Two IAF officers from Jammu and Kashmir to become Air vice-marshals
Indian Air Force
Indian Air Force has approved the promotion of two of its senior pilots to the position of vice marshal.
Air Commodore Hilal Ahmed Rather is a native of the Anantnag district of Kashmir and Air Commodore Kirti Khajuria is from Tikri, Jammu. They belong to the same Sainik School in Nagrota, Jammu & Kashmir.
Hilal has played a key role in ensuring the delivery of Rafale jets to the country. Hilal is presently India's Air Attache in France.
Rather received the Vayu Sena Medal for devotion to duty in 2010, followed by the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2016.
With an impeccable record of 3,000 accident-free flying hours on mirage-2000, MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft, Hilal's name will now forever be associated with Rafale in India.
Kirti Khajuria was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 11, 1988.
)
US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones
)
'Could be bombed at any moment': What Iran's Araghchi told Trump envoy Witkoff during negotiations
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Spain World Cup victory parade in Madrid: Champions celebrate second FIFA World Cup title with over million fans
)
JD and Usha Vance welcome fourth child: Who serves as acting US vice president during Vance's paternity leave?
)
Mumbai court gives life sentences to 44 Somali pirates despite mercy plea
)
‘Iran can survive sanctions, but can’t truly live’: Dy FM warns of economic cost of war
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
US-Iran conflicts: Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran attacks MQ-9 drone hangar | Gravitas
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
US strikes Iran, sirens heard in Kuwait, one American soldier killed in Iraq: What's happening in West Asia
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
)
As Russia pounds Ukraine, Kyiv grapples with a growing manpower shortage in the military | Gravitas
)
Argentina's racism problem: How football chants reflect a deeper historical legacy
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
Heavy sanctions loom over Argentine players after ugly brawl following final whistle in World Cup final
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
Trump to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, escalating North America trade dispute
)
Revealed! The hidden ritual Marc Cucurella performed before Spain won the FIFA World Cup
For the distinguished service of a high order, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal. Kirti is currently posted at the Indian Air Force high quarter in New Delhi.
(With inputs from agencies)