The Indian Air Force flexed its military muscles on Wednesday (July 10) as it participated in the Indo-French air exercise, 'Garuda' at Mont-de-Marsan air base.

India displays military might at Indo-French air exercise

Pakistan is suffering losses due to airspace closure for Indian flights. Pakistan fully closed their airspace in response to the Balakot airstrike by the Indian Air Force in February this year. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan suffering losses due to airspace closure for Indian flights

Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa on Monday embarked on a four-day bilateral visit to Russia beginning tomorrow.

During the visit which will last till July 12, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units as well as fly a sortie in Russian trainer aircraft YAK-130, a Defence Ministry statement said.

He will also interact with senior functionaries of the Russian armed forces.

"The visit would provide further impetus towards defence cooperation as well as strengthen relationships and enable engagement in productive exchanges between the two air forces," the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-200-crore-anti-tank-missile-deal-with-russia-231721">Russian Aircraft</a> Corporation "MiG" is a contender in the IAF`s multi-billion dollar 114 fighter aircraft program.

The Russian company is fielding its MiG-35 fighter jet which is pitted against American F-16, F-18A, Saab's Gripen and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-reopen-today-after-six-week-vacation-will-hear-key-cases-including-rafale-ayodhya-231907">French Rafale</a> jets.

Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa on Monday embarked on a four-day bilateral visit to Russia beginning tomorrow. During the visit which will last till July 12, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units as well as fly a sortie in Russian trainer aircraft YAK-130, a Defence Ministry statement said.

Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa on Monday embarked on a four-day bilateral visit to Russia beginning tomorrow. During the visit which will last till July 12, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units as well as fly a sortie in Russian trainer aircraft YAK-130, a Defence Ministry statement said. He will also interact with senior functionaries of the Russian armed forces. "The visit would provide further impetus towards defence cooperation as well as strengthen relationships and enable engagement in productive exchanges between the two air forces," the statement said. Russian Aircraft Corporation "MiG" is a contender in the IAF`s multi-billion dollar 114 fighter aircraft program. The Russian company is fielding its MiG-35 fighter jet which is pitted against American F-16, F-18A, Saab's Gripen and French Rafale jets.

IAF Chief BS Dhanoa embarks on four-day visit to Russia

Eleven member Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountaineers'&nbsp;team who retrieved the bodies of mountaineers successfully from Nanda Devi East were airlifted from the Base Camp to Pithoragarh on Sunday.

The ITBP team will reach Delhi on Monday to call on SS Deswal, Director General of ITBP at Force Headquarters.

ITBP mission- 'Daredevils'&nbsp;ended after bodies of seven out of eight missing mountaineers who were on a mission to climb Nanda Devi peak was airlifted to Munsyari and further to Pithoragarh on July 3 with the help of Indian Air Force, said ITBP.

The bodies of seven mountaineers were handed over to the District Administration Pithoragarh on Wednesday.

"We couldn't locate the eighth body, we might recover it under 200ft thick snow layers which have been created due to periodic snowfall in that region," said SS Deswal, Director General, ITBP.

Deswal had briefed the ITBP team in Pithoragarh before launching the high-risk mission, the team tried to search for the eighth body but due to uneven terrain, difficult altitude and weather limitations, they couldn't find the missing body.

Speaking to ANI about the high-risk mission, Deswal said, "This operation was extremely challenging which was conducted at a height of 22,000 feet, adverse climatic conditions made it more difficult for the teams to conduct a search operation. We were unable to land our Indian Air Force helicopters due to tough climatic conditions, strong winds and uneven terrain."

An 11-member team of ITBP dug out the seven bodies, including that of a woman climber, from under the snow.

The team had launched 'Operation Daredevil'&nbsp;for the missing group of mountaineers -- 4 British, 2 Americans, and 1 each from India and Australia.

Standing at a height of 25,643 feet, Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India and 23rd highest overall.&nbsp;

Eleven member Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountaineers' team who retrieved the bodies of mountaineers successfully from Nanda Devi East were airlifted from the Base Camp to Pithoragarh on Sunday.

Eleven member Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountaineers' team who retrieved the bodies of mountaineers successfully from Nanda Devi East were airlifted from the Base Camp to Pithoragarh on Sunday. The ITBP team will reach Delhi on Monday to call on SS Deswal, Director General of ITBP at Force Headquarters. ITBP mission- 'Daredevils' ended after bodies of seven out of eight missing mountaineers who were on a mission to climb Nanda Devi peak was airlifted to Munsyari and further to Pithoragarh on July 3 with the help of Indian Air Force, said ITBP. The bodies of seven mountaineers were handed over to the District Administration Pithoragarh on Wednesday. "We couldn't locate the eighth body, we might recover it under 200ft thick snow layers which have been created due to periodic snowfall in that region," said SS Deswal, Director General, ITBP. Deswal had briefed the ITBP team in Pithoragarh before launching the high-risk mission, the team tried to search for the eighth body but due to uneven terrain, difficult altitude and weather limitations, they couldn't find the missing body. Speaking to ANI about the high-risk mission, Deswal said, "This operation was extremely challenging which was conducted at a height of 22,000 feet, adverse climatic conditions made it more difficult for the teams to conduct a search operation. We were unable to land our Indian Air Force helicopters due to tough climatic conditions, strong winds and uneven terrain." An 11-member team of ITBP dug out the seven bodies, including that of a woman climber, from under the snow. The team had launched 'Operation Daredevil' for the missing group of mountaineers -- 4 British, 2 Americans, and 1 each from India and Australia. Standing at a height of 25,643 feet, Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India and 23rd highest overall.

Nanda Devi: ITBP team airlifted from Base Camp to Pithoragarh on Sunday

The fuel tank of an indigenous LCA Tejas combat aircraft fell during a training sortie by the Indian Air Force near Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday morning.

The incident took place while the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was airborne.

"Today morning at around 0840h, one fuel drop tank fell off from a Tejas aircraft on a routine sortie from Sulur Air Base near Coimbatore. The aircraft landed back safely after the incident. No damage was reported on the ground. The cause of the incident is being investigated," the IAF said in a statement.

This is the probably the first reported incident involving an LCA Tejas aircraft ever since it was inducted into the Indian Air Force.

This is the second incident in the last one week where an IAF fighter plane has had to jettison its fuel tank.

Last week, a Jaguar had to drop its external stores including fuel tanks and practice bombs after a bird hit resulted in engine flame right before take off from Ambala airbase.

The Tejas LCA is a supersonic, single-seat, single-engine multirole light fighter jet that has been under development since 1983 by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

On July 1, 2016, the LCA Tejas was inducted into the 'Flying Daggers'&nbsp;45 Squadron of the IAF and has been placed to replace the MiG-21 aircraft.&nbsp;

The fuel tank of an indigenous LCA Tejas combat aircraft fell during a training sortie by the Indian Air Force near Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday morning.

The fuel tank of an indigenous LCA Tejas combat aircraft fell during a training sortie by the Indian Air Force near Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday morning. The incident took place while the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was airborne. "Today morning at around 0840h, one fuel drop tank fell off from a Tejas aircraft on a routine sortie from Sulur Air Base near Coimbatore. The aircraft landed back safely after the incident. No damage was reported on the ground. The cause of the incident is being investigated," the IAF said in a statement. This is the probably the first reported incident involving an LCA Tejas aircraft ever since it was inducted into the Indian Air Force. This is the second incident in the last one week where an IAF fighter plane has had to jettison its fuel tank. Last week, a Jaguar had to drop its external stores including fuel tanks and practice bombs after a bird hit resulted in engine flame right before take off from Ambala airbase. The Tejas LCA is a supersonic, single-seat, single-engine multirole light fighter jet that has been under development since 1983 by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). On July 1, 2016, the LCA Tejas was inducted into the 'Flying Daggers' 45 Squadron of the IAF and has been placed to replace the MiG-21 aircraft.

Tejas fuel tank falls in field near Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu; IAF to probe

French ambassador to India, Alexandre Ziegler, on Saturday said the investigation into a possible data theft during the break-in into the Rafale project management team office in Paris is still underway.

"It's still under investigation so I don't want to comment, but definitely there were no secrets stolen," the ambassador told ANI after attending the opening of L'Opera French bakery in Noida.

The remarks came a day after a cyber forensic team claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-data-stolen-from-iafs-rafale-team-office-in-paris-cyber-forensic-team-231279">no data was stolen from the computers of the IAF Rafale project team office</a> where there the break-in took place last month.

"The cyber forensic these of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here.

The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-team-to-visit-france-to-probe-possible-data-theft-during-rafale-office-break-in-221810">team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen</a> or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAFoffice during the break-in.

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 situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

French ambassador to India, Alexandre Ziegler, on Saturday said the investigation into a possible data theft during the break-in into the Rafale project management team office in Paris is still underway.

French ambassador to India, Alexandre Ziegler, on Saturday said the investigation into a possible data theft during the break-in into the Rafale project management team office in Paris is still underway. "It's still under investigation so I don't want to comment, but definitely there were no secrets stolen," the ambassador told ANI after attending the opening of L'Opera French bakery in Noida. The remarks came a day after a cyber forensic team claimed that no data was stolen from the computers of the IAF Rafale project team office where there the break-in took place last month. "The cyber forensic these of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here. The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said. The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAFoffice during the break-in. 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 situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

'Probe underway': French envoy on data theft during break-in into Rafale project team office in Paris

The 15-member team which helped to recover bodies of personnel died in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/an-32-crash-iaf-retrieves-remains-of-all-13-air-warriors-229036">AN-32 crash</a> in Arunachal Pradesh was retrieved on Saturday evening, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said.

The team which was stuck at the crash site since June 20 could not be airlifted, due to inclement weather and rain.

"Today evening around 5:15 PM, the search and rescue team which was camping as the crash site since June 12, was retrieved by IAF choppers to along. The 15 member team comprising of 8 from IAF (including 2 officers), 4 from Army (including 1 officer) and 3 civilians were recovered using ALH and Mi-17V5 helicopters," the IAF release said.

Thirteen IAF personnel died in the AN-32 aircraft crash which went missing on June 3 after taking off from Assam's Jorhat.

The aircraft was headed for Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with ground authorities at around 1 pm.

After a massive search and rescue operation for eight days, during which assets from several agencies were deployed, the wreckage of the aircraft was located by a Mi-17 chopper.

The remains IAF personnel were retrieved on June 20 from Arunachal Pradesh where the plane crashed.

The wreckage was located 16 km north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 12,000 feet.&nbsp;

The 15-member team which helped to recover bodies of personnel died in AN-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh was retrieved on Saturday evening, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said.

The 15-member team which helped to recover bodies of personnel died in AN-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh was retrieved on Saturday evening, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said. The team which was stuck at the crash site since June 20 could not be airlifted, due to inclement weather and rain. "Today evening around 5:15 PM, the search and rescue team which was camping as the crash site since June 12, was retrieved by IAF choppers to along. The 15 member team comprising of 8 from IAF (including 2 officers), 4 from Army (including 1 officer) and 3 civilians were recovered using ALH and Mi-17V5 helicopters," the IAF release said. Thirteen IAF personnel died in the AN-32 aircraft crash which went missing on June 3 after taking off from Assam's Jorhat. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with ground authorities at around 1 pm. After a massive search and rescue operation for eight days, during which assets from several agencies were deployed, the wreckage of the aircraft was located by a Mi-17 chopper. The remains IAF personnel were retrieved on June 20 from Arunachal Pradesh where the plane crashed. The wreckage was located 16 km north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

AN-32 crash: IAF retrieves 15-member rescue team from crash site

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-team-to-visit-france-to-probe-possible-data-theft-during-rafale-office-break-in-221810">IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris</a> where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

"The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here.

The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said.

The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in.

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 are 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 situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.&nbsp;

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe. "The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here. The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said. The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in. 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 are 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 situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

No data stolen from IAF's Rafale team office in Paris: Cyber forensic team

Prompt action by an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot saved his Jaguar fighter aircraft after it suffered a bird hit soon after taking off from the Ambala air base and landed back safely on Thursday morning.

IAF officials said the Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft was on its way to take part in a training sortie when one of the two engines of the aircraft was knocked down due to bird hit."The pilot jettisoned his fuel tanks and external stores including some 10 kg practice bombs to gain height and managed to land back safely," they said.

The dropping of fuel tanks and external stores is part of the standard operating procedures of the Air Force when any plane suffers failure of one of the two engines.

The small bombs dropped by the pilot have been recovered, IAF sources said.

Ambala Deputy Commission of Police Rajneesh Kumar also said that payload of an aircraft had fallen in the city.

The IAF will order a court of inquiry to investigate the reasons behind the incident. The air base is in the heart of Ambala city in Haryana and over the years, it has been surrounded by a thick population.&nbsp;

Prompt action by an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot saved his Jaguar fighter aircraft after it suffered a bird hit soon after taking off from the Ambala air base and landed back safely on Thursday morning.

Prompt action by an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot saved his Jaguar fighter aircraft after it suffered a bird hit soon after taking off from the Ambala air base and landed back safely on Thursday morning. IAF officials said the Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft was on its way to take part in a training sortie when one of the two engines of the aircraft was knocked down due to bird hit."The pilot jettisoned his fuel tanks and external stores including some 10 kg practice bombs to gain height and managed to land back safely," they said. The dropping of fuel tanks and external stores is part of the standard operating procedures of the Air Force when any plane suffers failure of one of the two engines. The small bombs dropped by the pilot have been recovered, IAF sources said. Ambala Deputy Commission of Police Rajneesh Kumar also said that payload of an aircraft had fallen in the city. The IAF will order a court of inquiry to investigate the reasons behind the incident. The air base is in the heart of Ambala city in Haryana and over the years, it has been surrounded by a thick population.

IAF aircraft suffers engine failure mid-air, lands safely in Ambala

Commemorating 20 years of the Kargil War, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-carries-out-major-readiness-exercise-along-pak-border-203434">IAF</a> Monday turned the Gwalior airbase virtually into a conflict theatre, with a dramatic reenactment of some of the milestones of the operation in 1999.

In a symbolic 'recreation' of the Tiger Hill attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Drass-Kargil area, the air force used the Mirage 2000 aircraft and explosives were blown up on a 'model hill' to recreate the crucial events of the war.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Commemorating 20 years of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KargilWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KargilWar</a>, Indian Air Force at Gwalior Air Base recreates Tiger Hill attack and display aircraft used during 'Operation Vijay'. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/K3kh4FPnXW">pic.twitter.com/K3kh4FPnXW</a>
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The chief guest for the event is Air <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-will-prove-to-be-the-gamechanger-for-iaf-air-chief-marshal-bs-dhanoa-221975">Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa</a>. The IAF has planned several activities at the air base to commemorate the 20 years of the war and the symbolic 'recreation' of the Tiger Hill attack was one of them.

Five Mirage 2000, two MiG 21s and one Sukoi 30 MKI were on static display at the base. One of the Mirage 2000s showcased the Spice bomb carrier. The bomb was used in the Balakot airstrike in February.

"The Kargil conflict offers an exemplary experience in the use of air power in warfare in high mountains conditions and is key to a full understanding of India's emerging posture," a senior IAF official said.&nbsp;

Several gallantry award winners, both serving and retired, who had participated in 'Operation Vijay', are attending the event.&nbsp;

The Indian armed forces displayed exceptional valour to successfully dislodged the enemy from the strategic hill in the Drass-Kargil area, an official said.

The Mirage-2000 aircraft played a crucial role in the battles fought during the war and also hit enemy targets bunkered in at the Tiger Hill. During the war, the IAF had conducted operation Safed Sagar as a part of operation Vijay of the army.&nbsp;

A number of events have been planned by the army in Delhi and Dras in Jammu and Kashmir next month to mark the 20th anniversary of the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', officials had earlier said. The anniversary celebrations for this year will be spread over three days from July 25-27.

"However, as part of the build-up to the main event, numerous activities have been planned to be organised all over the country from the first week of July," an official said.

The celebrations in the national capital will begin on July 14 with the illumination of a 'Victory Flame' from the National War Memorial in Delhi, which would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Dras where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the 'Kargil War Memorial', he said.

The objective of these celebrations is to evoke the feeling of patriotism through nationwide campaigns especially amongst the youth and to pay homage to the valiant soldiers.

"The Kargil War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to Kargil-Siachen sectors, and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy and plans," the Army had said.

Commemorating 20 years of the Kargil War, the IAF Monday turned the Gwalior airbase virtually into a conflict theatre, with a dramatic reenactment of some of the milestones of the operation in 1999.

Commemorating 20 years of the Kargil War, the IAF Monday turned the Gwalior airbase virtually into a conflict theatre, with a dramatic reenactment of some of the milestones of the operation in 1999. In a symbolic 'recreation' of the Tiger Hill attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Drass-Kargil area, the air force used the Mirage 2000 aircraft and explosives were blown up on a 'model hill' to recreate the crucial events of the war. #WATCH Commemorating 20 years of #KargilWar, Indian Air Force at Gwalior Air Base recreates Tiger Hill attack and display aircraft used during 'Operation Vijay'. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/K3kh4FPnXW — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2019 × The chief guest for the event is Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa. The IAF has planned several activities at the air base to commemorate the 20 years of the war and the symbolic 'recreation' of the Tiger Hill attack was one of them. Five Mirage 2000, two MiG 21s and one Sukoi 30 MKI were on static display at the base. One of the Mirage 2000s showcased the Spice bomb carrier. The bomb was used in the Balakot airstrike in February. "The Kargil conflict offers an exemplary experience in the use of air power in warfare in high mountains conditions and is key to a full understanding of India's emerging posture," a senior IAF official said. Several gallantry award winners, both serving and retired, who had participated in 'Operation Vijay', are attending the event. The Indian armed forces displayed exceptional valour to successfully dislodged the enemy from the strategic hill in the Drass-Kargil area, an official said. The Mirage-2000 aircraft played a crucial role in the battles fought during the war and also hit enemy targets bunkered in at the Tiger Hill. During the war, the IAF had conducted operation Safed Sagar as a part of operation Vijay of the army. A number of events have been planned by the army in Delhi and Dras in Jammu and Kashmir next month to mark the 20th anniversary of the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', officials had earlier said. The anniversary celebrations for this year will be spread over three days from July 25-27. "However, as part of the build-up to the main event, numerous activities have been planned to be organised all over the country from the first week of July," an official said. The celebrations in the national capital will begin on July 14 with the illumination of a 'Victory Flame' from the National War Memorial in Delhi, which would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Dras where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the 'Kargil War Memorial', he said. The objective of these celebrations is to evoke the feeling of patriotism through nationwide campaigns especially amongst the youth and to pay homage to the valiant soldiers. "The Kargil War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to Kargil-Siachen sectors, and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy and plans," the Army had said.

20 years of Kargil war: Indian Air Force turns Gwalior Air Base into 'war theatre', recreates Tiger Hill attack

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-will-prove-to-be-the-gamechanger-for-iaf-air-chief-marshal-bs-dhanoa-221975">Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa</a> on Monday said that Pakistan closing its airspace was a problem for them and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-carries-out-major-readiness-exercise-along-pak-border-203434">Indian Air Force (IAF)</a> never stopped the civil air traffic in the country.&nbsp;

"They (Pakistan) have closed their airspace that is their problem. Our economy is vibrant and air traffic is a very important part. You have noticed that the Air Force has never stopped our civil air traffic," he said at a press conference here.&nbsp;

Pakistan extended the ban on its airspace for all Indian flights till June 28. The country had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the IAF carried out aerial airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26.&nbsp;

The strikes were in response to the terror attack in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-terror-attack-can-india-respond-like-israel-197942">Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama</a>, in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives on February 14. In March, Pakistan partially opened its airspace for all flights but not for Indian flights.&nbsp;

Since then, foreign carriers using the Indian airspace have been forced to take long detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure has mainly affected flights from Europe to Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

Dhanoa recalled: "Only on February 27 (this year) we had stopped Srinagar airspace for two-three hours. We did not allow tension with Pakistan to dictate our civil aviation because our economy is much bigger and much stronger as compared to theirs."

He was speaking at the press meet after the IAF at its Gwalior airbase recreated the Tiger Hill attack and displayed the aircraft used during the `Operation Vijay` to commemorate 20 years of the Kargil conflict.

"The purpose of our attack has always been to show our resolve and capability. The message has been given to the person who is being hit. On August 2, 2002, the message was given to the person who was being hit as that person never returned," said the Air Chief Marshal.&nbsp;

Dhanoa said that Pakistan Air Force planes did not cross the Line of Control (LoC) during the February 27 dogfight in the aftermath of the air strike on a JeM terror camp in Balakot, a military objective, which India achieved.

"Pakistan did not come into our airspace. Our objective was to strike terror camps. Their objective was to target army places. None of them crossed the border. We achieved our military objective. None of them crossed the Line of Control into our territory," he said.&nbsp;

The IAF organised a seminar on `Air operations in Kargil war, lessons learnt and way forward` at Air Force Station Gwalior. The focus of the seminar was conducting air operations at high altitude by fighters, transports, and helicopters of IAF employing contemporary equipment and innovative strategies.&nbsp;

To celebrate the event, a flypast by various aircraft like SU-30 MKI, M 2000, MiG -21 Bison, Jaguar, and Advanced Light Helicopter was also undertaken. The Kargil conflict was an intense border clash fought between India and Pakistan in the mountains of Kashmir in 1999.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Monday said that Pakistan closing its airspace was a problem for them and the Indian Air Force (IAF) never stopped the civil air traffic in the country.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Monday said that Pakistan closing its airspace was a problem for them and the Indian Air Force (IAF) never stopped the civil air traffic in the country. "They (Pakistan) have closed their airspace that is their problem. Our economy is vibrant and air traffic is a very important part. You have noticed that the Air Force has never stopped our civil air traffic," he said at a press conference here. Pakistan extended the ban on its airspace for all Indian flights till June 28. The country had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the IAF carried out aerial airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. The strikes were in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama, in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives on February 14. In March, Pakistan partially opened its airspace for all flights but not for Indian flights. Since then, foreign carriers using the Indian airspace have been forced to take long detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure has mainly affected flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. Dhanoa recalled: "Only on February 27 (this year) we had stopped Srinagar airspace for two-three hours. We did not allow tension with Pakistan to dictate our civil aviation because our economy is much bigger and much stronger as compared to theirs." He was speaking at the press meet after the IAF at its Gwalior airbase recreated the Tiger Hill attack and displayed the aircraft used during the `Operation Vijay` to commemorate 20 years of the Kargil conflict. "The purpose of our attack has always been to show our resolve and capability. The message has been given to the person who is being hit. On August 2, 2002, the message was given to the person who was being hit as that person never returned," said the Air Chief Marshal. Dhanoa said that Pakistan Air Force planes did not cross the Line of Control (LoC) during the February 27 dogfight in the aftermath of the air strike on a JeM terror camp in Balakot, a military objective, which India achieved. "Pakistan did not come into our airspace. Our objective was to strike terror camps. Their objective was to target army places. None of them crossed the border. We achieved our military objective. None of them crossed the Line of Control into our territory," he said. The IAF organised a seminar on `Air operations in Kargil war, lessons learnt and way forward` at Air Force Station Gwalior. The focus of the seminar was conducting air operations at high altitude by fighters, transports, and helicopters of IAF employing contemporary equipment and innovative strategies. To celebrate the event, a flypast by various aircraft like SU-30 MKI, M 2000, MiG -21 Bison, Jaguar, and Advanced Light Helicopter was also undertaken. The Kargil conflict was an intense border clash fought between India and Pakistan in the mountains of Kashmir in 1999.

'If Pakistan closed airspace, that's their problem': Air Chief Marshal BS  Dhanoa

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against unknown officials of Indian Air Force, Ministry of Defence and controversial arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari for alleged corruption in procurement of 75 Pilatus&nbsp;basic trainer aircraft in 2009, officials said Saturday.

The CBI also carried out searches at the residence and office of Bhandari in connection with the deal, officials said.

Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has also been named as an accused by the CBI in the case pertaining to the charges of irregularities and bribe of Rs 339 crore in the procurement, the agency said.&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against unknown officials of Indian Air Force, Ministry of Defence and controversial arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari for alleged corruption in procurement of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft in 2009, officials said Saturday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against unknown officials of Indian Air Force, Ministry of Defence and controversial arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari for alleged corruption in procurement of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft in 2009, officials said Saturday. The CBI also carried out searches at the residence and office of Bhandari in connection with the deal, officials said. Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has also been named as an accused by the CBI in the case pertaining to the charges of irregularities and bribe of Rs 339 crore in the procurement, the agency said.

CBI registers corruption case in Pilatus aircraft deal, searches Sanjay Bhandari's office, residence

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh.

&nbsp;"Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss," he tweeted.

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Paid tributes to brave Air-warriors <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, who lost their lives in the unfortunate An-32 crash on 03 June, 19 in Arunachal Pradesh. 
 
They served the nation with confidence and courage. I salute their sacrifice in the line of duty. <a href="https://t.co/V8bH2aWh4L">pic.twitter.com/V8bH2aWh4L</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141927924418789376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The defence minister also met the family members of the deceased air warriors and offered his condolences.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. 
 
My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss. <a href="https://t.co/YcqmUrNNBz">pic.twitter.com/YcqmUrNNBz</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141929931590361089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The IAF on Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

The plane had gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains.

(With inputs from PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh. "Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh. "Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss," he tweeted. Paid tributes to brave Air-warriors @IAF_MCC, who lost their lives in the unfortunate An-32 crash on 03 June, 19 in Arunachal Pradesh. They served the nation with confidence and courage. I salute their sacrifice in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/V8bH2aWh4L — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × The defence minister also met the family members of the deceased air warriors and offered his condolences. Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss. pic.twitter.com/YcqmUrNNBz — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × The IAF on Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh. The plane had gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains. (With inputs from PTI)

Rajnath Singh pays tribute to IAF personnel killed in AN-32 crash, meets their family members

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-lets-un-team-assess-loss-of-trees-in-balakot-bars-meeting-with-hafiz-saeed-202044">Balakot on February 26</a>, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

"In order to maintain secrecy and ensure that the plans don't leak out, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/balakot-air-strike-is-indias-googly-response-to-imran-khans-in-swinger-199863">Balakot operations</a> were given the codename Operation Bandar," senior defence sources said.

Without detailing any specific reason behind the name, sources said monkeys have always held a special place in India's war culture as seen in the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama`s lieutenant Lord Hanuman quietly sneaked into Lanka and destroyed the entire capital city of the demon Ravana.

On February 26, 12 Mirages having taken off from multiple air bases crossed over into the Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province.

The attacks carried out by the Indian Air Force, pilots had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the building in which the terrorists were sleeping.

The attacks were carried out at 3.30am and within a few minutes after dropping the bombs on their designated targets, the Indian Air Force planes returned to their bases.

The aircraft used in the attack belonged to the No 7 and No 9 squadrons of the Indian Air Force and included the non-upgraded planes as the upgraded Mirages of the No 1 squadron did not have the air to ground strike capability at that moment.

While some of the Mirage aircraft carried out the attack on Jaish positions, a team of other few Mirages and Su-30MKI combat aircraft kept the Pakistan air force planes away from causing any hindrance or launching any counter-offensive.

As per the Air Force briefings to the government, 80 per cent of the bombs had been dropped successfully on their targets and had carried out the requisite damage to the enemy locations.&nbsp;

The operations were ably supported by the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control systems (AEW&amp;C) plane Netra.

The Indian Air Force had also kept its team of Garud commandos on stand-by for any kind of operations that may have been required due to any kind of emergency there.

The Indian Air Force is also planning to reward the IAF pilots who took part in the attack with Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry for their acts of bravery.

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy. "In order to maintain secrecy and ensure that the plans don't leak out, the Balakot operations were given the codename Operation Bandar," senior defence sources said. Without detailing any specific reason behind the name, sources said monkeys have always held a special place in India's war culture as seen in the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama`s lieutenant Lord Hanuman quietly sneaked into Lanka and destroyed the entire capital city of the demon Ravana. On February 26, 12 Mirages having taken off from multiple air bases crossed over into the Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The attacks carried out by the Indian Air Force, pilots had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the building in which the terrorists were sleeping. The attacks were carried out at 3.30am and within a few minutes after dropping the bombs on their designated targets, the Indian Air Force planes returned to their bases. The aircraft used in the attack belonged to the No 7 and No 9 squadrons of the Indian Air Force and included the non-upgraded planes as the upgraded Mirages of the No 1 squadron did not have the air to ground strike capability at that moment. While some of the Mirage aircraft carried out the attack on Jaish positions, a team of other few Mirages and Su-30MKI combat aircraft kept the Pakistan air force planes away from causing any hindrance or launching any counter-offensive. As per the Air Force briefings to the government, 80 per cent of the bombs had been dropped successfully on their targets and had carried out the requisite damage to the enemy locations. The operations were ably supported by the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control systems (AEW&C) plane Netra. The Indian Air Force had also kept its team of Garud commandos on stand-by for any kind of operations that may have been required due to any kind of emergency there. The Indian Air Force is also planning to reward the IAF pilots who took part in the attack with Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry for their acts of bravery.

'Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot airstrike: Sources

Six bodies and remains of seven others have been recovered from the crash site of the ill-fated AN-32 days after a massive search operation was initiated, Defence spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh in Shillong said on Thursday.

The black box of the aircraft which crashed in Arunachal Pradesh with 13 personnel on board <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/blackbox-of-crashed-an-32-damaged-data-retrieval-for-accident-probe-may-get-delayed-227934">has suffered damage</a> and an investigation by the Indian Air Force to find out the actual cause of the crash may take more time, defence sources had said on Monday.

The black box of the plane was recovered by a team of mountaineers on June 9.

The AN-32 aircraft went missing on June 3 after taking off from Assam's Jorhat. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with ground authorities at around 1 pm.

After a massive search and rescue operation for eight days, during which assets from several agencies were deployed, the wreckage of the aircraft was located by a Mi-17 chopper. The wreckage was located 16 km north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

Six bodies and remains of seven others have been recovered from the crash site of the ill-fated AN-32 days after a massive search operation was initiated, Defence spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh in Shillong said on Thursday.

Six bodies and remains of seven others have been recovered from the crash site of the ill-fated AN-32 days after a massive search operation was initiated, Defence spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh in Shillong said on Thursday. The black box of the aircraft which crashed in Arunachal Pradesh with 13 personnel on board has suffered damage and an investigation by the Indian Air Force to find out the actual cause of the crash may take more time, defence sources had said on Monday. The black box of the plane was recovered by a team of mountaineers on June 9. The AN-32 aircraft went missing on June 3 after taking off from Assam's Jorhat. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with ground authorities at around 1 pm. After a massive search and rescue operation for eight days, during which assets from several agencies were deployed, the wreckage of the aircraft was located by a Mi-17 chopper. The wreckage was located 16 km north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

Six bodies, remains of seven others recovered from AN-32 crash site

Inclement weather on Saturday hampered rescue efforts to retrieve the mortal remains of 13 air-warriors who were on board the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-go-into-an-32-aircraft-crash-ensure-it-does-not-happen-again-iaf-chief-227278">Indian Air Force aircraft</a> that crashed in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, an IAF spokesman said.&nbsp;

Shillong-based IAF spokesman Ratnakar Singh said the rescue operation, which commenced early Saturday morning, could not progress further due to inclement weather at the crash site.

Cheetah and ALH helicopters are on standby and are waiting to commence operations once the weather improves.

At present there are low clouds accompanied with rain in the area, the spokesman said in a statement.

The IAF is making all efforts to retrieve the mortal remains of the deceased air-warriors.

IAF personnel are in constant contact with the families of these air-warriors and they are being updated regularly about the ongoing rescue operations. They are also being explained the challenges being faced by the rescue team, he added.

The rescue team on Friday recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) of the Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft.

The aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Mechuka advanced landing ground in Shi-Yomi district in Arunachal Pradesh, near the border with China, on June 3 when it lost contact around half-an-hour after taking off.

The wreckage of the plane was spotted by an IAF chopper on Tuesday at a height of 12,000 ft near Gatte village on the border of Siang and Shi-Yomi districts, after eight days of a massive search operation involving a fleet of aircraft and choppers as well as ground forces.

A 15-member team of rescuers were sent to look for survivors in the accident site on Wednesday and eight of them reached the place on Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Inclement weather on Saturday hampered rescue efforts to retrieve the mortal remains of 13 air-warriors who were on board the Indian Air Force aircraft that crashed in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, an IAF spokesman said.

Inclement weather on Saturday hampered rescue efforts to retrieve the mortal remains of 13 air-warriors who were on board the Indian Air Force aircraft that crashed in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, an IAF spokesman said. Shillong-based IAF spokesman Ratnakar Singh said the rescue operation, which commenced early Saturday morning, could not progress further due to inclement weather at the crash site. Cheetah and ALH helicopters are on standby and are waiting to commence operations once the weather improves. At present there are low clouds accompanied with rain in the area, the spokesman said in a statement. The IAF is making all efforts to retrieve the mortal remains of the deceased air-warriors. IAF personnel are in constant contact with the families of these air-warriors and they are being updated regularly about the ongoing rescue operations. They are also being explained the challenges being faced by the rescue team, he added. The rescue team on Friday recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) of the Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft. The aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Mechuka advanced landing ground in Shi-Yomi district in Arunachal Pradesh, near the border with China, on June 3 when it lost contact around half-an-hour after taking off. The wreckage of the plane was spotted by an IAF chopper on Tuesday at a height of 12,000 ft near Gatte village on the border of Siang and Shi-Yomi districts, after eight days of a massive search operation involving a fleet of aircraft and choppers as well as ground forces. A 15-member team of rescuers were sent to look for survivors in the accident site on Wednesday and eight of them reached the place on Thursday morning.

Inclement weather hampers operation to retrieve bodies of IAF aircraft crash victims

Indian Air Force's search and rescue team on Friday recovered cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) of the missing AN-32 aircraft.&nbsp;

The process of recovering the mortal remains of all air warriors is still on at the crash site, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The team is making all efforts to expeditiously complete the task.

IAF mountaineers, Army Special Forces personnel and&nbsp;local mountaineers were dropped off at the closest possible location to the crash site and have reached the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

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IAF on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AN32?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AN32</a> aircraft rescue update: The process of recovering the mortal remains of all air warriors is still on at crash site. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been recovered, all efforts are being made to expeditiously complete the task. <a href="https://t.co/YIdEmrWRIn">pic.twitter.com/YIdEmrWRIn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1139451604669624320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, the team <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-rescue-team-recovers-bodies-of-all-personnel-aboard-an-32-aircraft-226844">recovered the bodies of all 13 personnel</a> aboard the IAF transport aircraft that missing over a week back while on its way to Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh after taking off from Jorhat, Assam.

Watch: Wreckage of missing Air Force An-32 plane found in Arunachal Pradesh

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-wreckage-of-missing-air-force-an-32-plane-found-in-ap-226511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The team yesterday also recovered the black box of transport aircraft.

Adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain had halted the progress of the rescue team on Wednesday, forcing them to camp overnight.

However, a team comprising of IAF mountaineering team, including four from the Indian Army and two civilians, reached the site earlier today only to find no survivors.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Air Force's search and rescue team on Friday recovered cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) of the missing AN-32 aircraft. The process of recovering the mortal remains of all air warriors is still on at the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

Indian Air Force's search and rescue team on Friday recovered cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) of the missing AN-32 aircraft. The process of recovering the mortal remains of all air warriors is still on at the crash site, news agency ANI reported. The team is making all efforts to expeditiously complete the task. IAF mountaineers, Army Special Forces personnel and local mountaineers were dropped off at the closest possible location to the crash site and have reached the crash site, news agency ANI reported. IAF on #AN32 aircraft rescue update: The process of recovering the mortal remains of all air warriors is still on at crash site. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been recovered, all efforts are being made to expeditiously complete the task. pic.twitter.com/YIdEmrWRIn — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2019 × On Thursday, the team recovered the bodies of all 13 personnel aboard the IAF transport aircraft that missing over a week back while on its way to Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh after taking off from Jorhat, Assam. Watch: Wreckage of missing Air Force An-32 plane found in Arunachal Pradesh The team yesterday also recovered the black box of transport aircraft. Adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain had halted the progress of the rescue team on Wednesday, forcing them to camp overnight. However, a team comprising of IAF mountaineering team, including four from the Indian Army and two civilians, reached the site earlier today only to find no survivors.

Voice and data recorder recovered from crashed Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft 

The Indian Air Force lost thirteen "air warriors" in a crash in Arunachal Pradesh.

The search operations which lasted several days due to bad weather ended on Tuesday as the wreckage of the ill-fated flight was discovered. On Thursday, all passengers on board including the pilot were declared dead.

Wing Commander GM Charles, Squadron leader H Vinod, Flight lieutenant R Thapa, Flight lieutenant A Tanwar, Flight lieutenant S Mohanty &amp; Flight lieutenant MK Garg, Warrant Officer KK Mishra, Sergeant Anoop Kumar, Corporal Sherin, Lead Aircraft Man SK Singh, Lead Aircraft Man Pankaj, Non-combatant employee Putali &amp; non-combatant Employee Rajesh Kumar.

These may be just names for some but for the IAF they are men who it lost quite needlessly.

The IAF has lost nearly 10 aircrafts this year&nbsp;which includes the AN-32 transport plane, Surya Kiran, Mirage 200 fighter, MiG-27 fighter aircraft and a&nbsp;Mi-17 helicopter.

The oft-repeated term "flying coffin" is used whenever an IAF plane goes down. That&nbsp;IAF needs to revamp its plane has been an open secret for decades. The MiGs - India's principal strike force for decades has gone well past its expiry date, although the IAF has done well to refit and upgrade it with the latest technology, however, it needs to be phased out else more crashes and more loss of precious lives is in store.

India has rightly bought the Rafale jets from for future engagements in the air but it still depends on a large fleet of Russian-made aircraft of the Soviet era.

The MiG-21 BISON, which the IAF claims is&nbsp;its "backbone", was famously brought down in POK during a dogfight in February with Wing Commander Abhinandan ejecting safely.

India's frontline fighters - Russian made Sukhoi-30s - have also crashed several times in the past few years. At least seven Sukhoi-30 fighter planes have crashed since 1997.

In 2014, US-made C-130 J Super Hercules transport plane had crashed in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh leading to the death of five IAF personnel. India had purchased at least six C-130s from the US at the cost of over $1 billion.

In February, the Russian-made&nbsp;Mi17 V5 helicopter had crashed in Budgam, near Srinagar. The crash had led to the death of six air warriors. An IAF Court of Inquiry is underway on whether it was a case of "friendly fire" after a missile was reportedly mistakenly fired on the Indian side. The report from the inquiry is awaited.

It is time for a rethink on old, worn out planes. India had decided to have a lean, mean IAF a couple of years ago. The time has come to take action. All those MiG squadrons which have crashed so many time over the past few years must be grounded and a new fleet, however, slow or painstaking it might be should be put forth.

And maybe the country should be allowed to understand why so many crashes have been taking place in the first place, even of new planes.

The nation cannot afford to lose any more "air warriors" to the flying coffins in the IAF. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force lost thirteen "air warriors" in a crash in Arunachal Pradesh. The search operations which lasted several days due to bad weather ended on Tuesday as the wreckage of the ill-fated flight was discovered.

The Indian Air Force lost thirteen "air warriors" in a crash in Arunachal Pradesh. The search operations which lasted several days due to bad weather ended on Tuesday as the wreckage of the ill-fated flight was discovered. On Thursday, all passengers on board including the pilot were declared dead. Wing Commander GM Charles, Squadron leader H Vinod, Flight lieutenant R Thapa, Flight lieutenant A Tanwar, Flight lieutenant S Mohanty & Flight lieutenant MK Garg, Warrant Officer KK Mishra, Sergeant Anoop Kumar, Corporal Sherin, Lead Aircraft Man SK Singh, Lead Aircraft Man Pankaj, Non-combatant employee Putali & non-combatant Employee Rajesh Kumar. These may be just names for some but for the IAF they are men who it lost quite needlessly. The IAF has lost nearly 10 aircrafts this year which includes the AN-32 transport plane, Surya Kiran, Mirage 200 fighter, MiG-27 fighter aircraft and a Mi-17 helicopter. The oft-repeated term "flying coffin" is used whenever an IAF plane goes down. That IAF needs to revamp its plane has been an open secret for decades. The MiGs - India's principal strike force for decades has gone well past its expiry date, although the IAF has done well to refit and upgrade it with the latest technology, however, it needs to be phased out else more crashes and more loss of precious lives is in store. India has rightly bought the Rafale jets from for future engagements in the air but it still depends on a large fleet of Russian-made aircraft of the Soviet era. The MiG-21 BISON, which the IAF claims is its "backbone", was famously brought down in POK during a dogfight in February with Wing Commander Abhinandan ejecting safely. India's frontline fighters - Russian made Sukhoi-30s - have also crashed several times in the past few years. At least seven Sukhoi-30 fighter planes have crashed since 1997. In 2014, US-made C-130 J Super Hercules transport plane had crashed in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh leading to the death of five IAF personnel. India had purchased at least six C-130s from the US at the cost of over $1 billion. In February, the Russian-made Mi17 V5 helicopter had crashed in Budgam, near Srinagar. The crash had led to the death of six air warriors. An IAF Court of Inquiry is underway on whether it was a case of "friendly fire" after a missile was reportedly mistakenly fired on the Indian side. The report from the inquiry is awaited. It is time for a rethink on old, worn out planes. India had decided to have a lean, mean IAF a couple of years ago. The time has come to take action. All those MiG squadrons which have crashed so many time over the past few years must be grounded and a new fleet, however, slow or painstaking it might be should be put forth. And maybe the country should be allowed to understand why so many crashes have been taking place in the first place, even of new planes. The nation cannot afford to lose any more "air warriors" to the flying coffins in the IAF. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India can't afford to lose any more 'air warriors' to the flying coffins in the IAF

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister</a> 
 
Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-uk-foreign-secretary-signs-wikileaks-founders-us-extradition-papers-226823">Julian Assange: UK Foreign Secretary Javid signs WikiLeaks founder's US extradition papers&nbsp;</a> 
 
UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, on Friday said that he had signed a request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US where he faces charges of computer hacking.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-russia-relations-are-getting-worse-and-worse-226830">Putin says US-Russia relations are getting 'worse and worse'</a>

President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-rescue-team-recovers-bodies-of-all-personnel-aboard-an-32-aircraft-226844">Indian Air Force's rescue team recovers bodies of all personnel aboard AN-32 aircraft</a> 
 
Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. The black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May. Julian Assange: UK Foreign Secretary Javid signs WikiLeaks founder's US extradition papers UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, on Friday said that he had signed a request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US where he faces charges of computer hacking. Putin says US-Russia relations are getting 'worse and worse' President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia. Indian Air Force's rescue team recovers bodies of all personnel aboard AN-32 aircraft Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. The black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rescue-team-reaches-an-32-crash-site-in-arunachal-pradesh-no-survivors-found-226779">IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft</a>.&nbsp;

As per reports, the black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

The search team, which reached the AN-32 crash site on Thursday morning, did not find any survivors.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
All 13 bodies and black box of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AN</a>-32 transport aircraft recovered. Choppers would be used to ferry the bodies from the crash site in Arunachal Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/CN4d5ekl5t">pic.twitter.com/CN4d5ekl5t</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1139119408679231488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain had halted the progress of the rescue team on Wednesday, forcing them to camp overnight.

However, a team comprising of IAF mountaineering team, including four from the Indian Army and two civilians, reached the site earlier today only to find no survivors.&nbsp;

The families of the 13 personnel have been informed that there were no survivors, the IAF said.

Watch: Wreckage of missing Air Force An-32 plane found in Arunachal Pradesh

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-wreckage-of-missing-air-force-an-32-plane-found-in-ap-226511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The wreckage of the plane was found around 16 kilometres north of the Lipo area in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday at a height of twelve thousand feet.

The AN-32 aircraft with 13 personnel on board&nbsp;had taken off from the Jorhat air base in Assam around 12:25 pm on June 3. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka - an advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh closer to the Chinese border.&nbsp;

The transport aircraft lost contact with the radar and ground staff and did not reach the Mechuka air base at its scheduled landing time at 1 pm the same day. &nbsp;The wreckage of the aircraft was located following an eight-day search operation.&nbsp;

Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. As per reports, the black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered.

Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. As per reports, the black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported. The search team, which reached the AN-32 crash site on Thursday morning, did not find any survivors. All 13 bodies and black box of the #AN-32 transport aircraft recovered. Choppers would be used to ferry the bodies from the crash site in Arunachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/CN4d5ekl5t — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2019 × Adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain had halted the progress of the rescue team on Wednesday, forcing them to camp overnight. However, a team comprising of IAF mountaineering team, including four from the Indian Army and two civilians, reached the site earlier today only to find no survivors. The families of the 13 personnel have been informed that there were no survivors, the IAF said. Watch: Wreckage of missing Air Force An-32 plane found in Arunachal Pradesh The wreckage of the plane was found around 16 kilometres north of the Lipo area in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday at a height of twelve thousand feet. The AN-32 aircraft with 13 personnel on board had taken off from the Jorhat air base in Assam around 12:25 pm on June 3. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka - an advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh closer to the Chinese border. The transport aircraft lost contact with the radar and ground staff and did not reach the Mechuka air base at its scheduled landing time at 1 pm the same day. The wreckage of the aircraft was located following an eight-day search operation.

Indian Air Force's rescue team recovers bodies of all personnel aboard AN-32 aircraft

Eight days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/debris-of-aircraft-believed-to-be-that-of-iaf-an-32-lopcated-report-226246">AN-32 aircraft wreckage</a> was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force(IAF) has&nbsp;sent&nbsp;its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters&nbsp;to look for evidence of those missing.

The AN-32 transport&nbsp;aircraft was spotted 16 kms North of Lipo, north east of Tato from an IAF Mi-17 helicopter on Tuesday. There were 13 IAF personnel on board when the plane crashed.

"Efforts are now continuing to establish the status of occupants and establish survivors," the IAF said.

The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China on June 3 when it lost contact with ground staff at 1pm, within 33 minutes of taking off.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wreckage-of-an-32-aircraft-located-after-8-days-of-search-226254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After bad weather hampered operations, the IAF had pressed Sukhoi-30 aircraft in addition to a fleet of C-130J, Mi-17 and ALH helicopters along with ground forces including&nbsp;troops from the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and state police.

The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft was also deployed earlier this week as it has electro-optical and infra-red sensors which are&nbsp;helpful in search operations.

ISRO's Cartosat and RISAT satellites were also used to take images of the area around Menchuka.

"After identification of the wreckage of AN-32 by Mi-17V5, the Cheetah of reached the crash site. Due to high elevation and dense forest, helicopters could not land next to the crash site," the IAF had said on Tuesday.

(Inputs: PTI)

Eight days after the AN-32 aircraft wreckage was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force(IAF) has sent its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters to look for evidence of those missing.

Eight days after the AN-32 aircraft wreckage was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force(IAF) has sent its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters to look for evidence of those missing. The AN-32 transport aircraft was spotted 16 kms North of Lipo, north east of Tato from an IAF Mi-17 helicopter on Tuesday. There were 13 IAF personnel on board when the plane crashed. "Efforts are now continuing to establish the status of occupants and establish survivors," the IAF said. The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China on June 3 when it lost contact with ground staff at 1pm, within 33 minutes of taking off. After bad weather hampered operations, the IAF had pressed Sukhoi-30 aircraft in addition to a fleet of C-130J, Mi-17 and ALH helicopters along with ground forces including troops from the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and state police. The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft was also deployed earlier this week as it has electro-optical and infra-red sensors which are helpful in search operations. ISRO's Cartosat and RISAT satellites were also used to take images of the area around Menchuka. "After identification of the wreckage of AN-32 by Mi-17V5, the Cheetah of reached the crash site. Due to high elevation and dense forest, helicopters could not land next to the crash site," the IAF had said on Tuesday. (Inputs: PTI)

Garud commandos, IAF planes resume operation to retrieve AN-32 aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh

The wreckage of an An-32 aircraft that went missing with 13 onboard last week has been found in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday. The aircraft went missing on June 3.

India Watch: Wreckage Of Missing Air Force An-32 Plane Found In AP

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for anyone providing credible information about the location of its missing transport aircraft AN 32.

After no breakthrough, IAF announces Rs 5 lakh reward for info about missing aircraft AN 32

As even after seven days there is no clue about the whereabouts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-announces-rs-5-lakh-reward-for-information-on-missing-an-32-aircraft-225570">AN32 aircraft</a>, Union Minister General (Retd) VK Singh on Sunday assured that the government and defence forces are "working tirelessly" to locate it.

The aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat.

It was headed for Mechuka advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with the ground authorities at 1300 hours.

"As a soldier, I empathize with the families of these 13 brave men. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you Our government &amp; defence forces are working tirelessly in harsh weather conditions, in particularly challenging geography to find the AN 32 aircraft, " the Former Chief of Army Staff tweeted.

No sighting has been done yet. Search missions by other sensors will be carried during the night.

Watch: IAF announces Rs 5 lakh reward for info about missing aircraft AN 32

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-no-breakthrough-iaf-announces-rs-5-lakh-reward-for-info-about-missing-aircraft-an-32-225579/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Massive efforts are on to locate AN-32 transport aircraft with the Air Force deploying Navy's P-8I aircraft and Global 5000 surveillance aircraft along with NTRO satellites on the fifth day since it went missing over Arunachal Pradesh.

Apart from these, Su-30MKI combat aircraft, C-130J special operations aircraft, several choppers, UAVs and even ground troops are carrying out search missions to locate the plane.

The aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat.

It was headed for Mechuka advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with the ground authorities at 1300 hours.

In a statement on Friday, IAF said that it is in regular touch with the families of the missing air-warriors and all assistance is being provided to them.

"IAF is not sparing any efforts in locating the missing air-warriors. We stand in support of the families in these difficult times," said the Air Force in the statement.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As even after seven days there is no clue about the whereabouts of AN32 aircraft, Union Minister General (Retd) VK Singh on Sunday assured that the government and defence forces are "working tirelessly" to locate it.

As even after seven days there is no clue about the whereabouts of AN32 aircraft, Union Minister General (Retd) VK Singh on Sunday assured that the government and defence forces are "working tirelessly" to locate it. The aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat. It was headed for Mechuka advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with the ground authorities at 1300 hours. "As a soldier, I empathize with the families of these 13 brave men. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you Our government & defence forces are working tirelessly in harsh weather conditions, in particularly challenging geography to find the AN 32 aircraft, " the Former Chief of Army Staff tweeted. No sighting has been done yet. Search missions by other sensors will be carried during the night. Watch: IAF announces Rs 5 lakh reward for info about missing aircraft AN 32 Massive efforts are on to locate AN-32 transport aircraft with the Air Force deploying Navy's P-8I aircraft and Global 5000 surveillance aircraft along with NTRO satellites on the fifth day since it went missing over Arunachal Pradesh. Apart from these, Su-30MKI combat aircraft, C-130J special operations aircraft, several choppers, UAVs and even ground troops are carrying out search missions to locate the plane. The aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat. It was headed for Mechuka advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with the ground authorities at 1300 hours. In a statement on Friday, IAF said that it is in regular touch with the families of the missing air-warriors and all assistance is being provided to them. "IAF is not sparing any efforts in locating the missing air-warriors. We stand in support of the families in these difficult times," said the Air Force in the statement.

Government, defence forces working tirelessly to locate missing AN-32 aircraft: VK Singh

The Indian Air Force on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone providing information about location of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing six days ago around remote Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal R D Mathur made the announcement of the cash reward as the aircraft could not be located after six days of massive search operation.

"While the search for the missing aircraft is on, Air Marshal RD Mathur, AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, has announced a cash award of Rs 5 Lakh for person(s) or group who provide credible information leading to finding of the aircraft," a Shillong-based spokesperson of the IAF said.

Phone numbers for sharing information relating to the aircraft are -- 9436499477 / 9402077267 / 9402132477, he said.

The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft with 13 people on board lost contact on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China.

IAF had launched a massive search operation hours after the aircraft went missing.

The Indian Air Force on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone providing information about location of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing six days ago around remote Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Indian Air Force on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone providing information about location of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing six days ago around remote Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal R D Mathur made the announcement of the cash reward as the aircraft could not be located after six days of massive search operation. "While the search for the missing aircraft is on, Air Marshal RD Mathur, AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, has announced a cash award of Rs 5 Lakh for person(s) or group who provide credible information leading to finding of the aircraft," a Shillong-based spokesperson of the IAF said. Phone numbers for sharing information relating to the aircraft are -- 9436499477 / 9402077267 / 9402132477, he said. The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft with 13 people on board lost contact on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China. IAF had launched a massive search operation hours after the aircraft went missing.

IAF announces Rs 5 lakh reward for information on missing An-32 aircraft 

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail, a retired Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer and former director air operations at PAF Headquarters is not unknown in Indian military circles.&nbsp;

In 2009, without mincing his words, he wrote a brilliant essay on the treachery of the Pakistan Army in letting down its nation and the PAF by attempting to go alone into Kargil in an ill-conceived operation in 1999. The essay was well received in the Indian strategic community for various reasons. Very recently Tufail has employed communication skills mixed with his vast knowledge of aviation technology and air operations, to write a seminal piece for his popular blog.

This time he has taken on the Indian Air Force (IAF) and its operations post-Pulwama. These operations involved the air strike against terrorist facilities at Balakot and subsequent actions against the PAF in J&amp;K leading to the downing of an IAF Mig 21 Bison which culminated with the capture of Abhinandan and the alleged shooting down of an IAF Mi-17 helicopter in alleged friendly fire. &nbsp;It is well known that the PAF’s reputation has been in the dock ever since the US launched a helicopter based operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden in 2011. The Balakot operation made that reputation no better with the IAF’s extraordinary operation to avenge Pulwama; the PAF was outwitted and left to do no better than defend its reputation through the skilful use of information operations in which disinformation has played a major role. Kaiser Tufail’s essay appears an attempt to atone for what many in the Pakistan Armed Forces would have considered sacrilege when he wrote the piece on Kargil.&nbsp;

Being appreciative of the adversary’s ways and critical of one’s own win is never popular. What is, however, important for us to realise is cogent, focused and a continuous onslaught of information which Pakistan has put out to the world to make the international community believe in the narrative that it wishes to be known. He who wants to convince communities of the righteousness of his narrative will always make strident efforts to bring information to the fore; it is immaterial what type of information. In information operations which are nothing new, truth is immaterial; it is the narrative control which must remain in your hands.&nbsp;

Modern day information operations are facilitated hugely by emerging information technology. The instant availability of information for the asking, woven into events, writings, videos, chat groups and blogs goes around the world in milliseconds and we have yet witnessed only the tip of the iceberg. Pakistan has ardently followed and employed ‘information warfare’ having realised very early the power of information in influencing the adversary or even its own population. It will never be known why it decided to raise the information arm of the Pakistan Air Forces, within two years of independence. This has been mentioned ad nauseam in writings and discussions; that in India everyone knows the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) wing of Pakistan but hardly anyone knows the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing, raised in 1949. The latter is far more devious and for many years has run campaigns on behalf of Pakistan on narratives that the government wants to be believed. The most significant and strategic of these narratives is the one on J&amp;K which the ISPR repeatedly plays out at important cities, universities and institutions of the world.&nbsp;

As part of India’s strategic culture, the power of information as a game changer and force multiplier has hardly been realised. Information operations are also an essential part of hybrid warfare to form narratives and generally to influence political opinion-making among the target populations. We have been hesitant in its use in the insurgencies of the last half-century or more. While surprise and deception continue to rule strategic planning involving military or quasi-military operations the information domain remains relatively ignored. We all agree that our opinion and narrative is the right one, yet we are rarely able to convince the world that this is so. One sometimes tends to think that the Indian character and approach to life has an ethical element attached to it. We are straight-faced and insufficiently ingenious in using available instruments and have never attempted playing the information game to strategic advantage. We believe that there is no reason for anyone to disbelieve our version of things given our credibility as a successful democracy with a value-based leadership. However, that may not be the way that the world looks at things and that is why India needs to get realistic about the use of information as a system for the future. There can be no denying that veteran aviators of repute did step in to write their post-Balakot analyses but the voice was insufficiently heard internationally due to lack of institutional backing. Nations whose weapons and technology were employed for strategic effect should have been asked to partner in building a credible information campaign.

This is not the end of a narrative spin and narrative control for India. During Doklam 2017 the Indian government played the information game with greater credit than China. Post the event there was much analysis of the operational standoff but the information domain remained relatively neglected in terms of analyses for lessons learnt. For a nation whose advertising industry is one which arrived early and has accomplished much, there is no reason why the need for information strategy cannot be included in the system which addresses security issues. It’s not for nothing that I have been strongly recommending the constitution of a body to institutionalise the use of information for strategic gain.&nbsp;

It’s not just the current which should concern us, it’s also how things will be viewed by history. If we wish to leave behind legacies of achievements the information should be able to justify the narratives we wish to be remembered. It’s about time India thought more strategically about information as a system to win standoffs in the entire spectrum of military operations; that includes hybrid wars where the people matter more than anything else.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-information-name-of-the-game-2758327">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail, a retired Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer and former director air operations at PAF Headquarters is not unknown in Indian military circles.

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail, a retired Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer and former director air operations at PAF Headquarters is not unknown in Indian military circles. In 2009, without mincing his words, he wrote a brilliant essay on the treachery of the Pakistan Army in letting down its nation and the PAF by attempting to go alone into Kargil in an ill-conceived operation in 1999. The essay was well received in the Indian strategic community for various reasons. Very recently Tufail has employed communication skills mixed with his vast knowledge of aviation technology and air operations, to write a seminal piece for his popular blog. This time he has taken on the Indian Air Force (IAF) and its operations post-Pulwama. These operations involved the air strike against terrorist facilities at Balakot and subsequent actions against the PAF in J&K leading to the downing of an IAF Mig 21 Bison which culminated with the capture of Abhinandan and the alleged shooting down of an IAF Mi-17 helicopter in alleged friendly fire. It is well known that the PAF’s reputation has been in the dock ever since the US launched a helicopter based operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden in 2011. The Balakot operation made that reputation no better with the IAF’s extraordinary operation to avenge Pulwama; the PAF was outwitted and left to do no better than defend its reputation through the skilful use of information operations in which disinformation has played a major role. Kaiser Tufail’s essay appears an attempt to atone for what many in the Pakistan Armed Forces would have considered sacrilege when he wrote the piece on Kargil. Being appreciative of the adversary’s ways and critical of one’s own win is never popular. What is, however, important for us to realise is cogent, focused and a continuous onslaught of information which Pakistan has put out to the world to make the international community believe in the narrative that it wishes to be known. He who wants to convince communities of the righteousness of his narrative will always make strident efforts to bring information to the fore; it is immaterial what type of information. In information operations which are nothing new, truth is immaterial; it is the narrative control which must remain in your hands. Modern day information operations are facilitated hugely by emerging information technology. The instant availability of information for the asking, woven into events, writings, videos, chat groups and blogs goes around the world in milliseconds and we have yet witnessed only the tip of the iceberg. Pakistan has ardently followed and employed ‘information warfare’ having realised very early the power of information in influencing the adversary or even its own population. It will never be known why it decided to raise the information arm of the Pakistan Air Forces, within two years of independence. This has been mentioned ad nauseam in writings and discussions; that in India everyone knows the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) wing of Pakistan but hardly anyone knows the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing, raised in 1949. The latter is far more devious and for many years has run campaigns on behalf of Pakistan on narratives that the government wants to be believed. The most significant and strategic of these narratives is the one on J&K which the ISPR repeatedly plays out at important cities, universities and institutions of the world. As part of India’s strategic culture, the power of information as a game changer and force multiplier has hardly been realised. Information operations are also an essential part of hybrid warfare to form narratives and generally to influence political opinion-making among the target populations. We have been hesitant in its use in the insurgencies of the last half-century or more. While surprise and deception continue to rule strategic planning involving military or quasi-military operations the information domain remains relatively ignored. We all agree that our opinion and narrative is the right one, yet we are rarely able to convince the world that this is so. One sometimes tends to think that the Indian character and approach to life has an ethical element attached to it. We are straight-faced and insufficiently ingenious in using available instruments and have never attempted playing the information game to strategic advantage. We believe that there is no reason for anyone to disbelieve our version of things given our credibility as a successful democracy with a value-based leadership. However, that may not be the way that the world looks at things and that is why India needs to get realistic about the use of information as a system for the future. There can be no denying that veteran aviators of repute did step in to write their post-Balakot analyses but the voice was insufficiently heard internationally due to lack of institutional backing. Nations whose weapons and technology were employed for strategic effect should have been asked to partner in building a credible information campaign. This is not the end of a narrative spin and narrative control for India. During Doklam 2017 the Indian government played the information game with greater credit than China. Post the event there was much analysis of the operational standoff but the information domain remained relatively neglected in terms of analyses for lessons learnt. For a nation whose advertising industry is one which arrived early and has accomplished much, there is no reason why the need for information strategy cannot be included in the system which addresses security issues. It’s not for nothing that I have been strongly recommending the constitution of a body to institutionalise the use of information for strategic gain. It’s not just the current which should concern us, it’s also how things will be viewed by history. If we wish to leave behind legacies of achievements the information should be able to justify the narratives we wish to be remembered. It’s about time India thought more strategically about information as a system to win standoffs in the entire spectrum of military operations; that includes hybrid wars where the people matter more than anything else. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India needs to think more strategically about information as a system to win standoffs

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

The search and rescue operations by helicopters to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-intensifies-efforts-to-find-missing-an-32-aircraft-operation-to-continue-through-the-night-224651">locate the missing An-32 transport aircraft</a> of the Indian Air Force was called off on Wednesday due to bad weather conditions. The operations by the choppers will resume tomorrow morning.

However, two Sukhoi-30MKI and C-130J special operations aircraft will be carrying out night missions to locate the missing plane.

Earlier in the day, the IAF said that efforts to find the AN-32 have been intensified despite challenges posed by vegetation, inhospitable terrain and poor weather.

"All leads from airborne sensors are being closely assessed and followed-up with search by aircraft and ground teams," the IAF tweeted.

"Search by IAF and Indian Army helicopters was adversely affected by weather during the day today. However, supported by #IndianArmy, #IndianNavy, Police and State Administration the search efforts by ground teams and airborne sensors will continue through the night," Air Force said.

The An-32 aircraft with 13 IAF personnel on board went missing on Monday afternoon over Arunachal Pradesh.

The plane got airborne from Assam's Jorhat and was headed for Mechuka Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh.

The last contact between the plane and ground authorities took place at 1300 hours.

A massive search and rescue operation consisting of Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and several choppers was launched to locate the plane. ISRO satellites and Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft too have been pressed into service.&nbsp;

The search and rescue operations by helicopters to locate the missing An-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force was called off on Wednesday due to bad weather conditions.

The search and rescue operations by helicopters to locate the missing An-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force was called off on Wednesday due to bad weather conditions. The operations by the choppers will resume tomorrow morning. However, two Sukhoi-30MKI and C-130J special operations aircraft will be carrying out night missions to locate the missing plane. Earlier in the day, the IAF said that efforts to find the AN-32 have been intensified despite challenges posed by vegetation, inhospitable terrain and poor weather. "All leads from airborne sensors are being closely assessed and followed-up with search by aircraft and ground teams," the IAF tweeted. "Search by IAF and Indian Army helicopters was adversely affected by weather during the day today. However, supported by #IndianArmy, #IndianNavy, Police and State Administration the search efforts by ground teams and airborne sensors will continue through the night," Air Force said. The An-32 aircraft with 13 IAF personnel on board went missing on Monday afternoon over Arunachal Pradesh. The plane got airborne from Assam's Jorhat and was headed for Mechuka Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh. The last contact between the plane and ground authorities took place at 1300 hours. A massive search and rescue operation consisting of Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and several choppers was launched to locate the plane. ISRO satellites and Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft too have been pressed into service.

Missing An-32 aircraft: Search operations by choppers called off due to bad weather, Su-30s to continue night missions

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified efforts to locate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/search-operation-is-difficult-because-of-difficult-terrain-using-all-our-means-indian-air-force-on-missing-an-32-aircraft-224334">missing AN-32 transport aircraft</a>, which went missing on Monday in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Despite challenges posed by vegetation, inhospitable terrain and poor weather, the search has been expanded. All leads from airborne sensors are being closely assessed and followed-up with search by aircraft and ground teams," the Air Force said on Twitter.

The IAF said that search by helicopters was adversely affected by the weather on Wednesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/search-operations-for-missing-an-32-aircraft-enter-third-day-224451">third day of the search operation</a>. But the operation will continue through the night with support from the Indian Army, Navy, police and state administration, the IAF said.

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Search by IAF and Indian Army helicopters was adversely affected by weather during the day today. However, supported by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a>, Police and State Administration the search efforts by ground teams and airborne sensors will continue through the night. 2/2
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1136262878762340352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A team of 13 Air Force personnel along with satellites of the ISRO and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into action over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to locate the missing aircraft. Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and other assets are also helping in the search operation in cloudy weather conditions.

Arunachal Pradesh’s civil administration set up three ground search parties – first team for Bayor Adi mountain range, second team for the Pari Adi mountain range and the third team for the Sibir Gong mountain range.&nbsp;

“Since the area is completely cut off and is a far-flung area falling near the Indo-China border, we are taking help of the locals who are well versed with the terrain. The place where the aircraft was last spotted does not have any inhabitants, there is no mobile network and there is no motorable road making the operations for the ground search parties extremely difficult,” said a senior officer of Arunachal Pradesh government.&nbsp;

Officials said the wreckage of the AN-32 transport aircraft has not been sighted so far.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is being apprised of the situation by the Air Force on a regular basis.

The Antonov AN-32 with 13 personnel including seven officers and six air warriors on board went missing in Arunachal Pradesh.

The aircraft took off from Jorhat at 12:25pm on Monday 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 1pm.

Watch: Why the search operation is taking this long

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/missing-an-32-why-the-search-operation-is-taking-this-long-224520/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Soviet-era aircraft was inducted in the Air Force in the 1980s and has been undergoing upgrades.

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified efforts to locate the missing AN-32 transport aircraft, which went missing on Monday in Arunachal Pradesh. "Despite challenges posed by vegetation, inhospitable terrain and poor weather, the search has been expanded.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified efforts to locate the missing AN-32 transport aircraft, which went missing on Monday in Arunachal Pradesh. "Despite challenges posed by vegetation, inhospitable terrain and poor weather, the search has been expanded. All leads from airborne sensors are being closely assessed and followed-up with search by aircraft and ground teams," the Air Force said on Twitter. The IAF said that search by helicopters was adversely affected by the weather on Wednesday, the third day of the search operation. But the operation will continue through the night with support from the Indian Army, Navy, police and state administration, the IAF said. Search by IAF and Indian Army helicopters was adversely affected by weather during the day today. However, supported by #IndianArmy, #IndianNavy, Police and State Administration the search efforts by ground teams and airborne sensors will continue through the night. 2/2 — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 5, 2019 × A team of 13 Air Force personnel along with satellites of the ISRO and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into action over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to locate the missing aircraft. Su-30MKI, C-130J Super Hercules and other assets are also helping in the search operation in cloudy weather conditions. Arunachal Pradesh’s civil administration set up three ground search parties – first team for Bayor Adi mountain range, second team for the Pari Adi mountain range and the third team for the Sibir Gong mountain range. “Since the area is completely cut off and is a far-flung area falling near the Indo-China border, we are taking help of the locals who are well versed with the terrain. The place where the aircraft was last spotted does not have any inhabitants, there is no mobile network and there is no motorable road making the operations for the ground search parties extremely difficult,” said a senior officer of Arunachal Pradesh government. Officials said the wreckage of the AN-32 transport aircraft has not been sighted so far. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is being apprised of the situation by the Air Force on a regular basis. The Antonov AN-32 with 13 personnel including seven officers and six air warriors on board went missing in Arunachal Pradesh. The aircraft took off from Jorhat at 12:25pm on Monday 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 1pm. Watch: Why the search operation is taking this long The Soviet-era aircraft was inducted in the Air Force in the 1980s and has been undergoing upgrades. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Air Force intensifies efforts to find missing AN-32 aircraft, operation to continue through the night

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.

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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>
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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.

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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>
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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

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