Category: Defence

Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria Appointed as 26th IAF Chief, WIll Take Over Charge From Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on September 30

Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC was appointed as the 26th Indian Air Force (IAF) chief by the government on Thursday. Air Marshal Bhadauria will take charge from Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa who is scheduled to retire on September 30. Air Marshal Bhadauria will serve as the chief of IAF for next two years. He is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Bhadauria assumed the office on May 1, 2019, after superannuation of Air Marshal Anil Khosla. Admiral Karambir Singh Takes Charge As 24th Naval Chief; Indian Navy Gives Emotional Farewell to Admiral Sunil Lanba, Watch Video.

Interestingly, Air Marshal Bhadauria was also set to retire on the September 30 this year, but he has given two years of extension and now will be retiring in 2021 at 62 years of age. He has over 4250 hours of flying on 26 types of fighters and transport aircraft. Air Marshal Bhadauria  is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Pune and holds a Masters in Defence studies from Command and Staff College. He was commissioned in fighter stream of the IAF on June 15, 1980, and was recipient of ‘Sword of Honour’.

Air Marshal Bhadauria held various Command, Staff and Instructional Appointments at various levels including the present one as Vice Chief of Air Staff. This Air Officer is decorated with PVSM, AVSM, VM and he is one of the ADCs to the supreme Commander. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Flies Joint Sortie With IAF Chief BS Dhanoa From Pathankot Airbase.

He also commanded Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft & System Testing Establishment (ASTE) and was the Project Director of National Flight Test Centre on Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project. As Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS), he was instrumental in the finalisation of contract of Rafale aircraft for IAF. Air Marshal Bhadauri also headed a frontline deep strike Jaguar Squadron and a frontline fighter base in South Western sector. Bhadauria is from Korath, a village near Agra.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Indian Air Force)

 

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Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2019: Indian And US Armies Sing & Dance on Assam Regiment’s Marching Song ‘Badluram Ka Badan Zameen Ke Neeche Hai’; Watch Video

The United States (US) Army on Sunday joined the Indian Army in singing and dancing on the Assam Regiment’s marching song “Badluram Ka Badan Zameen Ke Neeche Hai” during the 15th edition of the Exercise Yudh Abhyas. The video of US and Indian soldiers enjoying the song was shared by the Indian Army on is twitter handle. The video is doing rounds on social media. Hand-in-Hand Exercise 2018: Indian Army Troops Perform Bhangra During Joint Military Drill; Watch Video.

The joint military exercise is curently underway at  Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington. The Exercise Yudh Abyas 2019 began on September 5 and will continue till September 18. The joint military is one of the largest joint running military training and defence corporation endeavors between India and USA. Hand-in-Hand Exercise 2018 Culminates; Indian Army Troops Return to India.

Video of Both The Armies SInging And Dancing on Assam Regiment’s Marching Song:

On Saturday, personnel of both the armies shared various case studies of Operations conducted by each side. Meanwhile, on September 12, the Indian and the US armies exchanged best practices and combat drills on the Stryker Interim Armoured Vechicle (IAV). The Indian Army also tweeted pictures od both the activities. AVIAINDRA-2018: IAF’s Special Forces ‘Garud’ Undertake Air-Borne Assault Operation in Anti-Terrorist Scenario.

Indian Army’s Tweet:

 

 

The Exercise Yudh Abhyas provides an opportunity to the armed forces of both countries to train in an integrated manner at Battalion level with joint planning at Brigade level. Multiple scenarios are being rehearsed during the joint exercise with a view to understand each other’s organisational structure and battle procedures which would result in a higher degree of jointmanship that would further facilitate interoperability between the armed forces of both countries to meet any unforeseen contingency across the globe.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Indian Army)

First Batch of 8 Apache AH-64E Helicopters Inducted Into Indian Air Force at Pathankot Airbase, Choppers Get Cannon Salute

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday inducted eight Apache Ah-64E attack helicopters during a glittering ceremont held at Pathankot airbase. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was the chief guest of the event. The newly inducted helicopters received water cannon salute. In 2015, the Indian government had signed a deal with the United States (US) and Boeing to procure 22 Apache helicopters.The choppers will inducted into the IAF in a phased manner. All the 22 chopper will be delivered to the IAF by 2020. The helicopters landed at the Hindan airbase on July 28.

Indian Air Frce’s Tweet:

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the induction ceremony said “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other ammunitions, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare.” IAF Gets First Apache Helicopter During Ceremony Held at Boeing’s Production Facility in United States’ Arizona; Watch Video.

Cannon Salute to Apache Helicopters:

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa further added, “Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by IAF. I am happy to note that the delivery schedule is on time with eight helicopters already being delivered.”

India is the 16th nation including Taiwan which to have Apache attack helicopters in service. 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/Doordarshan)

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Flies Joint Sortie With IAF Chief BS Dhanoa From Pathankot Airbase

Vir Chakra awardee Wing Commnader Abhinandan Varthaman on Monday flew a joint sortie with Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa in the trainer version of the MiG-21 Type 69 fighter aircraft from Pathankot airbase. The 26 Squadron is based at Pathankot Air Force Station. According to reports, it would be the last sortie of the IAF Chief in a combat aircraft. The sortie lasted for about half an hour. President Ram Nath Kovind Approves 132 Gallantry Award For Armed Forces Personnel and Members of Paramilitary Forces, Check Full List.

IAF’s Tweet:

Wing Commander Varthaman was awarded Vir Chakra last month 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. ‘R-73 Selected’, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s Last Radio Message Before Ejecting Out of Mig-21 Bison.

IAF Chief With Wg Cdr Varthaman:

Apart from Wg Cdr Varthaman, Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal who intercepted PAF aircraft on February 27 was also conferred with Yudh Seva Medal. The five IAF pilots – Wing Commander Amit Ranjan, Squadron Leaders Rahul Basoya, Pankaj Bhujade, BKN Reddy and Shashank Singh were 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.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter)

28 Years of Mig-25 Garuda’s First Sortie: IAF’s Tweets on Historic Day When Supresonic Aircraft Took Off For Its Maiden Flight

Twenty-eight years ago, on August 25, 1981, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Mig-25 “Garuda” flew its first sortie. the then Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Idris Latif and Wing Commander Apram Jeet Singh of the 102 Squadron were the pilots of Mig-25’s maiden flight. IAF Launches Mobile-Based Air Combat Game ‘Indian Air Force: A Cut Above’ to Attract More Youth to Join The Force.

The IAF in a tweet on Sunday said, “#YearsBack on This Day #IAF: On 25 Aug 81, IAF’s mighty Mig-25 flew its first sortie. Wg Cdr AJ Singh, CO, 102 Sqn and the then CAS, ACM Idris Latif were the pilots in its maiden flight. Mig-25, ‘Garuda’, is one of the fastest fighters ever to have entered military service.”

IAF’s Tweet:

 

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that was among the fastest military aircraft to enter service. It was designed by the Soviet Union’s Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau and is one of the few combat aircraft built primarily using stainless steel. IAF to Receive First Batch of Rafale Jets Next Month; Warplanes to be Equipped With SCALP Missiles by 2020.

After its induction into the IAF, Mig-25 was designated as “Garuda”. It was also used extensively in the Kargil War and Operation Parakram, conducting aerial reconnaissance sorties over Pakistan. The aircraft was retired from the service from the IAF in 2007 due to lack of spare parts and India’s acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite imagery.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Indian Air Force)

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.

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)