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National assets: A helicopter at the static air show organised to celebrate Indian Air Force’s 85 years of glorious service to the nation at the Air Force Station, Hakimpet on Thursday. | Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/training-air-warriors/article19803527.ece

AFS Hakimpet - IAF’s pride

Air Force Station Hakimpet on the city outskirts is not only the school for the budding fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force but also provides training for the helicopter pilots and the non-technical training for air warriors working in the administrative wings.

Over the last few decades ever since the premier aviation training school developed from a jet training wing in 1958 to flight training wing a decade later and into the present establishment in 1983, it oversaw cadets being groomed into fighter pilots tasked with protecting the nation’s skies. If it was the Spitfires, Tempest trainers, Iskras, later they were and Kirans including Kiran MK II aircrafts on which the pilots trained.

Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Hakimpet Air Commodore RK Obheroi told visiting presspersons on Thursday — on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the IAF — that the institute being one of the oldest and the best, trains cadets and officers into the fighter flying for the Indian Navy plus the Coast Guard in the art of rotary winged flying.

The station houses the Technical Type Training (TETTRA) School, equipped with working models, X-ray models of various systems; computer based simulators and cut out full-scale models of aircraft, to train cadets into prospective Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force pilots prior to commencing their flying training.

The Non Technical Training Institute (NTTI) provides training for over 200 airmen trainees in Administrative Assistant trade. Shift of the Helicopter Training School (HTS) in 197 here was a major milestone and it has been the alma mater for many helicopter pilots in IAF and the Indian Army.

For the first six months, trainee pilots are taught operational flying initially on BELL 47G3 helicopter and subsequently on Chetaks. These pilots have been called for many a time to provide aid to civil authorities in times of distress and natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes to provide relief to the affected people, he explained.

The media visit was to create awareness about AFS in imparting training in various streams of the Air Force and also to encourage bright youngsters to join the elite forces.
 
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/636391/iaf-start-process-acquire-single.html

Press Trust of India, New Delhi, Oct 5 2017, 20:18 IST
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The IAF currently has 33 fighter squadrons against authorised strength of 42. File Photo

In a major move, the Indian Air Force will start the process this month to acquire a fleet of single engine fighter jets which are expected to significantly enhance its overall strike capability.

Chief of Air Staff B S Dhanoa said having a new fleet of single engine jets was a "priority" for the IAF and the request for information (RFI) for it is likely to be issued "very soon".

Another top official of the IAF told PTI that the RFI, kick starting the acquisition process, will be issued this month.

The fighter jets will be produced jointly by a foreign aircraft maker along with an Indian company under the recently launched strategic partnership model which aims to bring in high-end defence technology to India.

"The RFI for the single engine fighter is likely to be issued very soon," Dhanoa said addressing a press conference.

A request for information is a business process aimed at gathering information on the capabilities of various suppliers.

Swedish defence giant Saab and Indian conglomerate Adani group last month had announced a collaboration, mainly eyeing the contract for single-engine jets for the IAF. US defence firm Lockheed Martin is also seen as a major competitor for the deal.

Dhanoa said IAF is giving priority to the single engine fighters as the twin-engine fighters will cost more.
"Right now, we are concentrating on the single engine so as to make up the numbers with lower cost," he said. The IAF currently has 33 fighter squadrons against authorised strength of 42.


The IAF chief, however, said the force has requirement of twin engine jets as well. In September last year, India had signed an Euro 7.87- billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government for purchase of 36 Rafale twin-engine fighter jets.

The IAF was keen on a follow-on order of 36 additional Rafales. The supply of Rafale jets is schedules to start from September 2019. Sources said the IAF will start receiving a fresh fleet of 36 Sukhoi jets from 2019.

Asked about purchase of tankers for IAF, Dhanoa said, as the RFP for buyinbg them has been withdrawn, the IAF is now upgrading the IL-78 so that it can carry more fuel. The IL-78 is a Soviet-built four-engined aerial refuelling tanker.

"There is a requirement of tankers which we will pursue again for acquisition," he said.
Asked about the fifth-generation fighter aircraft project (FGFA) with Russia, Dhanoa said a high-level committee has submitted its report to defence ministry which will take a call on it.

"The case is with the ministry of defence. The preliminary design phase has been completed. The Varthaman committee has submitted its report which is classified and we have also given our response," Dhanoa said.
In 2007, India and Russia had inked an inter-governmental pact for the FGFA project.

In December 2010, India had agreed to pay USD 295 million (Rs 1,897 crore) towards the preliminary design of the fighter, which is called in India as the 'Perspective Multi- role Fighter'.

However, negotiations faced various hurdles in the subsequent years.

Answering a question, the Air Chief said that the IAF will consider procuring Predator unmanned combat aerial vehicle in case it is offered by the US. Predator is a remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicle used primarily by the US Air Force.
 
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...th-by-2032-air-chief/articleshow/60958636.cms

The IAF chief also spoke on a range of issues including steps being taken to enhance the strike capability of the force such as the acquisition of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems from Russia and 36 Rafale combat jets.

He said the contract for five S-400 missile systems would be signed soon and their delivery would start two years after the deal was struck.

The IAF chief also talked about the mid-life upgrading of Mirage 2000, Mig 29s and Jaguar fleets, adding that the IAF was working to fully achieving a network-centric operational capability.

Dhanoa said a proposal for 83 indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft Mark I was being finalised, adding the force is getting 40 Light Combat Aircraft (LAC) and an RFP (request for proposal) for 83 more LCA will be issued. He said the IAF would be getting 36 more Sukhoi jets and their delivery would start from 2019.


Dhanoa also said test firing of the Brahmos missile would start from next month. The Brahmos supersonic missile systems are being integrated with the Sukhoi-30 MKI frontline fighter jet.

Referring to a string of accidents involving the IAF's choppers and aircraft, Dhanoa said, "Our losses in peacetime are a cause of concern. We are making concerted efforts to minimise accidents and preserve our assets".

He said security at all the IAF installations had been significantly enhanced after last year's terror attack on the Pathankot base. The steps included putting in place an integrated perimeter security system and buying lethal weapons.

"These men and women under my command are confident of taking on any threat and are fully prepared to undertake the full spectrum of air operations and respond to any challenge in the most befitting manner," said Dhanoa.

When asked about the Army chief's two-and-half front war comment also referring to internal security threats, Dhanoa said, "As a democracy we don't use kinetic air power against our own people."
 
Ministry of Defence
06-October, 2017 18:16 IST
Defence Minister Visits Air Force Station Jamnagar

Defence Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman was on a maiden visit to the Air Base at Jamnagar, today. She was received by Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ South Western Air Command Air Marshal DS Rawat and Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Jamnagar Air Commodore Sanjai Chauhan. She was briefed on the significance of Jamnagar Air Base and the role and nature of air operations undertaken. A Static Display of various aircrafts that had operated from the base and weapon systems were shown to the Defence Minister during her visit to the Air Traffic Control Center. She also interacted with the air warriors at a ‘Barakhana’ organised in her honour.

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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressing a gathering at Nirma University, in Ahmedabad on October 06, 2017.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman with the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command, Air Marshal R.K. Dhir, during her visit to the ‘Know Your Air Force’ exhibition, at Nirma University, in Ahmedabad on October 06, 2017.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inside the cockpit of MiG 29 fighter aircraft on her visit to Air Force Station Jamnagar, in Gujarat on October 06, 2017.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman with the Air Warriors, during her visit, at Air Force Station Jamnagar, in Gujarat on October 06, 2017.
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http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sitharaman-to-visit-sikkim-today/article19814317.ece
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Nirmala Sitharaman checks out a MiG 29 at the Air Force Station Jamnagar in Gujarat on Friday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sitharaman-to-visit-sikkim-today/article19814317.ece


Defence Minister’s visit to northeast comes amid reports of increased Chinese presence in Doklam

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is to begin a crucial tour of the northeast on Saturday, even as as the Opposition Congress launched an aggressive attack on the Narendra Modi government over its handling of the border situation with China.

According to MoD officials, Ms. Sitharaman will begin her tour of military installations in Sikkim on Saturday and move to Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, The Minister will be briefed on the latest situation along the border, including the Chinese movements on the Doklam plateau, sources said.

Though the Doklam standoff ended on August 28, it has emerged over the last few days that the Chinese military presence in the disputed area continues with several hundred soldiers, construction stores, and new bunkers. This presence is just a few hundred meters away from where the two sides faced-off for over two months, starting June 16, when Indian troops stopped the Chinese from constructing a road.

Military sources have also confirmed that the Chinese have been carrying out relaying and widening of a road not very far from the stand off point.


Cong. concerns

Meanwhile, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday asked the Prime Minister to explain how China managed to widen an existing motorable road in Doklam.

“Modiji, once you’re done thumping your chest, could you please explain this?” Gandhi wrote on Twitter, posting a news report about an ongoing Chinese road expansion in Doklam.

Congress spokesperson Kapil Sibal said Chinese have again established themselves on Doklam plateau. “You [the PM] had said this matter was over. The Chinese have increased their strength in the Chicken Neck area,” Mr. Sibal pointed out.

He said the Prime Minister kept saying that his meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping went off very well. “But the Chinese are once again building road, not just that 500 to 1000 soldiers are deployed in the area. Are you once again going to call President Xi Jinping to sit on the swing near Sabarmati?” Mr. Sibal asked.

Meanwhile, Army sources said they have kept the PMO and other branches of the government updated about the ground situation in the area. “Right now the situation is not critical but it has to be seen if they withdraw after the party congress,” MOD sources said.

However, officials expressed confidence that a pullback would take place.

“The mobility on their side is much better than on our side. So it does not matter how close they are to the border. Their biggest problem in coming months is the weather. They will have to withdraw soon,” one of the officials said.

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets with the Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force during a "Know Your Air Force" program in Ahmedabad on Friday.
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Indian Air Force's C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a rehearsal for the 85th Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad on Friday. (PTI Photo)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...nflicts-iaf/story-plMW2sadyKbjrcRIUOsW9L.html


The C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, a squadron of which has been set up here, has the capability to play an important role in case of a military conflict, Air Vice Marshal Vikram Singh said on Friday.

He was speaking after viewing a spectacular paradiving exercise by seven para jumper instructors from one of the six aircraft of the C-130J Hercules squadron of the IAF at the Air Force Station Arjan Singh, earlier known as Panagarh air base.

AFS Arjan Singh is the base for the second C-130J Super Hercules squadron after the one at Hindon AFS near Delhi.

“The state-of-the-art aircraft with its tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities is a huge jump,” Singh, the Air officer Commanding, Advanced Headquarter, Eastern Air Command, said.

“In any future conflict, it will play a very important role,” he said.

Asked whether the C-130J Super Hercules will play an important role in case of a military conflict between India and China, Singh said, “We don’t buy aircraft with one particular adversary in mind, but given its capabilities it will certainly play an important role in such a scenario.”

“The closest border with China due north is Sikkim and it will take less than an hour for the C130J to reach from here,” he said when asked about the time that it might take to put up an operation.

India and China were engaged in a bitter border standoff over the construction of a road at Doklam earlier this year that lasted close to three months.

“It is the first transport aircraft with a head-up display which is normally found in a fighter aircraft,” the Air Vice Marshal said, ahead of the 84th Air Force Day on October 8.

A head-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints, thus saving precious time.

“It has infra-red sensor that gives the crew a monocromatic view in front and down below and thus helps the aircraft to fly very low and with accuracy at night,” he said.
 
Easy like Sunday morning
Let’s celebrate Indian Air Force Day!
1. On October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was formally established by the British empire as an auxiliary of its air force. To honour India’s aviation service during WWII, King George VI conferred a title preceding its name which remained till India became a republic in 1950. What was the IAF known as from 1945 to 1950?

2. The motto of IAF is taken from chapter 11, verse 24 of the Bhagavad Gita. In this, Lord Krishna shows his divine form to Arjuna, and this great form reaches up to the heavens. Similarly, IAF aims to overwhelm adversaries with air power to defend the nation. This is denoted by a three-word Sanskrit phrase and a five-word phrase in English. What is the motto?

3. Arjan Singh was the first IAF officer to become Air Chief Marshal. He and Field Marshals (Army) K.M. Cariappa and Sam Manekshaw are the only three military personnel to be honoured with the highest rank in Indian military. What rank is this?

4. IAF is divided into five operational and two functional commands that span 60 air bases spread all over the country. IAF also operates the Farkhor air base, India’s first military base outside its territory in a foreign country. It started when the IAF used the base to transport high-altitude military supplies to the Afghan Northern Alliance that was fighting the Taliban. Just 130 kilometres southeast of the capital Dushanbe, in which country is the Farkhor air base?

5. After attempts by terrorists to attack two major air bases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001, IAF decided to start a specialised dedicated Commando Force trained in Special Forces techniques, combat search and rescue, reconnaissance, counter insurgency operations, and emergency services, in response to terror threats to airfields. Originally called Tiger Force, the name was later changed to that of a bird from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Currently deployed in Congo with the U.N., what is this more-than-1,000-personnel-strong force known as?

6. The Surya Kiran ____ Team (SKAT) and Sarang are two specialised teams of IAF. SKAT has 13 pilots piloting HAL HJT-16 Kiran and BAE HAWK Mk 132 aircraft, and Sarang has 4 HAL ALH Dhruv helicopters. Formed in 1996 to “showcase the professionalism, the caliber and the mettle of the Indian Air Force”, these teams travel around the world giving some of the most dazzling demonstrations. What is the specialisation of these teams?

7. This interesting phenomenon is created by mixing 15% dye, 65% trichloroethylene and 25% diesel oil, and injecting it into the hot exhaust from the jet engine. This mixture reaches temperatures of over 400 degrees Celsius and vapourises immediately. The pilot releases the liquid mix by pushing one of three buttons on the control column. What is caused thus that the IAF displays beautifully at air shows?

8. The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft that is 112 feet long and has a wingspan of 132 feet. In a subtle show of strength to China, on August 20, 2013, IAF accomplished an amazing feat by landing one of these giants on Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip at an altitude of 5,065 metres (16,614 feet), which is the world’s highest airstrip. What place, which means ‘land of high passes’, is this airstrip situated in?

9. HAL is a Bangalore-based company under the management of the Indian Ministry of Defence and is responsible for the manufacturing and assembly of aircraft, navigation and related communication equipment and airports operation. It was founded in 1940 by Walchand Hirachand Doshi, an industrialist. To counter the threat posed by the Japanese empire during WWII, the Indian government nationalised the company in 1942. In 1961, it built the HAL HF-24 Marut, the first Indian jet fighter to go into service. Currently with a turnover of $2 billion, what does HAL stand for?

10. Chuck Yeager is a U.S. Air Force test pilot who was the first human to go supersonic in an aircraft. On October 14, 1947, he flew faster than the speed of sound in the Bell X-1. On December 4, 1971, under unique circumstances, he became the only known American to lose his aircraft (a twin-engined Beechcraft) to an IAF strike during a war. Admiral Arun Prakash, in his Hunter Mk56a, emptied his guns on the parked Beechcraft and enraged General Yeager. Who was Yeager with at that time for this incident to happen?

Answers

1. Royal Indian Air Force

2. Touching the Sky with Glory - 'Nabha Sparsham Deeptham'

3. 5-star rank

4. Tajikistan

5. Garud Commando Force ( From ‘Garuda’)

6. Aerobatics – (Aerial Acrobatics)

7. The coloured smoke which forms the Tri-colour in over head fly bys

8. Ladakh

9. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

10. Chuck Yeager was in Chaklala, Pakistan, in advisory capacity to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). U.S. President Nixon at that time was contemplating bombing India and Yeager reported back that this was the “Indian way of giving Uncle Sam the finger”. IAF went on to do an extraordinary job at keeping PAF at bay.
http://www.thehindu.com/society/easy-like-sunday-morning/article19819202.ece

Air Force Day special: Meet the ladies who helped IAF shrug its sexist fears
With a desire to do “something different”, India’s first three women fighter pilots, Mohana Singh Jiterwal, Bhawana Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi will create history when they will fly the military aircrafts next month.

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After being inducted into the Indian Air Force fighter squadron last year, the lady fighter pilots went through rigorous training at Hakimpet Air Force base.


"You will be glad to know that their performance has been on par with other pilots despite the strenuous and demanding nature of flying," Chief of Air Staff BS Dhanoa said addressing a press conference.


In 2014, then IAF chief Arup Raha had said, "women by nature are not physically suited for flying fighter planes for long hours, especially when they are pregnant or have other health problems."


In a traditionally male-dominated world, Mohana, Avani and Bhawana broke all the “mentality barriers” and shown the world that “there is nothing women can’t do.”


Paving way for more women into combat roles in one of the world’s biggest militaries, the ladies became an inspiration and epitome of bravery.


As Indian Air Force celebrates its 85th anniversary (2nd after shrugging its sexist fears about female fighter pilots), let’s have a look at the ladies who changed the way the world looks at women.

Mohana Singh Jiterwal: She comes from the land where being a “Fauji” is given more priority than being anything else. Coming from a small village Khatehpura in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Mohana boasts of a grandfather (Ladu Ram Jat) who martyred in in 1948 Indo-Pak War and won Vira Chakra Award.


VC Ladu Ram Jat served Indian Air Force as flight gunner in the Aviation Research Centre. Mohana’s father Pratap Singh is also working in IAF as Warrant Officer.


Mohana graduated in electronics and communication engineering with 83.7 per cent marks from Global Institute of Management and Emerging Technologies, Amritsar.


Bhawana Kanth: She hails from Bihar Darbhanga and her father is an officer in the Indian Oil Corporation. Though, Bhawana always wanted to fly planes but became an engineer first.


After preparing for engineering entrance in Kota, Rajasthan, she pursued her engineering in Medical Electronics stream from BMS College of Engineering in Bengaluru.


Bhawana was a bright student and got campus placement in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). But the destiny had something else in the store for her, and she joined IAF after qualifying Short Service Commission examination.


She always wanted to be a pilot but had never thought about being a fighter pilot, probably because there was no option available earlier. But when the IAF shrugged its sexist fears, Bhawana became one of the first three women who volunteered to rule skies.


Avani Chaturvedi: The “Bulbul” of Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district always wanted to fly and fly high. She wanted to become like Astronaut Kalpana Chawla. Avani’s father Dinkar Chaturvedi is an engineer and mother Savita is a housewife.


Avani’s brother, who is in the Army, inspired her to achieve her dreams. And to conquer skies, she joined the Flying Club in her college.
http://www.newsnation.in/india-news...af-shrug-its-sexist-fears-article-183857.html


JKPS Kunjwani celebrates Indian Air Force Day with fervour
JK Public School, Kunjwani celebrated the Indian Air Force Day with pride and patriotic fervour to pay tributes to all the brave hearts of the Indian Air Force who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
The day began with school prayer. Areeba, student of Class 8th highlighted the various achievements and importance of the Indian Air Force. The students of Primary Wing presented melodious song ‘Taaqat Watan Ki Tumse Hai’ dedicated to the Indian Air Force.
Speaking on the occasion, School Principal, Santosh Kumar Singh said that the Indian Air Force has prime responsibility of securing the Indian air space as well as to carry out the aerial warfare during armed conflicts.
Since its inception in 1932, the Indian Air Force has a remarkable history of achievements. It ranks as the fourth largest Air force in the world.
http://news.statetimes.in/jkps-kunjwani-celebrates-indian-air-force-day-with-fervour/
 
Prime Minister's Office
08-October, 2017 10:33 IST
PM extends his wishes on Air Force Day


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his wishes on Air Force Day.

The Prime Minister said, "On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors & their families. Their determination & prowess ensure that our skies are safe."

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa reviewing the parade during Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa on dais during Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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Glimpse of the Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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Glimpse of the Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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Glimpse of the Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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Glimpse of the Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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Glimpse of the Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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Glimpse of the Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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Glimpse of the Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad on October 08, 2017.
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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind being received by the Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, at the ‘At Home’ hosted by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, on the occasion of 85th Anniversary of Indian Air Force, at Air House, in New Delhi on October 08, 2017.
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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind being received by the Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, at the ‘At Home’ hosted by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, on the occasion of 85th Anniversary of Indian Air Force, at Air House, in New Delhi on October 08, 2017.
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Ministry of Defence
08-October, 2017 16:29 IST
Defence Minister Reviews Operational Preparedness in The Northeast

Defence Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, arrived at Tezpur today as part of her maiden visit to the Eastern Command as Defence Minister. The Minister who was accompanied by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand and GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna was received at Tezpur Airforce Station by GOC Gajraj Corps Lt Gen AS Bedi and other senior dignitaries of the Army and the Air Force. The visit which is part of her familiarisation with all the formations of the Indian Army & the Indian Air Force (IAF) comes close on the heels of her visit to Northern Command recently and her visit to Sikkim yesterday.

At the outset, the Defence Minister extended her good wishes to the Air Warriors on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day anniversary as she interacted with them at the strategically important Eastern airbase of Tezpur. She also reviewed the operational readiness of the airbase, seeing the Sukhoi fighter aircraft & other IAF assets at first-hand.

Thereafter, Smt Sitharaman visited the Gajraj Corps HQ where she was briefed by GOC Gajraj Corps Lt Gen AS Bedi on the overall security situation in Assam and the Kameng Sector of Arunachal Pradesh and the operational preparedness of the Corps. The Minister reiterated the Government’s resolve to give further impetus to development in the border areas.

The Defence Minister subsequently visited Solmara Military Station, Tezpur where she interacted with the officers & jawans over a cup of tea. She appreciated the high standards of military discipline and preparedness of the army men and their excellent performance in the difficult terrain and challenging environment in which they are operating. Smt Sitharaman further praised them for their steadfast commitment and their high morale in facing the diverse challenges thrown up by the dynamic security environment. She exhorted the troops to continue with the same zeal and sense of pride and honour showing due respect to Human Rights. She expressed satisfaction at the level of preparedness of the forces and extended her greetings to the troops for a happy Diwali before her departure for Delhi.

***
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being received by GOC Gajraj Corps, Lt. Gen. A.S. Bedi and other senior dignitaries of the Army and Air Force, on her maiden visit to Tezpur on October 08, 2017.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the officers and jawans, during her visit to the Solmara Military Station, Tezpur on October 08, 2017.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inside the cockpit of the state-of-the-art fighter aircraft Sukhoi 30 MKI, during her visit to the Air Force Station Tezpur on October 08, 2017.
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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...tice-dhanoa/article19824337.ece?homepage=true

The Indian Air Force is prepared to fight a war at short notice, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said here on Sunday. Addressing personnel on Air Force Day, he said the force was fully geared to face any security challenge.

He said the Air Force was acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities and remained committed to building “jointmanship” with the Army and the Navy.

He said the security of Air Force stations had been enhanced to combat any threat, even sub-conventional ones, after the terrorist attack on the IAF base in Pathankot last year.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...hief-dhanoa/article19823174.ece?homepage=true

Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa says Indian Air Force is prepared to fight at a short notice.
Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa on October 8 expressed at the loss of lives during peacetime even as he said the Indian Air Force (IAF) was prepared to fight at a short notice if needed.

“Notwithstanding the high intensity of our flying we cannot afford to have accidents and lose valuable lives and assets. Our losses during peacetime are a cause of concern and we are making concerted efforts to prevent accidents and preserve our assets,” Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said paying homage to the seven personnel. He was addressing the Air Force on the occasion of the 85th anniversary after reviewing the parade at Hindon Air Force station.

Elaborating on the measures taken to improve safety, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said state-of-art flight simulators have been inducted for training air crew. “To ensure a flying devoid of bird strikes we have enhanced out capability of conducting bird surveys by induction of micro-light aircraft,” he said.

On October 6, a Mi-17 V5 helicopter on an air maintenance mission crashed in Tawang killed five IAF personnel and two Army personnel.

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said according to preliminary assessment, the accident was caused as the helicopter’s tail rotor dis-engaged and added, “The exact cause will be known latter. Will not speak more on the issue as the court of inquiry is on.”

Surya Kiran in full strength
The IAF enthralled the audience with an interesting flypast by various types of aircraft. The aerobatic team Surya Kiran performed at their full strength with nine aircraft after a gap of several years and indigenous eye in the sky Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system on an Embraer aircraft made its debut during the flypast.

The Surya Kiran team was disbanded for four years due to shortage of intermediate jet trainers and was re-formed in October 2015 with Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT). The aircraft strength was gradually being built up and on Sunday it performed with its full strength.

An interesting aspect of the Surya Kiran performance was the various formations that were presented. While the nine aircraft flew in the forms of frontline Su-30, indigenous Tejas and soon to be inducted Rafale. The surprise formation was that of the SAAB Gripen which is in the race for the single engine aircraft tender along with F-16 of Lockheed Martin.

IAF is expected to issue the tender for over 100 single engine fighters in the next few weeks. The deal is estimated to cost over ₹60,000 crore.

Pilots

Bhawana Kath, Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh, the first three women fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force. File | Photo Credit: K.V. S. Giri

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...lot-may-fly-mig-21-bisons/article19824056.ece

Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa indicated that after honing their skills in flying MiG-21 Bisons, the three women can fly other jets.
The first three women fighter pilots of the country are likely to fly the MiG-21 Bison jets, one of the potent combat aircraft in the IAF’s armoury.

The three women pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh are set to script history next month when they will fly military jets after completing a strenuous training programme within three weeks.

“The present consideration is to put them to MiG-21 Bison squadron. Our opinion is that it will sharpen their skills as the aircraft has more manual features than other sophisticated aircraft,” Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said on October 8.

He indicated that after honing their skills in flying MiG-21 Bisons, the three women can fly other jets.

The IAF chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day.

The three women were commissioned as flying officers in July last year, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

A senior IAF official involved in training of the three women pilots said they will steer the combat jets next month.

Currently, the three women pilots are flying Hawk advanced jet trainers.

The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for fighter stream.
 
Ministry of Defence
10-October, 2017 12:32 IST
Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman interacts with IAF Commanders during Air Force Commanders' Conference

The bi-annual IAF Commanders’ Conference was inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri this morning at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhavan). Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, welcomed Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre and introduced the IAF Commanders to them.

The CAS briefed the Raksha Mantri on the current status of the IAF and the efforts that have been made in the recent past. During her address the Raksha Mantri said that the devolved powers given to the Service Chiefs should be fully utilised for achieving their capabilities. The Minister said that Air Force alongwith Ordnance Factory Board and DRDO should make an assessment about indigenisation under ‘Make-in-India’ programme. She said that the budgetary allocations should not be viewed as a constraint and should be looked at to acquire what is absolutely necessary. She said that the Government is committed to fill the gaps which have arisen due to lack of timely decision making in the last decade.

The Chief of the Air Staff while addressing the Commanders emphasised the need for continuous effort and training to maintain IAF's cutting edge. He also reiterated the IAF’s role as the first responder in most contingencies and thus the need to sustain the ongoing process of capability enhancement making use of the Government’s thrust on 'Make-in-India' initiative.

The Commanders' conference will be conducted over next three days till 12 Oct 17 wherein discussions will take place on various subjects that will decide the future trajectory of the Indian Air Force which includes operations, maintenance issues and various administrative initiatives that will be taken to enhance the working environment of the IAF keeping in focus IAF's core principle of 'People First, Mission Always'. In consonance with Government of India's ‘Digital India’ initiative two mobile Apps for Air Force Cellular Network (AFCEL) phones called ‘MEDWATCH' and 'AFCHAT' will be released during the Conference. Various other initiatives like Online Testing & Evaluation and Online Entrance Examination to further the initiative will be covered. The new look Air Force Central Accounts Office (AFCAO) website with enhanced features will also be launched. A book titled 'Aero India- Ascent through the ages' is also scheduled to be released during the conference.



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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being introduced to the IAF Commanders by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, during the inaugural session of Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on October 10, 2017.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the IAF Commanders, during the inaugural session of Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on October 10, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa are also seen.
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Ministry of Defence
12-October, 2017 18:44 IST
Launch of Mobile Health App `MedWatch' By the Indian Air Force

On the occasion of its 85th anniversary, the Indian Air Force has launched an innovative mobile health App named `MedWatch' in keeping with the Prime Minister's vision of ‘Digital India'. The concept and content of the App is by the Directorate General of Medical Services (Air) and it has been developed in-house with zero financial outlay by the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT).

‘MedWatch’, available on the IAF's AFCEL network, comprises a host of features that will provide authentic health information to all IAF personnel. A Reminder Tool to enable timely immunization for the children of all Air Warriors is an important component of the App. This will directly enable 'Mission Indradhanush' of the Govt of India.

‘MedWatch’, the first mobile health app in the three Armed Services, was launched by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff, during the Air Force Commanders' Conference at New Delhi on 11 Oct 17.

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Ministry of Defence
12-October, 2017 18:42 IST
AIR Force Wives Welfare Association Annual General Body Meeting Held at Subroto Park New Delhi

Annual General Body Meeting of AFWWA was held at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi on 11 Oct 17, parallel to Air Force Commanders’ Conference. Annual Report of AFWWA was presented by Honorary Joint Secretary AFWWA in AGBM which included updating members about the welfare activities concluded for the financial year 2016-17. A programme for the coming year, which shall further the aims of the Association was also presented.

Outstanding AFWWA members were awarded for their contribution to the Society by . AFWWA Annual Magazine ‘SANGINI’ was released by Mrs. Asha Suri during the AGBM.

Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) is a Society registered under Societies Registration Act 1860 (Regn No. 4708 dated 28 Oct 1970) and working with main objective of providing assistance to families of the Air Force personnel.


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http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/air-force-job-rally-a-huge-hit/article19848711.ece

13THAIRMEN

Indian Air Force's airman open recruitment rally witnessd a footfall of 4.600 candidates. | Photo Credit: C_VENKATACHALAPATHY


2,160 candidates appear for written test
A total of 2,160 candidates appeared for a written test conducted during the Indian Air Force’s airmen recruitment rally at Voorhees College on Thursday.

According to officials, there was a footfall of 4,600 candidates. However, 2,160 were found eligible to appear for the test, while the remaining were rejected on various grounds. Candidates should have passed class X and XII examinations with Mathematics, Physics and English with minimum 50% marks aggregate and minimum 50% marks in English.

However, an official noted that even students from the commerce stream had come to take part in the rally but were rejected.

The second phase of the rally held on Thursday was for testing candidates from Vellore, Kanniyakumari, Theni, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Kancheepuram, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Erode, Ariyalur, The Nilgiris and Perambalur districts. The first phase was held on October 9.

He said 24 candidates cleared the written test on Thursday. The rally was being held for recruitment as airmen in group ‘X’ (Technical) trades. Collector S. A. Raman visited the venue.
 
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http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...d-commandos/story-YxOvfnMX3QgGjM32jCBcNP.html
The IAF raised its elite Garud commando force to protect vital installations and to carry out counter-terror operations in 2004. The move came three years after four militants, armed with Kalashnikovs and grenades, attempted to force their way into the IAF’s Awantipur fighter base near Srinagar in broad daylight. They were all killed.

The two commandos killed this week were part of a squad that had been attached with the army since August 2017 for counter-terrorism duties. This is the first time Garuds have lost their lives fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir. Corporal Gursewak Singh was the first Garud commando to have lost his life while fighting terrorists during the 2016 terror attack on the Pathankot air base. The IAF took the initiative to give more exposure to Garuds after the Pathankot strike.

While the IAF has Garud, the army and navy have their own special force units. The army has its Para-Special Forces while the navy’s toughest fighting men are called Marcos or marine commandos. The army’s Para-SF units had carried out surgical strikes in Azad Kashmir in September 2016. A Marcos team is deployed in Kashmir’s Wular lake for counter-terror operations.

The IAF’s Garud commando units consist of around 1,000 men who specialize in protecting vital assets of the air force such as fighter bases, aircraft and ammunition holding areas. The force is pursuing plans to expand the size of its commando wing. The IAF plans to induct at least 10 more units of Garud commandos with 70-80 men each to secure its bases.
 

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