Category: Defence

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to Get Vir Chakra, 5 IAF Pilots to be Conferred Vayu Seva Medal For Carrying Out Balakot Airstrikes; Yudh Seva Medal For Sqn Ldr Minty Agarwal

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be conferred Vir Chakra on Independence day for shooting down Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet during aerial combat which took place on February 27 after Pakistan Air Force (PAF) violated the Indian airspace. In the aerial dogfight, Wg Cdr Varthaman’s Mig-21 Bison was also shot down. Though he ejected safely but his parachute drifted to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was then captured by the Pakistani Army. He was later released on March 1. Pakistan Air Force Pilot Shahzaz Ud Din Whose F-16 Was Shot Down by Wg Cd Abhinandan Varthaman Mistaken to be Indian; Lynched by PoK Locals?

Apart from Wg Cdr Varthaman, Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal who intercepted PAF aircraft on February 27 will also be conferred Yudh Seva Medal. The five IAF pilots – Wing Commander Amit Ranjan, Squadron Leaders Rahul Basoya, Pankaj Bhujade, BKN Reddy and Shashank Singh are being awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for carrying out airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Pakistan’s Balakot to avenge February 14 Pulwama attack. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Posted at Suratgarh Airbase in Rajasthan: Reports.

The IAF conducted airstrikes in Pakistan on February 26 two weeks after the Pulwama terror attack. IAF’s Mirage-2000 fighter jets crossed the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and targeted the JeM terror camp in Balakot with precision, guided missiles. ‘R-73 Selected’, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s Last Radio Message Before Ejecting Out of Mig-21 Bison.

Meanwhile, Prakash Jadhav of 1 Rashtriya Rifle will be awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously. Jadhav was martyred while fighting terrorists in Kulgham area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district in November last year. Apart from Jadhav, eight other army personnel including Major Vibhuti Dhoundiyal and Lance Naik Sandeep Singh will be conferred Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

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IAF to Receive First Batch of Rafale Jets Next Month; Warplanes to be Equipped With SCALP Missiles by 2020

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive the first batch of four Rafale jets next month. After extensive trials, these aircraft will be equipped with Meteor missile, SCALP ground attack missiles with a range of up to 300 kms by 2020. IAF pilots are undergoing training in France and will test these aircraft intensively for 1,500 hours, reported Financial Express. Watch Video of Rafale Jets Landing at Yelahanka Air Force Station to Participate in Bengaluru’s Aero India Show.

As per reports, the Rafale jets to be inducted next month will be based at Ambala Airbase in ‘Golden Arrows’ 17 Squadron close to Pakistan border. The other squadron of the French fighter jets are expected to be based out of Hashimara in West Bengal to counter China. Rafale Deal: Narendra Modi Led BJP Government Made 25 Percent Payment to France.

Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions. It is also referred to as an “omnirole” aircraft by Dassault.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter)

Kanika Rane, Wife of Martyred Major Kaustubh Rane of Indian Army, Set to Join Officers Training Academy in October

Kanika Rane, widow of Major Kaustubh Rane who attained martyrdom in August last year while fighting with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez sector, will join Officer’s Training Academy (OTA), Chennai in October this year. Kanika Rane cleared her Services Selection Board (SSB) interview in widows’ category in her first attempt. Lt Sangeeta Mall, Widow of Gorkha Rifles Jawan Joins Indian Army.

Kanika who who lives with her three-year-old son Agastya in Colaba will undergo 49-week rigorous training at the academy. Kanika’s in-laws hailed her decision to follow their son’s footsteps by joining the OTA. After completing the training she will be commissioned into the Indian Army as a lieutenant.

Major Rane was among the soldiers who were martyred on August 7, 2018, while fighting with terrorists in Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district. The officer belonged to Mira Road area of Thane district, adjoining Mumbai. As a tribute to the martyred army officer, the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in January this year laid the foundation stone for a memorial for Major Kaustubh outside Mira Road railway station.

Earlier this month, Garima Abrol, widow of Squadron Leader Samir Abrol one of the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who died in a plane crash on February 1, this year in Bengaluru, cleared Services Selection Board (SSB) from AFSB Varanasi in the widow category. Garima will join the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Telangana’s Dundigal in January 2020.

In April this year,  Gauri Mahadik, the widow of Major Prasad Mahadik of the Indian Army joined to Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The 32-year-old Gauri prepared hard and cleared her Services Selection Board (interview) in the second attempt. She topped the merit list of the SSB in the widow category in her second attempt.

Maj Gen (R) Vikram Dogra of Indian Army Breaks his Own Record at Ironman Triathlon Held in Hamburg, General Bipin Rawat Congratulates Officer

Major General (Retd) Vikram Dogra, the first army man to complete an Ironman triathlon, broke his own record at the world’s most tiring sports event by 41 minutes. Maj Gen (R) Dogra completed the triathlon held at Germany’s Hamburg on July 30 in 13 hours 40 minutes. A total number of 2,700 athletes from across 70 countries took part in the Ironman triathlon this year. All-Woman IAF Crew Flies Military Chopper Mi-17 V5 For First Time.

Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat congratulated Maj Gen (R) for his achievement. The Indian Army tweeted, “#OurVeteran #OurPride General Bipin Rawat #COAS congratulates Major General Vikram Dogra (Retired), who successfully completed an Ironman Triathlon, beating his own record at the gruelling event in #Germany.”

Indian Army’s Tweet:

 

The ‘Ironman’ is an international competition which consists of three events which including 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km cycling and 42.2 km of running. It is regarded as the toughest one-day sporting event in the world. The participants need to complete its all three events within 17 hours. Only after completing the event within the required timeframe, participants can earn the title of ‘Ironman’. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Identical Twins Commissioned Into Indian Army After Completing Training From Indian Military Academy.

According to the retired army officer said, this year swimming organised in Lake Alster was the most difficult of all three loops. Speaking to IANS, he said, “The lake was not clean. The water was full of algae and almost black in appearance. There were pieces of algae floating all around. Lot of athletes lost their way in the first loop itself.” Maj Gen (R) further added that during cycling also participants faced challenge as it was a hot day with a windspeed of around 40 kmph and they had to pedal against the wind most of the time.

In July 2018, the general-rank officer participated in the triathlon held in Austria’s Klagenfurt. Maj Gen (R) Dogra had also commanded an Armoured Brigade on the western front with Pakistan and an Infantry Division in a Strike Corps. The Sword of Honour and Gold Medalist winner of the December 1981 batch got commissioned into the Poona Horse Regiment.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Indian Army)

IAF Launches Mobile-Based Air Combat Game ‘Indian Air Force: A Cut Above’ to Attract More Youth to Join The Force

Air Chief Marshal Barinder Singh Dhanoa on Wednesday launched Indian Air Force’s (IAF) mobile-based air combat game – ‘Indian Air Force: A Cut Above’ in New Delhi. The teaser of the game was launched on July 20 on IAF’s Twitter handle. The game also features a character with a gunslinger moustache similar to that of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who shot down Pakistan’s F-16 fighter during aerial combat on February 27. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Posted at Suratgarh Airbase in Rajasthan: Reports.

The game is offered on Android and iOS devices. At present the game is available as a single player wherein the user can cherish the thrill of flying experience. Later, the IAF will introduce the multiplayer version of the game. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Meets Army And Air Force Personnel in Jammu And Kashmir; Watch Video.

Teaser of the Game:

The game featuring Wg Cdr Varthaman like character showcases various fighter jets and choppers of the IAF including Su-30 MKIs and Mi-17 helicopters. It also makes a veiled reference to the Balakot airstrike, which was carried out by the IAF on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan on February 26 using Mirage 2000 aircraft. Pakistan’s F-16 Which Violated Indian Air Space Shot Down by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman with Mig-21 Bison.

With the launch of this game, the IAF aims to attract more youth to join the force to fulfill its depleted manpower. According to reports, Ministry of Defence, the IAF has shortage of 483 officers. Currently, the air force has 12,142 officers as on 1 June, against a sanctioned strength of 12,625.

(Picture Courtesy: Youtube Video Grab/ Defence Insight)

First Batch of 4 Apache AH-64E Attack Helicopters For IAF Arrived At Hindan Air Base

The United States aerospace major Boeing on Saturday handed over the the first four of the 22 Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Hindan air base in Ghaziabad. According to reports, four more Apache AH-64 choppers will reach Indian next week. All these eight chopper will be stationed at Pathankot Air Force Station where they will be stationed permanently. Indian Air Force Soon to Get Boeing’s Apache And Chinook Helicopters.

The first batch of attach helicopters were delivered to the IAF almost four years after India signed a deal to procure 22 Apache AH-64E helicopters. Boeing handed the first AH-64E (I) – Apache Guardian helicopter to the IAF in Mesa of USA’s Arizona in May. Earlier this month two new heavy-lift Chinook helicopters for the IAF arrived at the Mundra port.

New Delhi signed a $ 3 billion deal to buy 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters in September 2015 with Boeing and the government of the United States. The Indian government signed a direct contract with the Boeing to procure Chinook helicopters, while the deal to buy Apache helicopters is a mixed one. IAF Gets First Apache Helicopter During Ceremony Held at Boeing’s Production Facility in United States’ Arizona; Watch Video.

A part of the deal was signed with the US aviation company and the other half is signed with the US government under foreign military sales route. Meanwhile, in 2017, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government signed another deal with the Boeing to acquire six Apache helicopters for the Indian Army. It will be the first fleet of attack helicopters of the army.

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. It features a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. The helicopter was introduced to U.S. Army service in April 1986.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Ken Juster)

 

Captain Amarinder Singh Orders Double Promotion For Kargil War Hero Satpal Singh

Hours after news surfaced that Kargil War hero and Vir Chakra awardee Satpal Singh was managing traffic as a senior constable in Sangrur district, Punjab Chief Minister on Friday took note of the matter and ordered double promotion for the gallantry award winner. He is now promoted to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). Satpal joined Punjab police in 2010 after his retirement from the Indian Army’s 8 Sikh Regiment. Kargil Vijay Diwas 20th Anniversary Celebrations: 13 JAK RIF Organises Motorcycle Expedition From Uttarakhand’s Mana Village to Kargil.

Satpal Singh Managing Traffic in Sangrur:

 

Capt Singh slammed the then Akali government for ignoring the Kargil War hero’s credentials at the time of his recruitment. The Punjab CM tweeted, “Have promoted Vir Chakra awardee Satpal Singh of the #KargilWar from senior constable to ASI. He deserves special treatment, which previous @Akali_Dal_govt didn’t deem fit to give him at the time of his recruitment in 2010. This is the least we can do for our brave soldiers.”

Captain Amarinder Singh’s Tweet:

Satpal was posted in Drass sector during Operation Vijay in 1999 and was part of the team that helped the Army capture Tiger Hill. Satpal killed Capt Karnal Sher Khan of the Northern Light Infantry of the Pakistani Army and three others. Capt Sher Khan was later conferred the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest gallantry award on the recommendation of the Indian Army. Vishal Batra, Brother of Captain Vikram Batra, Climbs 16,000-Foot-High Peak on 29th Death Anniversary of Kargil War Hero.

Indian Army’s Tweet:

Meanwhile, India on Friday celebrated the 20th aniiversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. Chiefs of all the the three wings of the Indian Defence Forces – General Bipin Rawat, Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa paid tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil War at War Memorial in Dras.

Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the Kargil victory, General Bipin Rawat gave a stern warning to Pakistan, saying, “You will get a bloodier nose next time”. President Ram Nath Koind also visited the Kargil War Memorial to pay homage to the war heroes.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter & Indian Express)

IMA Imparts Training to UAE Soldiers to Enhance Defence Cooperation As Part of Indian Army’s Outreach Programme

Spearheading Indian Army’s outreach for increased engagement with the Middle East, in defence cooperation, Indian Military Academy, one of the premier Pre-Commission Training Institutes of the country, shall be imparting  training to the soldiers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The contingent from the UAE, comprising 20 Other Ranks reached IMA, Dehradun on July 17, 2019. Kargil Vijay Diwas 20th Anniversary Celebrations: 13 JAK RIF Organises Motorcycle Expedition From Uttarakhand’s Mana Village to Kargil.

UAE Soldiers undergoing Drill Practice at Indian Military Academy.JPG
UAE soldiers at IMA (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

The training which has begun on July 18, 2019 will continue till to August 31, 2019 over a period of seven weeks. This would involve various aspects pertaining to ‘Drill’ which is the bedrock of discipline in the Armed Forces. This kind of military training engagements, with friendly foreign countries, has been facilitated by the Indian Army for a large number of foreign militaries in the past, however, this is the first time that this kind of a training has been organized for the officers and soldiers of UAE at Indian Military Academy. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Indian Army Gets 382 Officers, 77 GCs Passed Out From Indian Military Academy.

The interaction between counter parts will go a long way in enhancing the bonhomie that the two countries already enjoy. During 2017 Republic Day parade, UAE had participated for the first time as a leading contingent.

(Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

Garima Abrol, Widow of Squadron Leader Samir Abrol of Indian Air Force, Clears SSB Interview, Will Join Air Force Academy in January 2020

Garima Abrol, widow of Squadron Leader Samir Abrol one of the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who died in a plane crash on February 1, this year in Bengaluru, cleared Services Selection Board (SSB) from AFSB Varanasi in the widow category. Garima will join the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Telangana’s Dundigal in January 2020. After completing training from the AFA, she will be commissioned into the IAF as Flying Officer in 2021. Gauri Mahadik, Widow of Major Prasad Mahadik Of Indian Army to Join Officers’ Training Academy in April.

On February 1, Sqn Ldr Abrol and Sqn Ldr Siddhartha Negi lost their lives after Mirage-2000 trainer aircraft crashed at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru. Sqn Ldr Negi died on the spot, while Sqn Ldr Abrol succumbed to injuries after being taken to the Command hospital. Meet Lt Garima Yadav: A Journey From Beauty Queen To Indian Army Officer.

SSB Crack’s Post:

 

Days after the tragic death of Sqn Ldr Abrol, his brother Sushant Abrol had penned down an emotional poem alleging that corruption in the bureaucracy took his brother’s life. He had also blamed the government for the tragic incident. Lt Sangeeta Mall, Widow of Gorkha Rifles Jawan Joins Indian Army.

Sushant Abrol’s Poem:

Through his poem Sushant had targeted the central leadership for not caring about the lives of soldiers. Garima also shared that poem on her Facebook, after which it went viral on social media.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 20th Anniversary Celebrations: 13 JAK RIF Organises Motorcycle Expedition From Uttarakhand’s Mana Village to Kargil

To commemorate “Kargil Vijay Diwas” the Indian Victory in Kargil War 1999, 13th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAK RIF) who actively participated in the said operations, organised a Motorcycle Expedition from Mana “The Last Village” in Uttarakhand to Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir. The expedition was flagged off on 06th July 2019 from Mana, Uttarakhand and will culminate at Kargil on July 26, 2019 on the eve of “Kargil Vijay Diwas”.

The Expedition reached Indian Military Academy, Dehradun on July 9, 2019. The 22 member expedition team led by Maj Ritwick Singh of 13th JAK RIF visited the premier institute and interacted with Gentlemen Cadets undergoing training. This expedition will surely motivate future leaders of Indian Army, showcasing ethos of the Armed Forces and inspiring younger generation on sacrifices made by their predecessors like CaptainVikram Batra, PVC (P) who underwent training from Indian Military Academy (IMA).

Maj Gen GS Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM metting the Riders
Maj Gen GS Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM metting the Riders (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

After a fruitful interaction with Gentlemen Cadets, the team was felicitated by Maj Gen GS Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, Indian Military Academy. He appreciated the team for their efforts and the cause for which they have undertaken this expedition.

Earlier on July 7, Vishal Batra, twin brother of Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra paid tribute to the hero of the Kargil War on his 20th Death anniversary at 16,000-foot-high Batra Top. Commander of 14 Corps of the Indian Army Lt Gen Yogesh Joshi and soldiers of 13 JAK RIF and 18 Grenadiers accompanies Vishal to the top of the peak. Lt Gen Joshi was commanding officer of the 13 JAK RIF at the time of the war.