Category: Defence

General Bipin Rawat Takes Over as India’s First Chief of Defence Staff; Here is What New Uniform of CDS Looks Like

A day after General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) on Tuesday tweeted out images of the badges of his new uniform. General Bipin Rawat today retired as the Chief of Army Staff. Speaking to reporters, after receiving his farewell ‘Guard of Honour’ at South Block, General Rawat said, “I will fulfill my role as Chief of Army Staff till the handover.”

The colour of the uniform of the CDS will be olive green. However, there will be few changes in it as the CDS will represent all the three wings forces. The insignia of the Chief of Defence Staff draws elements from all the three wings of the armed forces which are encircled by laurel wreath. There will be a maroon patch on the shoulders of the uniform with golden ranks. There will no lanyard as the CDS will represent all the three service wings. General Manoj Mukund Naravane Takes Charge as 28th Indian Army Chief.

Sneak Peak Into Badges of the Uniform of Chief of Defence Staff:

 

 

 

 

 

There will also be no four stars on the collar of the uniform of the CDS. The Chief of Defence Staff will have his office in South Block. According to reports, General Bipin Rawat will reside at 3, Kamraj Marg in New Delhi. The CDS will head the Department of Military Affairs and will bring jointness in the military operations.

The creation of CDS was announced in August in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The announcement was made on the Independence Day during his address to the nation. The demand to create CDS dated back to 1998, when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power. The recommendation for creating the post was first made after the Kargil War.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane Takes Charge as 28th Indian Army Chief

General Manoj Mukund Naravane took charge as the 28th Indian Army Chief on Tuesday. General Naravane succeeded the outgoing Chief General Bipin Rawat, who has been appointed as the first Chief of Defence Staff. Containing cross border-terrorisms in Jammu and Kashmir, resolving border issues with China and bringing Army reforms will be on priority of the new Army Chief. With General Naravane taking charge as the 28th Army Chief, now all the three chiefs of the service wings are from the 56th batch of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.

An alumnus of the NDA and the Indian Military Academy, the General Officer was commissioned into the seventh Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in June 1980. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Higher Command Course, Mhow. He holds a Master’s Degree in Defence Studies, M. Phil Degree in Defence and Management Studies and is currently pursuing his Doctorate. President Ram Nath Kovind Presents Gallantry Awards 2019 to Indian Army, Paramilitary Personnel, General Bipin Rawat Receives Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

Video of Gen Rawat Passing on the Army Chief’s Baton to General Manoj Mukund Naravane:

 

In a distinguished military career spanning almost four decades, the General Officer has the distinction of tenating key command and staff appointments in Peace and Field both in North East and Jammu & Kashmir and has been part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka during ‘Operation Pawan’. The Officer brings with him enormous experience of serving in the most challenging areas. Gen Naravane had also commanded 2nd Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles (Sikh Light Infantry), 106 Infantry Brigade, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) at Kohima, Nagaland and 2 Corps.

His staff assignments included tenures as a Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade, Assistant Adjutant & Quartermaster General (AA&QMG) of Headquarters Establishment No 22, Defence Attache at Yangon, Myanmar, an instructional appointment in the Army War College as Directing Staff in the Higher Command Wing, besides two tenures at the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi. The General Officer had the privilege of commanding the Republic Day Parade in 2017 in his capacity as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Delhi Area. After successfully commanding the Army Training Command, Shimla, he took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Eastern Command on October 01, 2018.

IMA POP Autumn 2019 – Multi Activity Display And “Son-Et-Lumiere” Show Held at Indian Military Academy, Rajnath Singh To Be Reviewing Officer of Passing Out Parade

 

Aa a prelude of Passing Out Parade (POP) at Indian Military Academy(IMA), a Multi Activity Display was conducted at Somnath Stadium on December 6, 2019. The Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) showcased the high standards of the training and physical excellence. The IMA is the premium training institute imparting Pre-Commissioning military training to the future leaders of Indian Army. The Display was witnessed by a large gathering of spectators, which included the Passing Out Course, their parents and relatives.

The aim of training at the Academy includes developing physical fitness and a robust mind with a sense of adventure amongst the Gentlemen Cadets. The Gentlemen Cadets showcased dare devil acts on horse back, which included tent pegging, trick riding and show jumping. Further, a scintillating performance by the Gentleman Cadets showcasing their physical prowess through their gymnastic agility and acrobatic skills. The Malkhamb Team of 5th Battalion Maratha Light Infantry surprised the audience by the display of their extraordinary skills. IMA Ball Night – Autumn Term 2019: Precursor to December 7 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy; Yashaswini Sharma Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Dhruv Mehla Declared Mr IMA.

Shri Rajnath Singh Hon’ble Defence Minister of India along with Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Comdt, IMA and Maj Gen GS Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM DC&CI, IMA attending Sound and Light Show.jpg
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Light And Sound Show at IMA Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

The second event of the day was the Continuity Drill and “Son-et-Lumiere’’ (Sound and Light show). The show was graced by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Defence Minister of India the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade alongwith the parents of the passing out course and the visiting dignitaries.

The event was held at the sprawling Drill Square which provided the pristine environment for the conduct of the event, the spectacular show commenced with exquisite drill movements of Continuity Drill by the Gentlemen Cadets. A contingent comprised of sixty four Gentlemen Cadets bidding farewell to the senior colleagues, conducted a masterly display of drill movements synchronized with an accompanying band.

The Sound and Light Show conducted at The Indian Military Academy, is one of its kind in Armed forces in India. It is done in front of the famous Chetwode Building, covering a stage of more than 400 feet, it depicts the history of eight decades of Indian Military Academy. People come to know the discipline, bravery, camaraderie and the valour of the Heroes in making. It is more of a heritage and an iconic legacy into practice for more than 87 years. An audience of more than 3000 people and a crew of more than a hundred people. It uses live action, horses, lasers, light, films, world class audio and fireworks. All these activities of 40 minutes, give parents of Gentlemen Cadets, Officers and Guest an enthralling experience of their life time, and swells their hearts with pride.

IMA Ball Night – Autumn Term 2019: Precursor to December 7 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy; Yashaswini Sharma Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Dhruv Mehla Declared Mr IMA

The glittering and most awaited social event for the Autumn Term 2019 – The
‘IMA Ball’, was held on November 23, 2019 at the Indian Military Academy. Yashaswini Sharma was adjudged as Miss IMA and Gentleman Cadet Dhruv Mehla was declared as Mr IMA. The proud winners won exquisite gift hampers. IMA Ball Night – Spring Term 2019: Precursor to June 8 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy: Anushka Chauhan Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Armanjit Singh Declared Mr IMA

The evening of joy, merriment and nostalgia commenced with the Commandant
IMA, Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, rolling the symbolic ‘IMA Ball’. The
Gentleman Cadets looked radiant in evening military attire and the ladies were at their
dazzling best during the gala event.

Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, Indian Military Academy and Mrs Anita Jha, the first lady of the Academy, with farewell to 145 Reg & 128 TGC course on the occasion of IMA Ball
IMA Commandant Lt Gen SK Jha (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

The IMA Ball is held at the end of each term to mark the culmination of a rigorous training schedule of the Passing Out Course. The event is marked with fun and frolic, it can also be termed as the ‘Break Up Party’ for the Passing Out Course. The IMA Ball is a precursor to the final event – The Passing Out Parade of the IMA, which is scheduled on December 7, 2019. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Identical Twins Commissioned Into Indian Army After Completing Training From Indian Military Academy.

Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Comdt, IMA and Mrs Anita Jha, the first lady of the Academy, Maj Gen GS Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM, DC&CI and Mrs Anupa Rawat second lady of the Academy alongwith the winners of IMA Bal.jpg
Award winners of IMA Ball (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

The occasion was characterised by the display of a high sense of chivalry,
courtesy, etiquette and gentlemanly conduct of the passing out course. These qualities
which are imbibed and nurtured in the IMA, remain as an important part of their lives as officers on commissioning.The highlight of the evening was the selection of Mr IMA and Miss IMA, in which the Gentleman Cadets and their lady guests participated whole-heartedly with great zealm and enthusiasm.

Ponung Doming Creates History by Becoming First Lady Officer From Arunachal Pradesh to be Promoted to Rank of Lt Col in Indian Army

Ponung Doming created history on Monday by becoming the first lady officer from Arunachal Pradesh to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. While speaking to media, Doming expressed happiness after being promoted to Lt Col rank. Meet Lt Garima Yadav: A Journey From Beauty Queen To Indian Army Officer.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Lt Col Doming for creating the history. He tweeted, “A proud moment for all of us…, Major #PonungDoming creates history. She is first woman Army officer from #Arunachal to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the #IndianArmy. Hearty congratulations and best wishes! @adgpi.”

Prema KHandu’s Tweet:

 

In March this year, the Centre announced that lady officers would get permanent commissions in 10 branches of the Indian Army. Permanent commission will be granted to lady officers serving in branches such as Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence. Lady officers will have to give their option for permanent commision before completion of four years of commissioned service. All-Woman IAF Crew Flies Military Chopper Mi-17 V5 For First Time.

Last month, Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami became the first woman Flight Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Wg Cdr Dhami took over the Chetak helicopter unit at the Hindon airbase in Uttar Pradesh. Born in Ludhiana, she took her first solo flight in 2003 in Hyderabad, on the HPT-32 Deepak. In 2017, Dhami became the first woman flying instructor of the IAF. Wing Commander Dhami is also the first woman officer to get a permanent commission of the flying branch.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Indian Army)

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)

 

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)