Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
16-September, 2017 21:03 IST
A GLORIOUS ERA COMES TO AN END:

THE MARSHAL OF THE INDIAN AIR FORCE ARJAN SINGH

A LEGEND BREATHES HIS LAST AT ARMY HOSPITAL (R&R),

NEW DELHI

Today evening at 1947 hours, The Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh breathed his last at the Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi. He was 98. He was admitted to the hospital today morning following a cardiac arrest. He was being treated at the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences Centre of the hospital.

Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Air Force when he was only 44 years old, a responsibility he carried with elan. He was the Chief of IAF when it saw action in the year 1965.

Arjan Singh was born on 15 April 1919, in Lyalpur of undivided Punjab. He completed his education from Montgomery. In 1938 when he got selected for the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell, he was still in college and was only 19 years old.

His first posting on being commissioned involved flying Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North Western Frontier Province as a member of the No.1 IAF Squadron. Arjan Singh flew against the tribal forces before he was transferred for a brief stint with the newly formed No.2 IAF Squadron. Later he moved back to No.1 Sqn as a Flying Officer, when the Squadron was re-equipped with the Hawker Hurricane.

Promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944, Arjan Singh also flew Close Support missions during the crucial Imphal Campaign and later assisted the advance of the allied forces to Rangoon, Burma. For his role in successfully leading the squadron during combat, Arjan Singh received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944. He was given command of the IAF Display flight which flew Hawker Hurricanes after the war that toured India giving demonstrations. On 15 August 1947, he was given the unique honour of leading the fly-past of more than a hundred IAF aircraft over the Red Fort in Delhi.

Immediately after independence, he took over the command of Air Force Station, Ambala, in the rank of Group Captain. In 1949, after promotion to the rank of Air Commodore, Arjan Singh took over as the Air Officer Commanding of Operational Command, which later came to be known as the Western Air Command. Arjan Singh had the distinction of having the longest tenure as the AOC of Operational Command, from 1949-1952 and again from 1957-1961. Promoted to Air Vice Marshal, he was the AOC-in-C of Operational Command. Towards the end of the 1962 war, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff and became the Vice Chief of Air Staff by 1963.

On 01 August 1964, Arjan Singh took over as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) in the rank of Air Marshal. Arjan Singh was the first Air Chief who kept his flying category till his CAS rank. Having flown over 60 different types of aircraft from Pre-Second World War era biplanes to the more contemporary Gnats & Vampires, he had also flown in transports like the Super Constellation.

A testing time came in September 1965 when Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam, in which an armoured thrust targeted the vital town of Akhnur, he was summoned into the Defence Minister's office with a request for air support. When asked how quickly the IAF will be ready for operations,he replied with his characteristic nonchalance,"...in an hour". And true to his word, the Air Force struck the Pakistani offensive in an hour. He led the IAF through the war showing unparalleled leadership.

Arjan Singh was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his leadership during the 1965 War and subsequently the rank of the CAS was upgraded to that of Air Chief Marshal. Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. He retired in July 1969, thereupon accepting ambassadorship to Switzerland. He remained a flyer till the end of his tenure in the IAF, visiting forward squadrons & units and flying with them. Arjan Singh was and remains a source of inspiration to generations of Indians.

In recognition of his services, the Government of India conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force onto Arjan Singh in January 2002 making him the first and the only 'Five Star' rank officer of the Indian Air Force. In 2016 Air Force Station, Panagarh was renamed as Air Force Station Arjan Singh.

His demise marks an end of a glorious era of the Indian Air Force.

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind paying homage at the mortal remains of the Marshal of the Indian Air Force (Late) Arjan Singh, in New Delhi on September 17, 2017.

President's Secretariat
17-September, 2017 14:16 IST
For Generations of our Fellow Citizens, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh has remained A Living Legend, says President


The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has written to Shri Arvind Singh, son of Marshal Arjan Singh, conveying his condolences on the passing away of Marshal Arjan Singh.

In his message, the President has said, “I am extremely saddened to learn about the passing of our great and cherished air warrior and Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC.

Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh was a hero of World War II and won our nation's gratitude for his military leadership in the War of 1965. He served the nation with distinction and was the first and only officer of the Indian Air Force who was honoured with the five-star rank as Marshal of the Air Force.

For generations of our fellow citizens, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh has remained a living legend. His service to the nation continued even outside uniform, as Lt. Governor of Delhi, Ambassador of India to Switzerland and the Vatican, High Commissioner to Kenya and Member of the National Commission for Minorities. For his services and achievements, he was honoured with numerous awards including the Padma Vibhushan.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey these to other members of your family as well as the Indian Air Force community. I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. The nation mourns with you”.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
20-September, 2017 18:23 IST
Visit of Chief of the Air Staff to Australia

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff is on an official visit to Australia from 19-22 Sep 17. The visit is intended to further strengthen the existing defence cooperation between the Air Forces of the two countries.

During his stay, he is scheduled to hold talks with top brass of the Royal Australian Air Force on security challenges being faced by the two forces in the current geopolitical scenario and explore ways to deepen defence cooperation. The main focus of the visit is on improving bilateral relations, promoting defence ties and exploring further area of defence cooperation between the two Air Forces.

During the visit, the CAS would visit the Headquarters of Royal Australian Air Force and operational air bases.

*************

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa along with the Chief of Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies during his visit to RAAF Headquarters, in Australia on September 20, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...f-from-ambala-airstrip-in-a-late-night-drill/
By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Updated: September 23, 2017 12:17 pm

IAF’s Jaguar aircraft. (Source: IAF website/File)

The Indian Air Force performed a late-night drill of its Jaguar aircraft at Ambala station on Friday. A video of its aircraft taking off from the airstrip at Ambala in Punjab was posted by news agency ANI.

The aircraft used to be operated by the British and French Air Force although they have been retired. They are still being used in the Indian Air Force. The aircraft was used in extensive reconnaissance operations for the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990. The aircraft was also used in the 1999 Kargil War.

 

[Gomig-21]

Perfect shot of Astra being fired from an Su-30MKI.

The instant it's fired. Terrific photography!

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
27-September, 2017 15:27 IST
Rescue of US citizen from Leh by IAF Helicopter

On 26 Sep 17, the IAF was requested by US Embassy through Ministry of Defence to help in locating and rescue of US citizen Ms Margaret Allen Stone. Ms Stone had set out for trekking in the Ladakh region and had been held up in Zhingchan area at a distance of 75 Km from Leh since 06 Sep 17 due to injury. Her condition had deteriorated during this prolonged period of lack of care. She was in a critical condition. The US Government informed IAF of the situation in the afternoon hours on 26 Sep 17.

IAF responded to the situation with requisite alacrity. Exact location of Ms Stone was ascertained with the help of civil administration and by evening two IAF helicopters were able to locate Ms Stone in the valley. Ms Stone was brought to the safety of Leh hospital for medical care by sunset on 26 Sep 17.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa inspecting a Guard of Honour at Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam, Hawai, USA on September 27, 2017.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa along with the Air Chiefs of 17 other countries during Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium, at Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam, Hawai, USA on September 27, 2017.

 

[bloo]

When IAF gunships saved Pakistani troops.

IAF to Pak rescue
- First joint action by neighbours' forces
SUJAN DUTTA

New Delhi, March 5: Pakistani troops in Congo called in Indian Air Force helicopter gunships for close air support on Tuesday to craft an exemplary tale of South Asian solidarity that has been marred by charges that civilians were targeted in the embattled African nation.

'The Indians and the Pakistanis operated in perfect harmony. There was no problem at all,' UN peacekeeping sources told The Telegraph over phone from Congo.

'All assets of the Indian Air Force are safe,' they said. The Indian Air Force contingent based in Goma that was deployed in July last year has five Mi-17 transport helicopters and four Mi-25 (picture above) helicopter gunships.

Three of the gunships have been in continuous use but as a routine at least one gunship accompanies ground troops on aggressive 'peace enforcement' operations and even for cordon and search operations against warring Hema and Lendu militia.

Air headquarters in New Delhi have sought a report from the Indian contingent on the operations in Ituri province in the north east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was the first time that Indian and Pakistani forces mounted a joint attack. The troops had undergone a short training programme in joint combat operations before being deployed into the battlezone.

An Indian aviation contingent led by Group Captain D.S. Ahluwalia based in Goma has deployed three Mi-25 helicopter gunships that are operating with Pakistani troops in operations that began this week. But for the first time since Ahluwalia's contingent was deployed in July last year, it went into combat with the Pakistanis, sources in Goma said.

'The Pakistani troops were on a seek-and-destroy mission against a militia headquarters. They came under heavy fire and sought air support. IAF helicopters have been accompanying the troops continuously but we actually saw joint combat with them on Tuesday,' the sources said.

The air element was called in to support troops from the Pakistan Army's 21 Punjab Regiment. The Indians and Pakistanis are part of the UN's 'Blue Helmets' (peacekeepers) and were attacking a village named Loga where nine soldiers of the Bangladeshi contingent were killed on February 25.

The Pakistani infantry troops were flown to Loga, some 30 km north of Bunia, the headquarters of Ituri province, in Indian Air Force Mi-17 transport helicopters. In the seek-and-destroy mission against a base of the Lendu tribal militia of the Nationalist and Integrationist Front (FNI), the troops ran into a firefight that lasted more than three hours. The UN troops were fired at from hills around the village and they asked for air support. An Mi-25 gunship was flown in from Goma.

'As we were withdrawing to a new position, the militia aimed rockets and were closing in on us when an Indian attack helicopter came in,' Ihtibar Khan, one of two injured Pakistani soldiers, was quoted as telling a South African newspaper. Khan is in a military hospital in South Africa.

The Indians and Pakistanis and 16 other nations that have contributed troops in Congo are operating under the 'Chapter VII' mandate of 'peace enforcement' (as distinct from peacekeeping). This is the UN's largest military mission.

UN's officials for MONUC (the UN mission in Congo), responding to allegations that 20 civilians including women and children were among the casualties in Loga, have said that militia were using civilians as 'human shields'.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/1050306/asp/frontpage/story_4460176.asp

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
29-September, 2017 15:03 IST
85th Air Force Day: Air Display

The Indian Air Force proudly celebrates its 85TH anniversary on 08 Oct 2017. A scintillating air display by various aircraft will be the hallmark of the Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad). Rehearsals for the air display will commence from 01st October 2017 (Sunday). The general area over which aircraft will be flying at low levels are Wazirpur bridge – Karwalnagar – Afjalpur - Hindan, Shamli – Jiwana – Chandinagar – Hindan, Hapur – Philkua – Ghaziabad – Hindan.




BIRDS POSE A VERY SERIOUS THREAT TO FLYING AIR CRAFT, SPECIALLY AT LOW LEVELS. EATABLES THROWN OUT IN THE OPEN ATTRACT BIRDS. TO ENSURE SAFETY OF THE AIRCRAFT, PILOTS AND PEOPLE ON GROUND, THE INDIAN AIR FORCE REQUESTS ALL CITIZENS OF DELHI, GHAZIABAD AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD NOT TO THROW EATABLES AND GARBAGE IN OPEN. ALSO, IF THEY FIND ANY CARCASSES/DEAD ANIMALS LYING OUT IN OPEN, THEY MUST REPORT TO THE NEAREST AIR FORCE UNIT/POLICE STATION TO ARRANGE FOR ITS DISPOSAL. ALSO PLEASE CALL/SMS TO OFFICER INCHARGE BIRD HAZARD COMBAT TEAM (BHCT) ON CELL NO. 8376049624



The air display will commence with flag bearing sky divers of famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies, at 0800 hours.

The flypast would include the vintage aircraft, modern transport aircraft and frontline fighter aircraft. The ceremony will conclude at 1052 hours with a scintillating aerobatic display.

Note: Kindly publish message in the box to help ensure a ‘safe’ FLYING ENVIRONMENT.

************

 

[Gomig-21]

Astra Mk2 will have improved range of more than 120Kms along with this India is also developing its own Meteor as DRDO's SFDR

Also @Lord Of Gondor and @randomradio - what is the present assessment of the R-77 in the IAF?
I know there were some issues back in the early 2000's and the blame went back and forth between the Russians and the IAF, but what is the current stance as far as that missile is concerned?
And what version is it using, the original RVV-AE or R-77-1?

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
30-September, 2017 19:02 IST
Defence Minister visits Ladakh

Defence Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman visited the forward locations of Leh, Ladakh and Siachen on 30 Sep 17 and reviewed the security situation in the area. During her visit she was accompanied by The Chief of the Army Staff, The Army Commander, Northern Command and Corps Commander of the Ladakh Corps. The Defence Minister interacted with the soldiers in the remote areas of Siachen Glacier and conveyed her best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. She also inaugurated a bridge on river Shyok on the road between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) which was constructed by the BRO. During her visit to Leh she interacted with the troops of Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Leh.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Air Force Station Leh during her maiden visit to Leh/Siachen sector and interact with the Air warriors and civilians, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the Government Officials at Air Force Station Leh, during her maiden visit to Leh/Siachen sector, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being briefed by the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Western Air Command at Air Force Station Leh, during her maiden visit to Leh/Siachen sector, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being briefed by the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Western Air Command at Air Force Station Leh, during her maiden visit to Leh/Siachen sector, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman putting her remarks in Visitor’s Book at Air Force Station Leh, during her maiden visit to Leh/Siachen sector, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the Air Force personnel at Air Force Station Leh, during her maiden visit to Leh/Siachen sector, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the Air Force personnel at Air Force Station Leh, during her maiden visit to Leh/Siachen sector, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being received at Thoise by the GOC Ladakh Corps (Fire and Fury Corps), Lt. Gen. S.K. Upadhya, in Ladakh on September 30, 2017. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat is also seen.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman laying wreath at the War memorial at Siachen Base Camp, on September 30, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a bridge on river Shyok on the road between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), in Ladakh on September 30, 2017.

 

[randomradio]

Also @Lord Of Gondor and @randomradio - what is the present assessment of the R-77 in the IAF?
I know there were some issues back in the early 2000's and the blame went back and forth between the Russians and the IAF, but what is the current stance as far as that missile is concerned?
And what version is it using, the original RVV-AE or R-77-1?

We are using RVV-AE. It's a good missile, but IAF rates the R-27 better.

RVV-AE had some quality issues early on which were rectified.

 

[RISING SUN]

Air Force sets up CBRN equipment laboratory at Chandannagar depot
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has set up a first-of-its kind laboratory for repairing, calibrating and extending the shelf-life of its chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) equipment at the 9 base repair depot (BRD) at Chandannagar recently.

Air Marshal Hemant Sharma, air officer commanding-in-chief of the IAF's Maintenance Command, inaugurated the new lab recently.The 9 BRD, a key unit of IAF Maintenance Command, which is headquartered in Nagpur, is responsible for repairing and serving avionics and various other ranges of electronics equipment of the IAF.

The idea behind the new facility is to avoid delays in repairing CBRN equipment, which are often used in survival drills conducted by the IAF personnel, sources said.

A senior IAF officer from Maintenance Command told TOI over phone on Monday, "Since the IAF has been carrying out survival drill regularly at various air force stations; it is important to have CBRN equipment like special NBC suit, mask, filter, etc. in good shape." In the past, the IAF had to send these equipment to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for repairs. This would entail several clearances which were time consuming and tedious, the officer added. The command's endeavour is not only to repair equipment quickly but also consider cost effectiveness, he said.

"We are quite hopeful that this laboratory would help us in reducing cost required for repairing CBRN equipment annually," the officer said. The IAF has been making effort towards creating awareness among air warriors followed by reinforcing the gained knowledge by carrying out practical drills and training sessions a number of times, the IAF sources informed.

The officer said that the current training was focused on preparing air warriors towards becoming confident enough to handle the nuances of CBRN warfare or disaster management and, gradually , become confident to handle the situation effectively.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...t-chandannagar-depot/articleshow/60908653.cms

 

[Hindustani78]

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:October 2, 2017 7:31 pm

all IAF bases along the western and northern borders have started increasing the ratio of night flying.

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...by-combat-jets-to-boost-strike-power-4871447/

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:October 2, 2017 7:31 pm


Considering the evolving threat perception, the Indian Air Force has decided to raise night flying by its combat jets from the current around 30 per cent in all its frontline bases to have a major tactical advantage over its adversaries. IAF officials said the decision to enhance night flying is part of a move to boost overall strike capability and keep the fighter squadrons fully ready for operating in an entire 24 hour cycle.

“The move to increase night flying from 30 per cent was based on a variety of factors including the evolving security scenario in our neighbourhood,” a senior IAF told PTI. He said ratio of night flying is being increased as IAF has now much more powerful and better electronic sensors, radars and air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and there is no impediment for night operation by the jets.

“The warfare scenario is changing fast. We now are preparing ourselves to operate in an electronic warfare environment and that is why we are making the changes,” said the official. He said almost all IAF bases along the western and northern borders have started increasing the ratio of night flying.

The IAF has drawn up an ambitious plan to enhance its overall combat capability which include significantly ramping up existing infrastructure and procuring over 100 combat jets in the next few years. In September last year, India had signed a Euro 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government for purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets. Eighteen Rafale jets will be deployed in Ambala while an equal number of the new generation jet will be stationed in Hasimara.

Sources said IAF has been pressing the government for placing a follow-up order for 36 additional Rafale jets so that it has at least four squadrons of Rafale aircraft. IAF sources said overall operational capability of all frontline bases including Pathankot, Ambala, Halwara and Hasimara are being strengthened to deal with any possible challenge.