station Halwara, in Punjab on March 22, 2018. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa is also seen.

The President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Shri Ram Nath Kovind releasing the First Day Covers of 230 Signal Unit, at Air Force Station Halwara, in Punjab on March 22, 2018. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

1. 
   
   
   President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday presented the President’s Standard to 51 Squadron and President’s Colours to the 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Halwara Air Force Station. Addressing the gathering at the event, President Kovind was quoted by PTI as saying: "We are committed to peace but we will defend our borders with full might." (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   Hailing the IAF, the President said the force has always been at the forefront of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. He also mentioned that the IAF symbolises India's military excellence. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   3 / 11
   Passing on IAF's firm objectives, the President's office, after his visit to Halwara, tweeted, "India remains firmly committed to peace, we would not hesitate to use our might to protect the sovereignty of our nation, if the need so arises." (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   4 / 11
   "A proud moment for me to honour the units today for their dedication, professional conduct and courage. These frontline units have distinguished themselves in service to our nation and have served India with honour and distinction, during peace and hostilities", tweeted President Ram Nath Kovind's office. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   5 / 11
   The resilience, tenacity and zeal of our valiant air warriors is a source of pride for every Indian, said President Ram Nath Kovind (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   6 / 11
   Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa said the Indian Air Force was always prepared for challenges and better equipped than China to tackle any eventuality on the eastern front. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   7 / 11
   Meanwhile, a mesmerising display of synchronised aerobatics drills was on display performed by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of IAF. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   The President’s Standard was received by Group Captain Satish S Pawar, Commanding Officer of 51 Squadron, and the President’s Colours were received by Group Captain SK Tripathi, Station Commander of 230 Signal Unit. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   The event was attended by a gathering comprising of various civil and military dignitaries. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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   10 / 11
   Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore, Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Air Marshal C Harikumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command and Air Marshal HS Arora Commodore Commandant 51 Sqn were the other prominent figures who attended the event at Halwara. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
   

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Addressing the media at Halwara Air Force Station, where President Ram Nath Kovind presented the President’s Standard to 51 Squadron and President’s Colours to the 230 Signal Unit of the IAF, Dhanoa said the IAF was ready to face any security challenge confronting the country. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)

 

[August is Fun]

Aircraft with IAF

The Indian Air Force inventory is a mix of old and new equipment. Ageing of equipment is a natural process and is dealt with through proper maintenance, obsolescence management, upgrades and acquisition of new equipment without compromising safety. The MiG-21 and MiG-27 UPG aircraft of Indian Air Force will be phased out on completion of their Total Calendar Life / Total Technical Life by 2024.

Phasing out of aircraft and their replacement with new generation aircraft depends upon national security, strategic objectives and operational requirements of the defence forces and is reviewed by the Government from time to time. This is a continuous process.

2024 is still six years away.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
28-March, 2018 15:35 IST
Vacant Post of Pilots

All the three wings of Armed Forces are facing shortages of pilots. The details are as follows:

Indian Navy:

The details are as follows:

Government Sanction: 735
Borne Strength :653
Vacant Posts : 82



Indian Army:

The details of Army Aviation are as under:
Sanctioned:794
Held:602
Vacant:192



Indian Air Force:

There is a marginal shortage of pilots in Indian Air Force against the authorised establishment. However, the available strength of pilots in the IAF is sufficient to meet the current operational requirements. With the accretions sanctioned by the Government in the recent past, these shortages would be mitigated.

The induction process has been streamlined and simplified. Selection process in vogue is satisfactory, with proactive steps been taken by the armed forces to reduce the shortage, which includes participation in career fairs / exhibitions, advertisements in print and electronic media, motivational lectures in schools & colleges, visuals / signage at strategic locations, etc.

Apart from the above, regular Army Melas at Army Command level, Aviation specific demonstrations during NCC parades, advertisement through Additional Director General Public Information and on website in open domain are undertaken for increasing awareness and attracting youth to armed forces.

This information was given by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to Shri Bharat Singh and others in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

A delegation of TEXPROCIL led by the Union Minister for Textiles and Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Smriti Irani meeting the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, to discuss issues of cotton yarn manufacturers in India, in New Delhi on March 28, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
02-April, 2018 19:16 IST
Trishul Special Olympics & Paralympics Games for Special Children

Air Force Wives Welfare Association along with Special Olympics Bharat, conducted the opening ceremony of Trishul Special Olympics & Paralympic Games for Special Children today at Western Air Command Sports ground, Subroto Park at 1600 hrs.

A total 69 Children between ages 7 and 18 yrs, of Special Schools supported by the AFWWA (Air Force Wives Welfare Association) will be receiving training from Special Olympics Bharat, Resource Team on Athletics, Bocce, Powerlifting and Roller Skating, and will be participating in the events conducted during the games, which conclude on
06 Apr 18, with the closing and prize distribution ceremony.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mrs Kamalpreet Dhanoa, President, AFWWA, who graciously inaugurated the event, administered the oath of sportsmanship to the participants. Events of 50 mts race and 25 mts race were organised during the day.

During her opening address the chief of the organising committee Mrs Devika Harikumar, President AFWWA (Regional) Western Air Command, said “Events like this gives opportunities to our children to foster their sporting skills and graduate to State / National level championships”. She also said that experts from Special Olympics Bharat would be present and utilise the event to train and select participants for higher levels of competition.



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[LKJ86]

IAF Mi-17 clashed on April 3.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
06-April, 2018 18:52 IST
Exercise Gaganshakti-2018

An all encompassing coordinated and composite exercise named Gaganshakti is being conducted by the IAF from 08-22 Apr 18. The aim of this exercise is real time coordination, deployment and employment of Air Power in a short & intense battle scenario.

During Gaganshakti IAF will exercise the entire machinery to validate its concept of operations and war waging capability. With each successive exercise, the lessons learnt in the previous exercises and doctrinal precepts are put to test, for developing new concepts. This year the IAF has planned tactics that will be tested in a real time scenario.

Concepts of accelerated operations, Network Centric Operations, long range missions with concentrated weapon releases across all air to ground ranges in India, inter valley troop transfer, flexible use of airspace, Joint Maritime Air Operations with the Indian Navy, Joint Operations with the Indian Army, simulated Combat Search and Rescue for effective extraction of downed aircrew behind enemy lines, Special Operations with Garuds, Mass Casualty Evacuation from highway and ALG Operations, to name a few, would be tested. It is for the first time that efficacy and integration of LCA in the operational matrix of the IAF is planned. The logistics stamina of the IAF and the ability to sustain continuous operations through day & night would be put to test.

Efficient exploitation of combat support assets, including use of enablers like AWACS, AEW&C, FRA, Transport aircraft and ISR assets forms an integral part of the exercise. Special operations employing transport aircraft and helicopter as well as Special Forces have been planned during the exercise. The IAF will utilize this opportunity to validate new strategies and tactics, especially to validate recently inducted or upgraded assets and equipments.

While it is an IAF centric exercise, it is planned to be executed keeping in mind the "Joint Operational Doctrine". The requirements of the other services are being met and the same has been factored while planning the exercise settings. Joint operations, including CSFO, Airborne Ops, Air Landed Ops and Maritime Ops, have also been planned.

Apart from wartime drills, IAF will also practice and validate various Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief drills that the IAF is expected to undertake from time to time. Some such measure would involve mobilization of Air Ambulance version of transport aircraft and helicopters to airlift simulated sitting and bedridden casualties to metros/big cities having good medical facilities and would include evacuation of casualties from highways that facilitate such operations.

Full spectrums of operations are planned by IAF with special focus on `Network Centric Operations', and ‘Effect Based Operations'.

This exercise is aimed at coordinating operations, maintenance and administrative responses to achieve the stated objectives of the Indian Air Force, in case of any contingency. This exercise will hone the war fighting skills of the air warriors in a real time scenario thus affirming the IAF's role as the cutting edge of our nation's military capability.



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[Gomig-21]

Beautiful Indian girls flying the venerable MiG-21 Bison. Lucky gals.

And an excellent video on getting ready for the upcoming PAN India exercise. Some really excellent footage, especially of the GC.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
14-April, 2018 19:39 IST
Visit of Defence Secretary and VCAS at AF STN Sirsa

The Defence Secretary, Shri Sanjay Mitra, IAS, visited Air Force Base at Sirsa, Haryana on 14 Apr 18. He was accompanied by Air Marshal SB Deo PVSM AVSM VM VSM ADC, Vice Chief of Air Staff. The Defence Secretary and Air Marshal were received by Air Cmde MS Deswal VM, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Sirsa. Both the Defence Secretary and the Vice Chief of Air Staff flew a sortie each in Su-30 MKI squadron based at Sirsa. The mission was flown in a dense network centric environment as part of the ongoing pan India IAF Level Exercise Gaganshakti.

The two week long exercise being conducted by the IAF, is one of the biggest conducted so far in terms of participation of forces, intensity of operations and scale of logistical support. The mission flown by both the Defence Secretary and the Vice Chief of Air Staff gave them a firsthand assessment of operational preparedness and the combat effectiveness of the air warrior in a real time operational scenario.

Post mission, the Defence Secretary and the Vice Chief of Air Staff interacted with the personnel of the base and complimented them for exceptional professionalism displayed during the exercise. They further emphasized that execution of such a large scale exercise is dependent on achieving complete synergy of all combat elements with absolute dedication of Air Warriors.

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Ministry of Defence
14-April, 2018 19:19 IST
Exercise Gaganshakti-2018: Mass Casualty Evacuation

As part of the ongoing massive IAF exercise ‘Gaganshakti-2018’, the Indian Air Force conducted a Mass Casualty Air Evacuation Drill in the Northern sector. 88 Casualties were airlifted from Leh and taken to Chandigarh by C-17. The C-17 Globe Master Aircraft was converted for this role by fixing support structures for the stretchers, in the main cabin. An indigenously developed Patient Transfer Unit (PTU) capable of providing In-Flight Critical Care to patients was demonstrated during the exercise.

After landing at Chandigarh, these patients were evacuated to Command Hospital, Chandimandir. For swift transfer of the patients in ambulances to the Hospital, a green corridor was made in liaison with Chandigarh civil authorities.

With this demonstration the IAF has proven its flexibility and quick response in carrying out mass casualty evacuations. This capability will also be utilised by the IAF in case of Human Assistance & Disaster Relief operations near the incident locations by even landing on the designated highways.

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Ministry of Defence
14-April, 2018 19:15 IST
Exercise Gaganshakti-2018: Maritime Air Operations

As part of the ongoing massive IAF exercise ‘Gaganshakti-2018’, on 14 Apr 18 the IAF conducted maritime air operations on the Western sea board, with the clear aim of air dominance and deep strike validation over the extended area of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In the long range strike concept validation, the Su-30s, airborne from a base on the eastern coast engaged multiple targets, in the western seaboard, at distances beyond 2500 Km, and landed at a southern base, thus covering a total distance of 4000 Km, in a single mission. These staggering ranges were made possible by support of IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft, thus ensuring long range strike capabilities for our fighter aircraft. These joint operations have Indian Navy P-8i aircraft and AWACS of IAF in support.

Exercise Gaganshakti has provided an ideal environment to evaluate Joint Operations with the Indian Navy, to test enablers such as AWACS and FRAs in the Op matrix and in conjunction with Su-30 and Jaguar ac. The exploitation of the combat support assets helps to extend the reach in the entire IOR, our strategic area of influence.

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[Hindustani78]

The Defence Secretary, Shri Sanjay Mitra and the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal S.B. Deo ready for a sortie in a Su-30 MKI of IAF, at Air Force Station Sirsa, in Haryana on April 14, 2018.