The search operations for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-an-32-aircraft-with-13-passengers-on-board-goes-missing-after-takeoff-223865">Indian Air Force AN-32 </a>transport aircraft, which went missing over Arunachal Pradesh, entered the fourth day on Thursday.

While bad weather conditions on Wednesday had put a halt to the search operations by helicopters, two Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jets and one C 130J aircraft carried out missions to locate the missing plane.

Satellites and other assets have also been pressed into service.

The AN-32 aircraft with 13 IAF personnel on board went missing on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The plane had taken off from Assam`s Jorhat and was headed for Mechuka Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh.

The search operations for the Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft, which went missing over Arunachal Pradesh, entered the fourth day on Thursday. While bad weather conditions on Wednesday had put a halt to the search operations by helicopters, two Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jets and one C 130J aircraft carried out missions to locate the missing plane.

The search operations for the Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft, which went missing over Arunachal Pradesh, entered the fourth day on Thursday. While bad weather conditions on Wednesday had put a halt to the search operations by helicopters, two Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jets and one C 130J aircraft carried out missions to locate the missing plane. Satellites and other assets have also been pressed into service. The AN-32 aircraft with 13 IAF personnel on board went missing on Monday afternoon. The plane had taken off from Assam`s Jorhat and was headed for Mechuka Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh.

Search operations for missing IAF aircraft enters fourth day

Watch 'India Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on the world's biggest democratic nation's exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Watch; 05th June 2019

ISRO satellites have been deployed along Naval P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing on Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel.

India Watch: Retd. Air Marshal Nirdosh Tyagi over missing AN-32 aircraft

Indian Air Force in association with the Army and Indo Tibetan Border Police on Tuesday resumed the search operation for the AN-32 aircraft that has remained missing from the sky of Arunachal Pradesh.

India Watch: Third day of search operations for IAF's AN-32 aircraft

IAF said on Wednesday that it faced several challenges while conducting search operations due to rugged terrain and poor weather conditions. However, officers in charge of the operations said that the search has been expanded and all leads from airborne sensors are being closely assessed.

India Watch: Why did the AN-32 go missing?

Group captain and Indian Air Force's spokesperson Anupam Banerjee on Tuesday said that while the Navy and the Army personnel are using "all means" to conduct the search operation for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellites-spy-planes-roped-in-to-locate-indian-air-forces-missing-an-32-aircraft-224202">missing AN-32 aircraft</a>, the mission remains a difficult one because of the terrain.&nbsp;

"Today P-8I aircraft of Navy also joined in search op. Army personnel are doing the ground search and joined in with ALH Helicopter. Navy joined at P-8I. Local police and admin are helping the Air Force to locate the aircraft," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

He added that the thick vegetation at the spot is also making the search operation a difficult one. &nbsp;

"It's a little difficult terrain to carry out search op because there's thick vegetation. It is a difficult op however we are using all our means, the electronic means, the electro-optical means. After analysing this we will do the visual lookout," he stated.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Group Captain Anupam Banerjee: ISRO satellites are also being used for photographing this area which will be analysed &amp; used for further search operation. Next of kin of all the missing personnel have been informed about the search effort. We are in constant touch with them. <a href="https://t.co/K2HJaHD3ag">pic.twitter.com/K2HJaHD3ag</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1135916730134384641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Banerjee said that the team is in constant touch with "next of kin" of the missing personnel and have informed them about the search operation. &nbsp;

Earlier in the day, ISRO's CARTOSAT AND RISAT satellites, along with Naval P-8I spy planes, pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing on Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board.

Both the satellites are taking images of the area where the plane went missing. RISAT or Radar Imaging Satellites are all-weather surveillance satellites that can take images of the areas and since they rely on optical sensors, cloud cover doesn't hamper the reconnaissance work they do.

The Indian Air Force on Monday clarified that no wreckage of its missing AN-32 aircraft has been sighted.

The IAF has said that while some reports of possible location of the crash site were received, no wreckage has been sighted so far, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-air-forces-an-32-aircraft-with-13-onboard-goes-missing-223891/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

IAF's AN-32 aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm today and went missing after 1 pm.&nbsp;

The aircraft, which had 13 crew members aboard, was headed to Arunachal Pradesh's Mechuka airfield near the China border.

Group captain and Indian Air Force's spokesperson Anupam Banerjee on Tuesday said that while the Navy and the Army personnel are using "all means" to conduct the search operation for the missing AN-32 aircraft, the mission remains a difficult one because of the terrain.

Group captain and Indian Air Force's spokesperson Anupam Banerjee on Tuesday said that while the Navy and the Army personnel are using "all means" to conduct the search operation for the missing AN-32 aircraft, the mission remains a difficult one because of the terrain. "Today P-8I aircraft of Navy also joined in search op. Army personnel are doing the ground search and joined in with ALH Helicopter. Navy joined at P-8I. Local police and admin are helping the Air Force to locate the aircraft," Banerjee said. He added that the thick vegetation at the spot is also making the search operation a difficult one. "It's a little difficult terrain to carry out search op because there's thick vegetation. It is a difficult op however we are using all our means, the electronic means, the electro-optical means. After analysing this we will do the visual lookout," he stated. Group Captain Anupam Banerjee: ISRO satellites are also being used for photographing this area which will be analysed & used for further search operation. Next of kin of all the missing personnel have been informed about the search effort. We are in constant touch with them. pic.twitter.com/K2HJaHD3ag — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2019 × Banerjee said that the team is in constant touch with "next of kin" of the missing personnel and have informed them about the search operation. Earlier in the day, ISRO's CARTOSAT AND RISAT satellites, along with Naval P-8I spy planes, pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing on Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board. Both the satellites are taking images of the area where the plane went missing. RISAT or Radar Imaging Satellites are all-weather surveillance satellites that can take images of the areas and since they rely on optical sensors, cloud cover doesn't hamper the reconnaissance work they do. The Indian Air Force on Monday clarified that no wreckage of its missing AN-32 aircraft has been sighted. The IAF has said that while some reports of possible location of the crash site were received, no wreckage has been sighted so far, news agency ANI reported. Watch: Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing IAF's AN-32 aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm today and went missing after 1 pm. The aircraft, which had 13 crew members aboard, was headed to Arunachal Pradesh's Mechuka airfield near the China border.

Search operation is getting affected due to difficult terrain, using all our means: IAF on missing AN-32 aircraft

ISRO satellites and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service to locate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wreckage-of-missing-indian-air-force-an-32-aircraft-spotted-223911">wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft</a> which went missing Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board.

"Satellites of the ISRO and other agencies have been pressed into service over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to locate the missing An-32 transport aircraft with 13 people on board. Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and other assets are continuing search operations in cloudy weather," sources in IAF said here.

Meanwhile, the Navy said that it's Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I took off from INS Rajali in Arakonam, Tamil Nadu, at 1 pm for joining the search and rescue operation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
AN-32 search update: ISRO satellites pressed into service over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to locate the missing AN-32 transport aircraft with 13 people on board. Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and other assets continuing search ops in cloudy weather.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1135826563901952000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Officials said the wreckage of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing on Monday in Arunachal Pradesh has not been sighted so far.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been apprised of the situation by the Air Force.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-air-forces-an-32-aircraft-with-13-onboard-goes-missing-223891/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Antonov AN-32 with 13 personnel including seven officers and six air warriors on board went missing in Arunachal Pradesh after getting air-borne from Assam`s Jorhat.

The aircraft took off from Jorhat at 12:25 pm and was headed for Menchuka Advance Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh near China border.

The last contact between the aircraft and ground agencies took place at 1 pm on Monday.

The Soviet-era aircraft was inducted in the Air Force in the 1980s and have been undergoing upgrades.

The missing plane is not part of the upgraded AN-32 fleet of the Air Force.

Three years ago, on July 22, 2016, an airborne AN-32 aircraft had gone missing with 29 people on board.

The aircraft was travelling from Chennai to Port-Blair in Andaman and Nicobar when it went missing over the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

ISRO satellites and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board.

ISRO satellites and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board. "Satellites of the ISRO and other agencies have been pressed into service over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to locate the missing An-32 transport aircraft with 13 people on board. Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and other assets are continuing search operations in cloudy weather," sources in IAF said here. Meanwhile, the Navy said that it's Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I took off from INS Rajali in Arakonam, Tamil Nadu, at 1 pm for joining the search and rescue operation. AN-32 search update: ISRO satellites pressed into service over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to locate the missing AN-32 transport aircraft with 13 people on board. Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and other assets continuing search ops in cloudy weather. — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2019 × Officials said the wreckage of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing on Monday in Arunachal Pradesh has not been sighted so far. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been apprised of the situation by the Air Force. Watch: Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing The Antonov AN-32 with 13 personnel including seven officers and six air warriors on board went missing in Arunachal Pradesh after getting air-borne from Assam`s Jorhat. The aircraft took off from Jorhat at 12:25 pm and was headed for Menchuka Advance Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh near China border. The last contact between the aircraft and ground agencies took place at 1 pm on Monday. The Soviet-era aircraft was inducted in the Air Force in the 1980s and have been undergoing upgrades. The missing plane is not part of the upgraded AN-32 fleet of the Air Force. Three years ago, on July 22, 2016, an airborne AN-32 aircraft had gone missing with 29 people on board. The aircraft was travelling from Chennai to Port-Blair in Andaman and Nicobar when it went missing over the Bay of Bengal.

Satellites, spy planes roped in to locate Indian Air Force's missing AN-32 aircraft

An AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) went missing in Assam shortly after takeoff on Monday with 13 people on aboard, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The aircraft last contacted ground sources at 1 pm today after taking off from Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm, said the news agency. It was headed to the Mechuka airfield in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border.

It's been&nbsp;more than three hours since the aircraft went missing; it was supposed to cover the 205 km distance between Jorhat and Mechuka.&nbsp;Those aboard include&nbsp;13 crew members.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
IAF AN-32 Aircraft overdue for more than two hours in Menchuka air field of Arunachal Pradesh with 13 persons on board. The aircraft last contacted ground sources at 1 PM today after taking off from Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1135485804866707456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The IAF has launched Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft and C-130 Special Ops aircraft on a search mission for locating the IAF AN-32 aircraft. The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have also been deployed in the search operation.

District Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang District, Swetika Sachan, said that the missing plane was last seen at Shi Yomi District near Tato Manigong.

Lack of mobile connectivity is making it difficult to get any information from the villagers in the district.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Spoke to Vice Chief of <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the missing IAF AN-32 Aircraft which is overdue for some hours. 
 
He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1135498620554305536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to IAF vice chief, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the matter today. Singh took to Twitter and posted that Bhadauria has informed him about the search operation.&nbsp;

"He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-air-forces-an-32-aircraft-with-13-onboard-goes-missing-223891/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

An AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) went missing in Assam shortly after takeoff on Monday with 13 people on aboard, news agency ANI reported. The aircraft last contacted ground sources at 1 pm today after taking off from Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm, said the news agency.

An AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) went missing in Assam shortly after takeoff on Monday with 13 people on aboard, news agency ANI reported. The aircraft last contacted ground sources at 1 pm today after taking off from Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm, said the news agency. It was headed to the Mechuka airfield in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border. It's been more than three hours since the aircraft went missing; it was supposed to cover the 205 km distance between Jorhat and Mechuka. Those aboard include 13 crew members. IAF AN-32 Aircraft overdue for more than two hours in Menchuka air field of Arunachal Pradesh with 13 persons on board. The aircraft last contacted ground sources at 1 PM today after taking off from Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm. — ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2019 × The IAF has launched Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft and C-130 Special Ops aircraft on a search mission for locating the IAF AN-32 aircraft. The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have also been deployed in the search operation. District Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang District, Swetika Sachan, said that the missing plane was last seen at Shi Yomi District near Tato Manigong. Lack of mobile connectivity is making it difficult to get any information from the villagers in the district. Spoke to Vice Chief of @IAF_MCC, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the missing IAF AN-32 Aircraft which is overdue for some hours. He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 3, 2019 × Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to IAF vice chief, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the matter today. Singh took to Twitter and posted that Bhadauria has informed him about the search operation. "He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board," his tweet read. Watch: Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing

Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft, with 13 on board, goes missing after takeoff 

The first Rafale combat aircraft would be inducted into the Indian Air Force's 'Golden Arrows' 17 Squadron which was commanded by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the Kargil war in 1999.

"The first unit to receive the Rafale combat aircraft would be the 17 Squadron which was earlier located in Bhatinda in Punjab and will now be shifted to Ambala in Haryana," IAF sources told ANI.

The other squadron of the fighter aircraft would be based out of Hashimara in West Bengal to tackle the front facing China, sources added. The 17 Squadron used to operate the MiG-21s earlier and is 'number-plated' at the moment.

The first Rafale is expected to be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four planes is likely to arrive at Ambala around May 2020.

In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.

The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues.

Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.&nbsp;

The first Rafale combat aircraft would be inducted into the Indian Air Force's 'Golden Arrows' 17 Squadron which was commanded by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the Kargil war in 1999.

The first Rafale combat aircraft would be inducted into the Indian Air Force's 'Golden Arrows' 17 Squadron which was commanded by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the Kargil war in 1999. "The first unit to receive the Rafale combat aircraft would be the 17 Squadron which was earlier located in Bhatinda in Punjab and will now be shifted to Ambala in Haryana," IAF sources told ANI. The other squadron of the fighter aircraft would be based out of Hashimara in West Bengal to tackle the front facing China, sources added. The 17 Squadron used to operate the MiG-21s earlier and is 'number-plated' at the moment. The first Rafale is expected to be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four planes is likely to arrive at Ambala around May 2020. In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts. The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues. Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.

IAF chief's squadron to be first Rafale combat aircraft unit

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) B.S. Dhanoa on Monday paid tribute to Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja who lost his life 20 years back during the Kargil conflict by flying a ‘missing man’ formation in a Mig-21.

IAF Chief Dhanoa leads ‘Missing Man’ formation in Mig-21

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-question-of-fir-registration-or-cbi-probe-into-rafale-deal-centre-to-supreme-court-221786">Rafale</a> Project management team office last Sunday.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France last Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

"A forensic team comprising cyber forensic experts in planned to be sent for the probe. In the initial investigations, it has emerged that no hard disk or files have been stolen," government sources told ANI.

They said the officers would find out if any soft copies were stolen or copied by the unidentified elements after they broke into the Rafale PMT office.

The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring.

The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case.

Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices.

The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office last Sunday.

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office last Sunday. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France last Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. "A forensic team comprising cyber forensic experts in planned to be sent for the probe. In the initial investigations, it has emerged that no hard disk or files have been stolen," government sources told ANI. They said the officers would find out if any soft copies were stolen or copied by the unidentified elements after they broke into the Rafale PMT office. The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring. The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case. Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices. The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

IAF team to visit France to probe possible data theft during Rafale office break-in

The Indian Air Force Wednesday said it has successfully test-fired the aerial version of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The 2.5-tonne air-to-surface missile has a range of around 300 km, and it will significantly enhance the IAF's combat capability, military officials said.

The BrahMos cruise missile travels at a speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times that of sound.

"The launch from the aircraft was smooth and the missile followed the desired trajectory before directly hitting the land target," IAF spokesperson Group Capt Anupam Banerjee said.

The IAF became the first air force in the world to have successfully fired an air-launched 2.8 Mach surface attack missile of this category on a sea target on November 22, 2017.

"Today's was the second such live launch of the weapon. The integration of the weapon on the aircraft was a very complex process involving mechanical, electrical and software modifications on aircraft," the IAF said.

It said the software development of the aircraft was undertaken by the IAF engineers, while the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd carried out mechanical and electrical modifications on it.

"The dedicated and synergetic efforts of the IAF, Defence Research and Development Organisation, BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd and HAL have proven the capability of the nation to undertake such complex integrations," the IAF said.

It said the BrahMos missile provides the Indian Air Force with a much-desired capability to strike from large stand-off ranges on any target at sea or on land with pinpoint accuracy by day or night and in all weather conditions.

"The capability of the missile coupled with the superlative performance of the Su-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF the desired strategic reach," the IAF said.

BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force Wednesday said it has successfully test-fired the aerial version of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The Indian Air Force Wednesday said it has successfully test-fired the aerial version of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The 2.5-tonne air-to-surface missile has a range of around 300 km, and it will significantly enhance the IAF's combat capability, military officials said. The BrahMos cruise missile travels at a speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times that of sound. "The launch from the aircraft was smooth and the missile followed the desired trajectory before directly hitting the land target," IAF spokesperson Group Capt Anupam Banerjee said. The IAF became the first air force in the world to have successfully fired an air-launched 2.8 Mach surface attack missile of this category on a sea target on November 22, 2017. "Today's was the second such live launch of the weapon. The integration of the weapon on the aircraft was a very complex process involving mechanical, electrical and software modifications on aircraft," the IAF said. It said the software development of the aircraft was undertaken by the IAF engineers, while the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd carried out mechanical and electrical modifications on it. "The dedicated and synergetic efforts of the IAF, Defence Research and Development Organisation, BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd and HAL have proven the capability of the nation to undertake such complex integrations," the IAF said. It said the BrahMos missile provides the Indian Air Force with a much-desired capability to strike from large stand-off ranges on any target at sea or on land with pinpoint accuracy by day or night and in all weather conditions. "The capability of the missile coupled with the superlative performance of the Su-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF the desired strategic reach," the IAF said. BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms.

Indian Air Force successfully test fires aerial version of BrahMos missile

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-case-supreme-court-poses-queries-on-waiver-of-sovereign-guarantee-217590">Rafale</a> project management team office in France on Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

"There was a break-in into the Indian Air Force Rafale project management team office which is located in a suburb of Paris in France. No hard disk or document has been stolen. More details are being ascertained about the motive," sources in the Indian Air Force told ANI.

The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring.

The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case.

Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices.

The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

Government sources said the Indian Air Force has already briefed the Defence Ministry in this regard and French police authorities are probing the case.

India in 2016 signed a Rs 59,800 crore agreement with France for acquiring 36 Rafale combat aircraft for meeting the shortfall in Indian Air Force squadron strength.

The incident has come after the long election season in India where allegations of corruption in the Rafale procurement were leveller by Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

The Rafale has been critical to IAF plans for securing the country against the aerial and other threats from enemy countries.

After the February 27 incident involving an aerial battle between India and Pakistan, IAF Chief BS Dhanoa had suggested that the Pakistanis would not have dared to come close to the LoC in a conflict situation if the country had Rafale planes in its inventory.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale project management team office in France on Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale project management team office in France on Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. "There was a break-in into the Indian Air Force Rafale project management team office which is located in a suburb of Paris in France. No hard disk or document has been stolen. More details are being ascertained about the motive," sources in the Indian Air Force told ANI. The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring. The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case. Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices. The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks. Government sources said the Indian Air Force has already briefed the Defence Ministry in this regard and French police authorities are probing the case. India in 2016 signed a Rs 59,800 crore agreement with France for acquiring 36 Rafale combat aircraft for meeting the shortfall in Indian Air Force squadron strength. The incident has come after the long election season in India where allegations of corruption in the Rafale procurement were leveller by Congress President Rahul Gandhi. The Rafale has been critical to IAF plans for securing the country against the aerial and other threats from enemy countries. After the February 27 incident involving an aerial battle between India and Pakistan, IAF Chief BS Dhanoa had suggested that the Pakistanis would not have dared to come close to the LoC in a conflict situation if the country had Rafale planes in its inventory.

Indian Air Force Rafale office broken into in France in possible espionage attempt

Fresh Insights On Balakot Airstrikes. In Conversation With Journalist Francesca Marino Who Investigated The Airstrikes.

Gravitas: What Happened After IAF Airstrikes In Balakot; Discussion With Journalist Francesca Marino

An Indian Air Force(IAF) An-32 aircraft overran a runway at Mumbai airport on &nbsp;Tuesday night.

The transport plane was departing for Yelahanka air in Bengaluru, Kartanaka when the incident occurred.

"We confirm, departing Air force aircraft had runway excursion at 2339 hours at RWY 27," Airport authorities said.

No injuries were reported even as authorities confirmed that runway 27 where the incident occurred wasn't available for operations.

The AN-32 aircraft built during the Soviet era has been IAF's all-weather friend transporting men and material during crisis situations and helping India's disaster-hit zones during earthquakes and floods.

The aircraft is primarily used to transport cargo over long and short distances and it also helps in firefighting and medical emergencies.

Due to the incident, aircraft movement was diverted to the secondary runway, the official of the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) said.

Mumbai's&nbsp;Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the country's second busiest airport after New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport(IGI), has two crossing runways -&nbsp;0927 (the main runway) and 1432 (the secondary runway) which together handle a little over 1,000 arrivals and departures per day.

A large part of the operations is carried out from the main runway.

An Indian Air Force(IAF) An-32 aircraft overran a runway at Mumbai airport on Tuesday night. The transport plane was departing for Yelahanka air in Bengaluru, Kartanaka when the incident occurred.

An Indian Air Force(IAF) An-32 aircraft overran a runway at Mumbai airport on Tuesday night. The transport plane was departing for Yelahanka air in Bengaluru, Kartanaka when the incident occurred. "We confirm, departing Air force aircraft had runway excursion at 2339 hours at RWY 27," Airport authorities said. No injuries were reported even as authorities confirmed that runway 27 where the incident occurred wasn't available for operations. The AN-32 aircraft built during the Soviet era has been IAF's all-weather friend transporting men and material during crisis situations and helping India's disaster-hit zones during earthquakes and floods. The aircraft is primarily used to transport cargo over long and short distances and it also helps in firefighting and medical emergencies. Due to the incident, aircraft movement was diverted to the secondary runway, the official of the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) said. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the country's second busiest airport after New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport(IGI), has two crossing runways - 0927 (the main runway) and 1432 (the secondary runway) which together handle a little over 1,000 arrivals and departures per day. A large part of the operations is carried out from the main runway.

IAF's An-32 aircraft overruns runway at Mumbai airport; no injuries reported

Indian Air Force(IAF) on Thursday flew frontline fighter jets from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-carries-out-major-readiness-exercise-along-pak-border-203434">civilian airfields in&nbsp;Kolkata</a>, Guwahati and Andal in eastern India.

IAF's SU-30MKI aircraft took off from Kolkata and Guwahati airfields and Hawk jets from Andal airfield, the Air Force said.

The fighters carried out both day and night flying operations during the exercise.&nbsp;

"The aim was to validate the fighter operating procedure, familiarise the crew with airfields and exercise coordination with civil agencies for such operations," it added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The two day operations were conducted on 01 &amp; 02 May 19. The frontline SU-30MKI aircraft operated from Kolkata &amp; Guwahati, and the Hawk jets from Andal airfield. The fighters carried out both day and night flying operations during the exercise.<a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/proshillong?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@proshillong</a> <a href="https://t.co/lGdX2uy2zz">pic.twitter.com/lGdX2uy2zz</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1123986490848153600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The drills were an exercise in war preparedness.&nbsp;The IAF has been trying to be flexible for any eventuality where it may need to shift operating bases at a moment's notice.

The Air Force is also said to be overhauling its capabilities to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/results-at-balakot-would-have-been-further-in-our-favour-had-we-inducted-rafale-iaf-chief-dhanoa-210666">accommodate the Rafale jets</a> which are due to arrive in September.

The two-day operation from May 1st and May 2nd took place as part of day and night flying exercise.

In March, the IAF had carried out major readiness exercise over the Punjab and Jammu sectors in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the Balakot air strikes.

During the exercise, IAF jets&nbsp;including frontline fighter aircraft flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab in the western sector.

IAF has maintained high level of preparedness post-Balakot with Pakistan threat having abated in recent months.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Air Force(IAF) on Thursday flew frontline fighter jets from civilian airfields in Kolkata, Guwahati and Andal in eastern India. IAF's SU-30MKI aircraft took off from Kolkata and Guwahati airfields and Hawk jets from Andal airfield, the Air Force said.

Indian Air Force(IAF) on Thursday flew frontline fighter jets from civilian airfields in Kolkata, Guwahati and Andal in eastern India. IAF's SU-30MKI aircraft took off from Kolkata and Guwahati airfields and Hawk jets from Andal airfield, the Air Force said. The fighters carried out both day and night flying operations during the exercise. "The aim was to validate the fighter operating procedure, familiarise the crew with airfields and exercise coordination with civil agencies for such operations," it added. The two day operations were conducted on 01 & 02 May 19. The frontline SU-30MKI aircraft operated from Kolkata & Guwahati, and the Hawk jets from Andal airfield. The fighters carried out both day and night flying operations during the exercise.@DefenceMinIndia@proshillong pic.twitter.com/lGdX2uy2zz — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 2, 2019 × The drills were an exercise in war preparedness. The IAF has been trying to be flexible for any eventuality where it may need to shift operating bases at a moment's notice. The Air Force is also said to be overhauling its capabilities to accommodate the Rafale jets which are due to arrive in September. The two-day operation from May 1st and May 2nd took place as part of day and night flying exercise. In March, the IAF had carried out major readiness exercise over the Punjab and Jammu sectors in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the Balakot air strikes. During the exercise, IAF jets including frontline fighter aircraft flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab in the western sector. IAF has maintained high level of preparedness post-Balakot with Pakistan threat having abated in recent months.

IAF's SU-30, hawk jets carry out drills in civilian airfields in eastern India

The India Air Force is recommending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-his-squadron-in-srinagar-205913">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman</a> for the wartime gallantry medal Vir Chakra for shooting down an F-16 in aerial conflict with Pakistan.

While Abhinandan has been recommended for the Vir Chakra, the 12 Mirage 2000 pilots who bombed targets in Pakistan are being recommended for the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry for their acts of bravery, government sources said.

The Vir Chakra is the third highest gallantry award in the military after the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra.

In the meanwhile, amid concerns over Abhinandan's security, the Air Force has posted out the ace fighter pilot from Srinagar to another important air base in the western sector along the Pakistan border.

"The posting order of the officer has been issued and he would soon be moving out of the Srinagar air base to his new place of posting," government sources told ANI.

The new posting (name of the airbase being withheld due to security reasons) is also a fighter base and if the officer is cleared for flying, he would be able to continue his flying duties, the sources added.

Wing Commander Abhinandan has the unique distinction of being the only pilot in the world to have shot down an F-16 combat aircraft from his vintage MiG-21 Bison aircraft on February 27 during an aerial conflict with Pakistan.

There were concerns over his security in Srinagar due to the presence of Pakistan-backed terrorist groups including a large number of Pakistani jihadis in the Kashmir valley.

Pakistan has been very upset over the shooting down of its Block 52 F-16 fitted with AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles with superior strike ranges than the R-73 missile on the MiG-21 which was used by Wing Commander Abhinandan during the aerial fight.

Despite its best attempts to cover up the shooting down of its F-16, the Air Force released radar images and other proofs that showed that the American-built plane was indeed taken out by the Indian pilot.

Earlier this week, Wg Cdr Abhinandan underwent medical tests at a Delhi-based facility for becoming eligible to fly the MiG-21s again. Abhinandan has flown different types of fighter aircraft in the Air Force including the mighty Su-30MKI.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The India Air Force is recommending Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for the wartime gallantry medal Vir Chakra for shooting down an F-16 in aerial conflict with Pakistan.

The India Air Force is recommending Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for the wartime gallantry medal Vir Chakra for shooting down an F-16 in aerial conflict with Pakistan. While Abhinandan has been recommended for the Vir Chakra, the 12 Mirage 2000 pilots who bombed targets in Pakistan are being recommended for the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry for their acts of bravery, government sources said. The Vir Chakra is the third highest gallantry award in the military after the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra. In the meanwhile, amid concerns over Abhinandan's security, the Air Force has posted out the ace fighter pilot from Srinagar to another important air base in the western sector along the Pakistan border. "The posting order of the officer has been issued and he would soon be moving out of the Srinagar air base to his new place of posting," government sources told ANI. The new posting (name of the airbase being withheld due to security reasons) is also a fighter base and if the officer is cleared for flying, he would be able to continue his flying duties, the sources added. Wing Commander Abhinandan has the unique distinction of being the only pilot in the world to have shot down an F-16 combat aircraft from his vintage MiG-21 Bison aircraft on February 27 during an aerial conflict with Pakistan. There were concerns over his security in Srinagar due to the presence of Pakistan-backed terrorist groups including a large number of Pakistani jihadis in the Kashmir valley. Pakistan has been very upset over the shooting down of its Block 52 F-16 fitted with AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles with superior strike ranges than the R-73 missile on the MiG-21 which was used by Wing Commander Abhinandan during the aerial fight. Despite its best attempts to cover up the shooting down of its F-16, the Air Force released radar images and other proofs that showed that the American-built plane was indeed taken out by the Indian pilot. Earlier this week, Wg Cdr Abhinandan underwent medical tests at a Delhi-based facility for becoming eligible to fly the MiG-21s again. Abhinandan has flown different types of fighter aircraft in the Air Force including the mighty Su-30MKI.

IAF recommending Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for wartime gallantry award 'Vir Chakra'

IAF gives further proof on downed Pakistan F-16

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-carries-out-major-readiness-exercise-along-pak-border-203434">Indian Air Force (IAF)</a> has dismissed a US media report that says no Pakistan Air force F16 were downed on February 27 when Islamabad attacked Indian military installations.&nbsp;

According to Foreign Policy magazine, Pakistan had invited the US to physically count the number of F16s and all fighter planes were accounted for.

At 10 am on February 27, Pakistan Air Force's &nbsp;F16s, JF 17s and Mirage III/V aircraft were picked by the IAF radars. They were intercepted by IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and Mig 21 Bison fighters guided by ground radars and AWACS.&nbsp;

The Air Force, in a statement, said, "during the aerial engagement that followed, one MIG 21 Bison of the IAF shot down Pak's F16 in Nowshera sector".

It added that the ejection took place from a Pakistani F16 on that day and electronic signature confirmed that.

The IAF said, "sitting ejection" at two different places took place on February 27, "one was an IAF MIG 21 Bison and the other a Pak aircraft. Electronic signatures gathered by us indicate that Pak aircraft was an F16".

India has already raised the matter with the US regarding the use of F16s given by Washington to Islamabad. New Delhi had provided evidence of the use of F16 by showing the use of the AMRAAM missile that can only be deployed on F16.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday said, "whether and under what circumstances F16 is or is not allowed will have to come from the US. The fact of the matter is that it was used and we understand as per the understanding of the use of F16 between US and Pak, it should have not been done and this is why had flagged it with the US."

The US state department has said that it is "taking a look" on the use of F16 by Pakistan on February 27.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has dismissed a US media report that says no Pakistan Air force F16 were downed on February 27 when Islamabad attacked Indian military installations.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has dismissed a US media report that says no Pakistan Air force F16 were downed on February 27 when Islamabad attacked Indian military installations. According to Foreign Policy magazine, Pakistan had invited the US to physically count the number of F16s and all fighter planes were accounted for. At 10 am on February 27, Pakistan Air Force's F16s, JF 17s and Mirage III/V aircraft were picked by the IAF radars. They were intercepted by IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and Mig 21 Bison fighters guided by ground radars and AWACS. The Air Force, in a statement, said, "during the aerial engagement that followed, one MIG 21 Bison of the IAF shot down Pak's F16 in Nowshera sector". It added that the ejection took place from a Pakistani F16 on that day and electronic signature confirmed that. The IAF said, "sitting ejection" at two different places took place on February 27, "one was an IAF MIG 21 Bison and the other a Pak aircraft. Electronic signatures gathered by us indicate that Pak aircraft was an F16". India has already raised the matter with the US regarding the use of F16s given by Washington to Islamabad. New Delhi had provided evidence of the use of F16 by showing the use of the AMRAAM missile that can only be deployed on F16. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday said, "whether and under what circumstances F16 is or is not allowed will have to come from the US. The fact of the matter is that it was used and we understand as per the understanding of the use of F16 between US and Pak, it should have not been done and this is why had flagged it with the US." The US state department has said that it is "taking a look" on the use of F16 by Pakistan on February 27.

Indian Air Force rubbishes US media report, says MiG 21 Bison shot down Pak's F16 in Nowshera

Two IAF personnel including an officer were killed in a road accident at Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.&nbsp;

The accident occurred near Malangpora area close to Air Force station.

Two other Air Force personnel have suffered injuries and are being treated at a hospital.

Sources told WION that IAF personnel were travelling in a Scorpio car when it hit a pillar adding that one among the deceased was a Squadron leader.

IAF has an operational base in Awantipora. The Air Force will conduct an inquiry.

Two IAF personnel including an officer were killed in a road accident at Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The accident occurred near Malangpora area close to Air Force station.

Two IAF personnel including an officer were killed in a road accident at Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The accident occurred near Malangpora area close to Air Force station. Two other Air Force personnel have suffered injuries and are being treated at a hospital. Sources told WION that IAF personnel were travelling in a Scorpio car when it hit a pillar adding that one among the deceased was a Squadron leader. IAF has an operational base in Awantipora. The Air Force will conduct an inquiry.

J&K: Two IAF personnel killed, 2 injured in Awantipora road mishap

&nbsp;A MiG 27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Sunday near Jodhpur in Rajasthan but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said.

The MiG 27 UPG jet took off from Utarlai airforce base and the jet experienced engine problems leading to the crash at around 11:45 AM in Sirohi district about 120 km south of Jodhpur, they said, adding that the pilot ejected safely.

The sources said a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate no loss of life and property on the ground.

The jet was on a routine mission, they said.&nbsp;

The fighter aircraft crashed in Shivganj police station area near Godana dam in Sirohi district. Police and administrative officials have reached the spot to cordon off the area, Sirohi district SP, Kalyan Mal Meena, told PTI.

A MiG 27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Sunday near Jodhpur in Rajasthan but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said. The MiG 27 UPG jet took off from Utarlai airforce base and the jet experienced engine problems leading to the crash at around 11:45 AM in Sirohi district about 120 km south of Jodhpur, they said, adding that the pilot ejected safely.

A MiG 27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Sunday near Jodhpur in Rajasthan but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said. The MiG 27 UPG jet took off from Utarlai airforce base and the jet experienced engine problems leading to the crash at around 11:45 AM in Sirohi district about 120 km south of Jodhpur, they said, adding that the pilot ejected safely. The sources said a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate no loss of life and property on the ground. The jet was on a routine mission, they said. The fighter aircraft crashed in Shivganj police station area near Godana dam in Sirohi district. Police and administrative officials have reached the spot to cordon off the area, Sirohi district SP, Kalyan Mal Meena, told PTI.

Rajasthan: IAF's MiG 27 aircraft crashes near Jodhpur

Indian Air Force officially inducts Chinook heavy-lift choppers

Boost for high-altitude operations: Indian Air Force inducts four Chinook helicopters

IAF chief BS Dhanoa presides over the Chinook's induction ceremony

IAF Chief: Rafale to boost more power to IAF

Rafale would would increase India's air defence deterrence levels: IAF Chief

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated.&nbsp;

During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here.

The reason for carrying out the combat drill was to be prepared for thwarting any misadventure by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to intrude into the Indian air space, they said.

The IAF has been on a high alert ever since it carried out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-counter-terrorism-strike-on-jem-camp-in-pakistan-achieved-its-objective-says-india-202145">air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot town</a> of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26.

A couple of days ago, two PAF fighter jets flew at supersonic speeds over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir around 10 kilometres from the Line of Control in the Poonch sector.

After the PAF started flying its planes close to Indian borders and were detected and monitored closely by the air defence network, the Indian fighter plane fleet was also ready to respond to them.

The IAF had an edge over the adversary in the aerial combat as its vintage MiG-21 fighter flown by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-seeks-param-vir-chakra-for-abhinandan-varthaman-202009">Wing&nbsp;Commander Abhinandan Varthaman</a> shot down a modern F-16D fighter plane of the PAF in a beyond-visual-range fight.

The IAF also managed to thwart the PAF attack on Indian Army positions on February 27 after India targeted non-military positions a day earlier.&nbsp;

During the February 26 air strikes also, the PAF F-16s had to return gauging the enormity of the IAF attack with 12 Mirages.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated. During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here.

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated. During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here. The reason for carrying out the combat drill was to be prepared for thwarting any misadventure by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to intrude into the Indian air space, they said. The IAF has been on a high alert ever since it carried out air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot town of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26. A couple of days ago, two PAF fighter jets flew at supersonic speeds over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir around 10 kilometres from the Line of Control in the Poonch sector. After the PAF started flying its planes close to Indian borders and were detected and monitored closely by the air defence network, the Indian fighter plane fleet was also ready to respond to them. The IAF had an edge over the adversary in the aerial combat as its vintage MiG-21 fighter flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a modern F-16D fighter plane of the PAF in a beyond-visual-range fight. The IAF also managed to thwart the PAF attack on Indian Army positions on February 27 after India targeted non-military positions a day earlier. During the February 26 air strikes also, the PAF F-16s had to return gauging the enormity of the IAF attack with 12 Mirages.

IAF carries out major readiness exercise along Pak border

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-meets-wing-commander-abhinandan-he-is-currently-undergoing-cooling-process-200730">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing</a> is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;

Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison had been shot down over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on February 27, a day after the IAF's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

In retaliation, Pakistan had on February 27 dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Indian authorities said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they had missed their targets.&nbsp;

Indian jets had been scrambled to give chase to the Pakistanis.&nbsp;

Wing Commander Abhinandan's MiG-21 had been one of them.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wc-abhinandan-piloted-mig-21-bison-shot-down-pak-f-16-have-electronic-evidence-mea-202214">Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16</a>, before being shot down himself.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was captured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Abhinandan was being released as a "peace gesture". (Abhinandan's release very quickly de-escalated tensions between the two countries.)&nbsp;

After his release, Abhinandan was kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi where he underwent a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
IAF Sources: A medical review board in the near future will assess the medical fitness of Wing Commander <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbhinandanVarthaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbhinandanVarthaman</a> and decide on when can he resume his operations as a fighter pilot. <a href="https://t.co/B4DAZR4jhY">https://t.co/B4DAZR4jhY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106147562267033602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Thursday, the IAF sources said a medical review board will assess Abhinandan in the near future and decide when he can resume his flying duties.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday. The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday. The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison had been shot down over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on February 27, a day after the IAF's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. In retaliation, Pakistan had on February 27 dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Indian authorities said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they had missed their targets. Indian jets had been scrambled to give chase to the Pakistanis. Wing Commander Abhinandan's MiG-21 had been one of them. Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16, before being shot down himself. Abhinandan was captured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Abhinandan was being released as a "peace gesture". (Abhinandan's release very quickly de-escalated tensions between the two countries.) After his release, Abhinandan was kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi where he underwent a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process. IAF Sources: A medical review board in the near future will assess the medical fitness of Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman and decide on when can he resume his operations as a fighter pilot. https://t.co/B4DAZR4jhY — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × On Thursday, the IAF sources said a medical review board will assess Abhinandan in the near future and decide when he can resume his flying duties.

Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources

The Indian Air Force on Friday trolled Pakistan with a poem suggesting that its Mirage 2000 fighter jets had to cross over into Pakistan as Islamabad had crossed its limits by attacking CRPF personnel in Pulwama.

The Indian Air Force through its Twitter handle @iaf_mcc tweeted a Hindi poem by a poet named Bipin Illahabadi titled ‘Hadd Sarhad Ki, (limits of the border) this morning which suggests the reasons for the Air Force to have crossed the border and attack the Jaish terrorist camp in mainland Pakistan.

The poem in Hindi, in the beginning, says that a fighter whose name is 'Mrigmarichika'&nbsp;(Mirage) had to cross over the boundaries as someone had crossed all the limits.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
हद सरहद की 
 
आज किसी ने सरहदें पार की, 
क्योंकि किसी ने सारी हदें पार की। 
उस लड़ाकू में, जिसका अर्थ मृगमरीचिका है, 
एक हक़ीक़त, गयी रात हमने बयाँ की। 
आज किसी ने सरहदें पार की... 
 
. .. विपिन 'इलाहाबादी', २७ फरवरी २०१९ <a href="https://t.co/9nymkFLzhk">pic.twitter.com/9nymkFLzhk</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1103849356367679488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The poet has hinted about the cross-border strike by the Air Force on the night of February 26 in which 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets crossed over the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

About the late night air strike, the poet also suggests that the enemy would be extra cautious in the nights as they would be living in fear of “fireworks” at that time.

The poem says that we have crossed the boundaries this time and touched the adversary in a unique way to warn him to mend his ways.

The poem also goes on to say that the adversary has been given a dose of truth and he cannot lie now.

The Air Force has come up with the Hindi poetry to troll the Pakistanis at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan started tweeting in Hindi on the ongoing conflict with India.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force on Friday trolled Pakistan with a poem suggesting that its Mirage 2000 fighter jets had to cross over into Pakistan as Islamabad had crossed its limits by attacking CRPF personnel in Pulwama.

The Indian Air Force on Friday trolled Pakistan with a poem suggesting that its Mirage 2000 fighter jets had to cross over into Pakistan as Islamabad had crossed its limits by attacking CRPF personnel in Pulwama. The Indian Air Force through its Twitter handle @iaf_mcc tweeted a Hindi poem by a poet named Bipin Illahabadi titled ‘Hadd Sarhad Ki, (limits of the border) this morning which suggests the reasons for the Air Force to have crossed the border and attack the Jaish terrorist camp in mainland Pakistan. The poem in Hindi, in the beginning, says that a fighter whose name is 'Mrigmarichika' (Mirage) had to cross over the boundaries as someone had crossed all the limits. हद सरहद की आज किसी ने सरहदें पार की, क्योंकि किसी ने सारी हदें पार की। उस लड़ाकू में, जिसका अर्थ मृगमरीचिका है, एक हक़ीक़त, गयी रात हमने बयाँ की। आज किसी ने सरहदें पार की... . .. विपिन 'इलाहाबादी', २७ फरवरी २०१९ pic.twitter.com/9nymkFLzhk — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 8, 2019 × The poet has hinted about the cross-border strike by the Air Force on the night of February 26 in which 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets crossed over the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. About the late night air strike, the poet also suggests that the enemy would be extra cautious in the nights as they would be living in fear of “fireworks” at that time. The poem says that we have crossed the boundaries this time and touched the adversary in a unique way to warn him to mend his ways. The poem also goes on to say that the adversary has been given a dose of truth and he cannot lie now. The Air Force has come up with the Hindi poetry to troll the Pakistanis at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan started tweeting in Hindi on the ongoing conflict with India.

Indian Air Force tweets poem on cross border air strike, trolls Pakistan

The Indian Air Force on Thursday released a statement maintaining the force's "high state of preparedness" to tackle any threat posed to nation's security.&nbsp;

In the statement, the IAF noted that it is ready to "proactively engage any perceived threat in the present security scenario".&nbsp;

"A strict vigil in the skies to detect and thwart any act of aggression from Pakistan Air Force is being maintained," the statement read as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
As per NOTAM No. A0234/19 issued by CAA Pakistan, it has opened their airspace with Oman, Iran, Afghanistan and China only. The eleven entry/exit points located along Indo-Pak airspace boundary are still closed. <a href="https://t.co/FZMMPOCb3x">https://t.co/FZMMPOCb3x</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103629587047768064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"As per NOTAM No. A0234/19 issued by CAA Pakistan, it has opened their airspace with Oman, Iran, Afghanistan and China only. The eleven entry/exit points located along Indo-Pak airspace boundary are still closed," the statement added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-un-wwf-team-to-visit-balakot-to-take-witness-account-on-loss-of-trees-by-iaf-strike-201682">a team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today</a> to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION.

Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

The Indian Air Force on Thursday released a statement maintaining the force's "high state of preparedness" to tackle any threat posed to nation's security. In the statement, the IAF noted that it is ready to "proactively engage any perceived threat in the present security scenario".

The Indian Air Force on Thursday released a statement maintaining the force's "high state of preparedness" to tackle any threat posed to nation's security. In the statement, the IAF noted that it is ready to "proactively engage any perceived threat in the present security scenario". "A strict vigil in the skies to detect and thwart any act of aggression from Pakistan Air Force is being maintained," the statement read as reported by news agency ANI. As per NOTAM No. A0234/19 issued by CAA Pakistan, it has opened their airspace with Oman, Iran, Afghanistan and China only. The eleven entry/exit points located along Indo-Pak airspace boundary are still closed. https://t.co/FZMMPOCb3x — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × "As per NOTAM No. A0234/19 issued by CAA Pakistan, it has opened their airspace with Oman, Iran, Afghanistan and China only. The eleven entry/exit points located along Indo-Pak airspace boundary are still closed," the statement added. Meanwhile, a team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION. Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

IAF says in 'high state of preparedness' to tackle any threat to national security

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday lauded the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan and slammed the opposition for raising questions over the operation.&nbsp;

Singh asked if the IAF pilots who carried out the strikes were supposed to land and count the number of terrorists killed in the operation.&nbsp;

"The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation — 1,2,3,4,5?" Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
HM Rajnath Singh: The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation- 1,2,3,4,5? <a href="https://t.co/hXR77u56Ha">pic.twitter.com/hXR77u56Ha</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103327351184609280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Defence Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-air-strike-non-military-action-as-no-civilian-casualty-caused-nirmala-sitharaman-201327">Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday</a> the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty.

She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position".

Gokhale had said the non-military and preemptive strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, news agency PTI reported.

Sitharaman's remarks came amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike.

The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not, PTI reported.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday lauded the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan and slammed the opposition for raising questions over the operation.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday lauded the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan and slammed the opposition for raising questions over the operation. Singh asked if the IAF pilots who carried out the strikes were supposed to land and count the number of terrorists killed in the operation. "The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation — 1,2,3,4,5?" Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. HM Rajnath Singh: The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation- 1,2,3,4,5? pic.twitter.com/hXR77u56Ha — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty. She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position". Gokhale had said the non-military and preemptive strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, news agency PTI reported. Sitharaman's remarks came amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike. The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not, PTI reported. On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election. (With inputs from PTI)

IAF pilots weren't supposed to land and count number of terrorists killed in Balakot: Rajnath Singh

Iaf, News on Iaf, stories on Iaf, articles on Iaf, Iaf stories at Wion, Iaf news, Iaf latest news