Equity benchmark indices fell on Tuesday as rising tension between India and Pakistan amid weak global cues shook investor confidence.

The Indian Air Force carried out multiple aerial strikes at major terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, 12 days after the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama. Experts said the move may geopolitical ramifications.

At 11:15 am, the BSE S&amp;P <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-cracks-over-350-pts-nifty-below-10800-199761">Sensex was down</a> nearly 285 points at 35,929 in opening deals and the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 81 points at 10,800 level.

All sectoral indices were in the red. Among the top losers were Hero MotoCorp, Yes Bank, Tata Steel, Vedanta, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, and ICICI Bank.

Meanwhile, Asian markets also showed bearish trends as investors waited to see if the United States and China can clinch a trade deal on tariffs.

Equity benchmark indices fell on Tuesday as rising tension between India and Pakistan amid weak global cues shook investor confidence. The Indian Air Force carried out multiple aerial strikes at major terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, 12 days after the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama.

Equity benchmark indices fell on Tuesday as rising tension between India and Pakistan amid weak global cues shook investor confidence. The Indian Air Force carried out multiple aerial strikes at major terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, 12 days after the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama. Experts said the move may geopolitical ramifications. At 11:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down nearly 285 points at 35,929 in opening deals and the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 81 points at 10,800 level. All sectoral indices were in the red. Among the top losers were Hero MotoCorp, Yes Bank, Tata Steel, Vedanta, Mahindra & Mahindra, and ICICI Bank. Meanwhile, Asian markets also showed bearish trends as investors waited to see if the United States and China can clinch a trade deal on tariffs.

Sensex falls 285 points as IAF strikes terror camps in Pakistan

Fighter jets' sound kept us awake the whole night: Locals on IAF's strike on terror launch pads

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">with an air strike</a>. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s.

The Mirage is a multi-role fighter jet which played a pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan and turned the tide in India's favour.

The Mirage is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under licence from Dassault Aviation of France, the original manufacturer of these aircraft. According to Dassault, the Mirage's first flight was in 1978 and was introduced in service by the French air force in 1984. More than 500 different varints of Mirage are operational across the world; the aircraft is known for its ability to always evolve.

The aircraft can reach up to a height of 60,000 feet and is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 2.2, according to Dassault Aviation.

Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing.

The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30 mm guns.

The Mirage fighter jets used the laser-guided bombs at targets on top of the Tiger Hill at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet during the Kargil War. The destruction of Pakistani post atop the Tiger Hill gave India the strategic advantage as it overlooked the Drass town and National Highway 1A the lifeline between Srinagar and Leh.

The similar <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-inside-pakistan-what-we-know-so-far-199767">laser-guided bombs</a> were used in destroying the terror launch pads during the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-f16s-were-scrambled-to-retaliate-but-turned-back-sources-199782">pre-dawn strike</a> on Tuesday.

India had signed a $2.4 billion deal with France in 2011 to upgrade 51 Mirage 2000 fighters, which were purchased in the mid-1980s, with new electronic warfare systems and radar. The upgraded Mirage jets were delivered to India in April, 2018.

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control with an air strike. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s.

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control with an air strike. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s. The Mirage is a multi-role fighter jet which played a pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan and turned the tide in India's favour. The Mirage is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under licence from Dassault Aviation of France, the original manufacturer of these aircraft. According to Dassault, the Mirage's first flight was in 1978 and was introduced in service by the French air force in 1984. More than 500 different varints of Mirage are operational across the world; the aircraft is known for its ability to always evolve. The aircraft can reach up to a height of 60,000 feet and is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 2.2, according to Dassault Aviation. Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing. The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30 mm guns. The Mirage fighter jets used the laser-guided bombs at targets on top of the Tiger Hill at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet during the Kargil War. The destruction of Pakistani post atop the Tiger Hill gave India the strategic advantage as it overlooked the Drass town and National Highway 1A the lifeline between Srinagar and Leh. The similar laser-guided bombs were used in destroying the terror launch pads during the pre-dawn strike on Tuesday. India had signed a $2.4 billion deal with France in 2011 to upgrade 51 Mirage 2000 fighters, which were purchased in the mid-1980s, with new electronic warfare systems and radar. The upgraded Mirage jets were delivered to India in April, 2018.

All you need to know about Mirage-2000 fighter jets which destroyed terror camps across LoC

The Indian Air Force Saturday carried out a mega exercise here involving around 140 fighter jets and attack helicopters, in a firepower demonstration close to the border with Pakistan that came two days after the Pulwama attack.

As India's military establishment mulls options to avenge the strike by Pakistan-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/jem-chief-masood-azhar-his-plan-origin-and-motive-to-target-india-197567">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> terror group, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said the IAF was prepared to deliver "appropriate response" as assigned by India's political leadership.

Speaking at the inauguration of the day and night Vayu Shakti exercise, he, however, did not either mention Pakistan or the Pulwama attack.

"I wish to assure the nation of the IAF's capability and commitment in meeting national security challenges and defending the sovereignty of our country," he said.

Top IAF sources said though the Vayu Shakti was planned in advance, the drill was a demonstration of the force's capability to hit targets with "pinpoint accuracy" and carry out missions at short notice.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given full freedom to retaliate against the attack. India has also said it will ensure "complete isolation" of Pakistan internationally for its support to terror groups.

"While wars are fought few and far between, we have an ever-present sub-conventional threat as the enemy knows it cannot defeat us in a conventional conflict," the IAF chief said, in a clear reference to Pakistan.

"So, today we showcase our ability to punish, our ability to insert and extricate troops from hostile territories," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said.

In the Vayu Shakti exercise, the IAF showcased firepower capability of indigenously-developed platforms like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and efficacy of Akash surface-to-air missile and Astra air-to-air missile.

"We are showcasing our ability to hit hard, hit fast and hit with precision, hit during the day, hit during the night and hit under adverse weather conditions," the IAF Chief said.

Fighter jets and helicopters hit targets during day and night. It was for the first time, the ALH and the Akash were deployed in a military exercise.

The IAF also deployed the upgraded MiG-29 fighter jet in an air-to-ground role during the exercise. A total of 137 aircraft including Su-30s, Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, Mig-21 Bison, Mig-27, Mig-29, IL78, Hercules, AN-32 aircraft participated.&nbsp;

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, defence attaches of several countries and top officials of defence ministry also witnessed the exercise. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who is an honorary group captain of the IAF, was also present.

The Indian Air Force Saturday carried out a mega exercise here involving around 140 fighter jets and attack helicopters, in a firepower demonstration close to the border with Pakistan that came two days after the Pulwama attack.

The Indian Air Force Saturday carried out a mega exercise here involving around 140 fighter jets and attack helicopters, in a firepower demonstration close to the border with Pakistan that came two days after the Pulwama attack. As India's military establishment mulls options to avenge the strike by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said the IAF was prepared to deliver "appropriate response" as assigned by India's political leadership. Speaking at the inauguration of the day and night Vayu Shakti exercise, he, however, did not either mention Pakistan or the Pulwama attack. "I wish to assure the nation of the IAF's capability and commitment in meeting national security challenges and defending the sovereignty of our country," he said. Top IAF sources said though the Vayu Shakti was planned in advance, the drill was a demonstration of the force's capability to hit targets with "pinpoint accuracy" and carry out missions at short notice. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given full freedom to retaliate against the attack. India has also said it will ensure "complete isolation" of Pakistan internationally for its support to terror groups. "While wars are fought few and far between, we have an ever-present sub-conventional threat as the enemy knows it cannot defeat us in a conventional conflict," the IAF chief said, in a clear reference to Pakistan. "So, today we showcase our ability to punish, our ability to insert and extricate troops from hostile territories," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said. In the Vayu Shakti exercise, the IAF showcased firepower capability of indigenously-developed platforms like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and efficacy of Akash surface-to-air missile and Astra air-to-air missile. "We are showcasing our ability to hit hard, hit fast and hit with precision, hit during the day, hit during the night and hit under adverse weather conditions," the IAF Chief said. Fighter jets and helicopters hit targets during day and night. It was for the first time, the ALH and the Akash were deployed in a military exercise. The IAF also deployed the upgraded MiG-29 fighter jet in an air-to-ground role during the exercise. A total of 137 aircraft including Su-30s, Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, Mig-21 Bison, Mig-27, Mig-29, IL78, Hercules, AN-32 aircraft participated. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, defence attaches of several countries and top officials of defence ministry also witnessed the exercise. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who is an honorary group captain of the IAF, was also present.

Indian Air Force demonstrates its might, carries out mega exercise in Pokhran

Breaking the glass ceiling, Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal has scripted history by becoming the first woman flight engineer to be inducted into the Indian Air Force. 
Till last year, the Flight Engineer branch was exclusively the men's domain.

On Friday, the Chandigarh-native covered herself with glory by successfully completing the six-month course at the 112 helicopter unit, Air Force Station, Yelahanka, a defence release said.

A Flight Engineer is the member of an aircraft's flight crew who monitors and operates its complex aircraft systems requiring a specialised skill set, according to the release.

She was commissioned on January 5, 2015, in the engineering branch of the IAF and had served as the chief of firing team and battery commander in a frontline surface to Air Missile squadron, before being selected for the Flight Engineers Course.

During the gruelling training, she trained shoulder to shoulder with her male counterparts, and displayed unflinching commitment, dedication and perseverance, the release said.

As a child, she had aspired to become a soldier and aviator.

The only daughter of D K Jaiswal and Anita, Hina described her achievement as a "dream come true."

"Finally, her dreams have manifested into reality after successfully graduating from the alma mater of Heli-lift," the release said.

"As a Flight Engineer, she would subsequently be posted to operational helicopter units of the IAF. Hina Jaiswal would be routinely called upon to operate in demanding and stressful conditions, right from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the seas of the Andamans," it said.

Over the past few decades, the Indian defence forces have taken several strides to become more gender inclusive.

The Indian Air Force, since 1993, has commissioned women in the officers' cadre and successfully inducted them as pilots also.

Breaking the glass ceiling, Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal has scripted history by becoming the first woman flight engineer to be inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Breaking the glass ceiling, Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal has scripted history by becoming the first woman flight engineer to be inducted into the Indian Air Force. Till last year, the Flight Engineer branch was exclusively the men's domain. On Friday, the Chandigarh-native covered herself with glory by successfully completing the six-month course at the 112 helicopter unit, Air Force Station, Yelahanka, a defence release said. A Flight Engineer is the member of an aircraft's flight crew who monitors and operates its complex aircraft systems requiring a specialised skill set, according to the release. She was commissioned on January 5, 2015, in the engineering branch of the IAF and had served as the chief of firing team and battery commander in a frontline surface to Air Missile squadron, before being selected for the Flight Engineers Course. During the gruelling training, she trained shoulder to shoulder with her male counterparts, and displayed unflinching commitment, dedication and perseverance, the release said. As a child, she had aspired to become a soldier and aviator. The only daughter of D K Jaiswal and Anita, Hina described her achievement as a "dream come true." "Finally, her dreams have manifested into reality after successfully graduating from the alma mater of Heli-lift," the release said. "As a Flight Engineer, she would subsequently be posted to operational helicopter units of the IAF. Hina Jaiswal would be routinely called upon to operate in demanding and stressful conditions, right from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the seas of the Andamans," it said. Over the past few decades, the Indian defence forces have taken several strides to become more gender inclusive. The Indian Air Force, since 1993, has commissioned women in the officers' cadre and successfully inducted them as pilots also.

Meet Hina Jaiswal, IAF's first woman flight engineer

An Indian Air Force Jaguar has crashed in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar, the news agency ANI has reported.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
An Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter plane crashes in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/6ZIlxssenS">pic.twitter.com/6ZIlxssenS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1089786212531998720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Video footage of the crash showed thick grey and black smoke billowing from the plane's wreckage.&nbsp;

ANI added that the Jaguar had taken off from Gorakhpur air force base, and that the pilot was able to eject safely.&nbsp;

A court of inquiry has been ordered into the crash.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Uttar Pradesh: Latest visuals from Kushinagar where an Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter plane crashed today, the pilot managed to eject safely. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident. <a href="https://t.co/MZxgwjWHrS">pic.twitter.com/MZxgwjWHrS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1089795622117478400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Jaguar is a British-French attack jet aircraft originally used by the British Royal Air Force and the French Air Force in the close air support and nuclear strike roles.&nbsp;

It was manufactured by France's Dassault Aviation and the UK's British Aircraft Corporation

It was retired by France in 2005 and the UK in 2007. It continues to be used by the Indian Air Force, albeit in significantly upgraded form.&nbsp;

In India, the Jaguar was manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.&nbsp;

An Indian Air Force Jaguar has crashed in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar, the news agency ANI has reported. An Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter plane crashes in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh.

An Indian Air Force Jaguar has crashed in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar, the news agency ANI has reported. An Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter plane crashes in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/6ZIlxssenS — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2019 × Video footage of the crash showed thick grey and black smoke billowing from the plane's wreckage. ANI added that the Jaguar had taken off from Gorakhpur air force base, and that the pilot was able to eject safely. A court of inquiry has been ordered into the crash. Uttar Pradesh: Latest visuals from Kushinagar where an Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter plane crashed today, the pilot managed to eject safely. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident. pic.twitter.com/MZxgwjWHrS — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2019 × The Jaguar is a British-French attack jet aircraft originally used by the British Royal Air Force and the French Air Force in the close air support and nuclear strike roles. It was manufactured by France's Dassault Aviation and the UK's British Aircraft Corporation It was retired by France in 2005 and the UK in 2007. It continues to be used by the Indian Air Force, albeit in significantly upgraded form. In India, the Jaguar was manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Indian Air Force Jaguar crashes in UP's Kushinagar, pilot safe

In a bid to enhance its unmanned warfare capability, the Indian Air Force is planning to acquire around 15 more HAROP attack drones which can crash into high-value enemy military targets to destroy them completely.

The Air Force already has an inventory of these drones which are equipped with electro-optical sensors to loiter over high-value military targets such as surveillance bases and radar stations before exploding them.

"A proposal to acquire these attack drones is expected to be discussed by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting in the coming week to strengthen the fleet of such drones in the Air Force," Defence sources told ANI.

Once approved, the Indian Air Force would be exercising the option clause in the previous deal signed a few years ago with Israel which is the main supplier of all types of drones to the Indian Air Force including the surveillance machines including the Searcher and the Heron.

India is also discussing the Project Cheetah with the Israelis under which almost all the drones of the three services would be turned into high-quality attack drones and their surveillance capabilities would also be enhanced.

The three forces have a fleet of more than 100 of these unmanned aerial vehicles which have been acquired over the years in different batches.

The forces are also working on developing indigenous combat drones which would be deployed on both the China and Pakistan border once the project is complete.

Americans have been using the combat drones to carry out targeted assassinations of terrorist leaders in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan but the relatively slow unmanned vehicles are not known to be very effective in warfare where the opposition also has a strong air force.

In a bid to enhance its unmanned warfare capability, the Indian Air Force is planning to acquire around 15 more HAROP attack drones which can crash into high-value enemy military targets to destroy them completely.

In a bid to enhance its unmanned warfare capability, the Indian Air Force is planning to acquire around 15 more HAROP attack drones which can crash into high-value enemy military targets to destroy them completely. The Air Force already has an inventory of these drones which are equipped with electro-optical sensors to loiter over high-value military targets such as surveillance bases and radar stations before exploding them. "A proposal to acquire these attack drones is expected to be discussed by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting in the coming week to strengthen the fleet of such drones in the Air Force," Defence sources told ANI. Once approved, the Indian Air Force would be exercising the option clause in the previous deal signed a few years ago with Israel which is the main supplier of all types of drones to the Indian Air Force including the surveillance machines including the Searcher and the Heron. India is also discussing the Project Cheetah with the Israelis under which almost all the drones of the three services would be turned into high-quality attack drones and their surveillance capabilities would also be enhanced. The three forces have a fleet of more than 100 of these unmanned aerial vehicles which have been acquired over the years in different batches. The forces are also working on developing indigenous combat drones which would be deployed on both the China and Pakistan border once the project is complete. Americans have been using the combat drones to carry out targeted assassinations of terrorist leaders in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan but the relatively slow unmanned vehicles are not known to be very effective in warfare where the opposition also has a strong air force.

Indian Air Force to acquire 15 HAROP killer drones from Israel

With a view to positioning its most modern fighter jets on both the fronts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy one each squadron of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hasimara in West Bengal.

"The first Rafale would be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four Rafale fighter planes would arrive at Ambala around May 2020," senior IAF officials said.

Infrastructure for housing both the squadrons has been completed at both the bases.

In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.

The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues.

Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.

The Hasimara air base in West Bengal is close to the China border and was home to the MiG 27 fighters which are being phased out now.

Once inducted, the Rafales would be the most potent fighters of the Air Force but the mainstay would be the Su-30MKIs-272 which would be in service by the year 2021-22.

The Air Force rates the Rafale much higher than the Su-30MKIs in terms of capabilities and has been making a case for the increased number of Rafale type multirole fighters.&nbsp;

'The first Rafale would be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019', said senior IAF officials.

With a view to positioning its most modern fighter jets on both the fronts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy one each squadron of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hasimara in West Bengal. "The first Rafale would be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four Rafale fighter planes would arrive at Ambala around May 2020," senior IAF officials said. Infrastructure for housing both the squadrons has been completed at both the bases. In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts. The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues. Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement. The Hasimara air base in West Bengal is close to the China border and was home to the MiG 27 fighters which are being phased out now. Once inducted, the Rafales would be the most potent fighters of the Air Force but the mainstay would be the Su-30MKIs-272 which would be in service by the year 2021-22. The Air Force rates the Rafale much higher than the Su-30MKIs in terms of capabilities and has been making a case for the increased number of Rafale type multirole fighters.

Indian Air Force to deploy Rafale jets in Ambala, Hasimara

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India on Friday are jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to a remote coal mine here where 15 diggers have been trapped since its flooding a fortnight ago, officials said.

The Indian Air Force joined the rescue operation and airlifted 10 pumps from Bhubaneswar. Its personnel have landed in Guwahati, 270 kilometres away from the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine, they said.

Two surveyors from Kirloskar Brothers Ltd arrived at the site Thursday night from Pune and 10 pumps of the company are on the way to Shillong, East Jaintia Hills district Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI.

General Manager of North Eastern Coalfields J Bora arrived with two officers of the company in the afternoon and they were followed by a 10-member team of experts of the Coal India (CIL) to the site to begin the assesment of the situation, he said.

The illegal rat-hole coal mine is located at Lumthari village near Khliehriat, the headquarters of East Jaintia Hills district. It got flooded when water from nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers.

Bora said CIL has mobilised eight high-powered pumps from its establishments across the country and the pumps will be transported to the site by road.

The farthest place from where a pump has been mobilised is Bilaspur in Chhatisgarh and the truck carrying it will take three to four days to arrive, Bora said.

The CIL team, he said, will conduct all necessary exercises prior to the arrival of the pumps and it will take about eight hours to complete the fitting of each pump before it can be put into operation.

"We are waiting for the initial 10 high-powered pumps. They will be brought here in the evening today," the SP said.

The high-powered pumps will be transported in trailers from Guwahati till about two kilometres from the accident site. From there vehicles have been requisitioned to carry them to the mine, a senior district official said.

Meanwhile, a 20-member team of the Odisha Fire Services Friday left for Shillong with equipment, including high-powered pumps, high-tech equipment and gadgets to assist the local administration in the search and rescue operation, a report from Bhubaneswar said.

Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said.

Kirloskar Brothers had volunteered to provide equipment to drain out the water from the mine to facilitate resumption of the halted search and rescue operation in the rat-hole coal pit.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital Thursday over the coal mine issue.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine.

It said in a statement that the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours.

Two NDRF teams are engaged in the search and rescue operation.

Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.&nbsp;

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India on Friday are jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to a remote coal mine here where 15 diggers have been trapped since its flooding a fortnight ago, officials said.

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India on Friday are jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to a remote coal mine here where 15 diggers have been trapped since its flooding a fortnight ago, officials said. The Indian Air Force joined the rescue operation and airlifted 10 pumps from Bhubaneswar. Its personnel have landed in Guwahati, 270 kilometres away from the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine, they said. Two surveyors from Kirloskar Brothers Ltd arrived at the site Thursday night from Pune and 10 pumps of the company are on the way to Shillong, East Jaintia Hills district Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI. General Manager of North Eastern Coalfields J Bora arrived with two officers of the company in the afternoon and they were followed by a 10-member team of experts of the Coal India (CIL) to the site to begin the assesment of the situation, he said. The illegal rat-hole coal mine is located at Lumthari village near Khliehriat, the headquarters of East Jaintia Hills district. It got flooded when water from nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers. Bora said CIL has mobilised eight high-powered pumps from its establishments across the country and the pumps will be transported to the site by road. The farthest place from where a pump has been mobilised is Bilaspur in Chhatisgarh and the truck carrying it will take three to four days to arrive, Bora said. The CIL team, he said, will conduct all necessary exercises prior to the arrival of the pumps and it will take about eight hours to complete the fitting of each pump before it can be put into operation. "We are waiting for the initial 10 high-powered pumps. They will be brought here in the evening today," the SP said. The high-powered pumps will be transported in trailers from Guwahati till about two kilometres from the accident site. From there vehicles have been requisitioned to carry them to the mine, a senior district official said. Meanwhile, a 20-member team of the Odisha Fire Services Friday left for Shillong with equipment, including high-powered pumps, high-tech equipment and gadgets to assist the local administration in the search and rescue operation, a report from Bhubaneswar said. Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said. Kirloskar Brothers had volunteered to provide equipment to drain out the water from the mine to facilitate resumption of the halted search and rescue operation in the rat-hole coal pit. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital Thursday over the coal mine issue. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine. It said in a statement that the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours. Two NDRF teams are engaged in the search and rescue operation. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.

18 high-powered pumps being moved to Meghalaya mining site

A joint military exercise involving, the Russian and Indian air force members concluded in India's northwestern desert city of Jodhpur on Wednesday (December 19).

The air exercise 'Aviaindra 2018' was aimed at giving exposure to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) to enhance their skills to focus on anti-militants operation in a bilateral scenario.

Reportedly, 30 fighter aircrafts were used during the exercise involving flying operations where pilots shared their experiences with each other. Russian aircrafts, Su-30 MKI and Mi-8 were among the key aircrafts at the joint training.

This is the second edition of the biannual exercise with the first being held in Lipetsk, Russia in September.

A joint military exercise involving, the Russian and Indian air force members concluded in India's northwestern desert city of Jodhpur on Wednesday (December 19).

A joint military exercise involving, the Russian and Indian air force members concluded in India's northwestern desert city of Jodhpur on Wednesday (December 19). The air exercise 'Aviaindra 2018' was aimed at giving exposure to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) to enhance their skills to focus on anti-militants operation in a bilateral scenario. Reportedly, 30 fighter aircrafts were used during the exercise involving flying operations where pilots shared their experiences with each other. Russian aircrafts, Su-30 MKI and Mi-8 were among the key aircrafts at the joint training. This is the second edition of the biannual exercise with the first being held in Lipetsk, Russia in September.

Watch: Russia-India joint military exercise concludes in Rajasthan

Russia-India air forces’ joint exercise concludes in desert state

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully airlifted a record 463 tonnes of the load from its Chandigarh airbase to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The entire exercise took place in a single attempt. The effort was accomplished with the help of a fleet of 16 fixed-wing transport aircraft comprising C-17 Globemaster, the Ilyushin-76 Gajraj and the Medium lift Tactical aircraft, Antonov-32. All aircraft were loaded and taken off from the Chandigarh airbase early in the morning on Tuesday.

Air Marshal NJS Dhillon AVSM, the Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command, under whose direction the effort was achieved said, "Rapid air mobility is a key component of modern warfare. This assumes greater significance in short and intense wars. This is very true in India’s context, especially when related to air mobility to airfields in the Ladakh region. With a wide spectrum of military transport aircraft in its inventory, the IAF now has a credible airlift capability which has provided succour on numerous occasions when the nation was struck with natural calamities”

The entire exercise was accomplished in little less than 6 hours. Airlift of approximately 500 tonnes, in the achieved time frame and at one go, happens to be a record and enhances the assessment of the Commands’ capability towards rapid and heavy airlift.&nbsp;

The command is entrusted with the air maintenance of the country's entire northern region and, under normal operating circumstances, airlifts close to 3,000 tonnes of load per month.

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully airlifted a record 463 tonnes of the load from its Chandigarh airbase to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region on Tuesday.

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully airlifted a record 463 tonnes of the load from its Chandigarh airbase to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region on Tuesday. The entire exercise took place in a single attempt. The effort was accomplished with the help of a fleet of 16 fixed-wing transport aircraft comprising C-17 Globemaster, the Ilyushin-76 Gajraj and the Medium lift Tactical aircraft, Antonov-32. All aircraft were loaded and taken off from the Chandigarh airbase early in the morning on Tuesday. Air Marshal NJS Dhillon AVSM, the Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command, under whose direction the effort was achieved said, "Rapid air mobility is a key component of modern warfare. This assumes greater significance in short and intense wars. This is very true in India’s context, especially when related to air mobility to airfields in the Ladakh region. With a wide spectrum of military transport aircraft in its inventory, the IAF now has a credible airlift capability which has provided succour on numerous occasions when the nation was struck with natural calamities” The entire exercise was accomplished in little less than 6 hours. Airlift of approximately 500 tonnes, in the achieved time frame and at one go, happens to be a record and enhances the assessment of the Commands’ capability towards rapid and heavy airlift. The command is entrusted with the air maintenance of the country's entire northern region and, under normal operating circumstances, airlifts close to 3,000 tonnes of load per month.

Western Air Command airlifts record 463 tonne load at one go

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/confident-of-sweeping-january-5-snap-polls-rajapakse-ends-50-year-association-with-sirisenas-party-176670">Confident of 'sweeping' January 5 snap polls, Rajapakse ends </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/confident-of-sweeping-january-5-snap-polls-rajapakse-ends-50-year-association-with-sirisenas-party-176670">50-year</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/confident-of-sweeping-january-5-snap-polls-rajapakse-ends-50-year-association-with-sirisenas-party-176670"> association with Sirisena's party</a>

Sri Lanka's strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse on Sunday called his five-decade-long association with &nbsp;Sri Lanka Freedom Party, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, Rajapakse has now joined hands with the newly-formed Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-erdogan-met-in-paris-discussed-how-to-respond-to-khashoggis-killing-176665">Trump, Erdogan met in Paris, discussed how to respond to Khashoggi's killing</a>

US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan met in Paris on Sunday. The meeting came on the sidelines of a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of the Armistice Day commemorations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-alive-to-emerging-threats-in-indo-pacific-concerned-by-modernisation-rate-in-neighbourhood-air-chief-marshal-dhanoa-176655">India is 'very much alive' to emerging threats in Indo-Pacific: Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa</a>

The Indian Air Force is "very much alive" to emerging threats that could arise in the Indo Pacific region, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said Sunday, and asserted that his force was prepared to deal with any challenge to protect India's national interests.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-urges-leaders-at-wwi-ceremony-to-build-hope-not-fear-176661">At WWI ceremony Macron urges world leaders to 'build hope, not fear'</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged dozens of world leaders marking a century since the end of World War I to come together for a joint "fight for peace".&nbsp;

"Let us build our hopes rather than playing our fears against each other," he told leaders gathered at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-usurped-powers-of-mps-speaker-176676">Sri Lanka president Sirisena usurped powers of MPs: Speaker</a>

Sri Lanka's parliamentary Speaker Sunday accused President Maithripala Sirisena of "usurping" the rights of legislators and asked public servants not to carry out his "illegal orders".

Confident of 'sweeping' January 5 snap polls, Rajapakse ends 50-year association with Sirisena's party Sri Lanka's strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse on Sunday called his five-decade-long association with Sri Lanka Freedom Party, news agency PTI reported.

Confident of 'sweeping' January 5 snap polls, Rajapakse ends 50-year association with Sirisena's party Sri Lanka's strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse on Sunday called his five-decade-long association with Sri Lanka Freedom Party, news agency PTI reported. According to reports, Rajapakse has now joined hands with the newly-formed Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP). Trump, Erdogan met in Paris, discussed how to respond to Khashoggi's killing US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan met in Paris on Sunday. The meeting came on the sidelines of a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of the Armistice Day commemorations. India is 'very much alive' to emerging threats in Indo-Pacific: Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa The Indian Air Force is "very much alive" to emerging threats that could arise in the Indo Pacific region, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said Sunday, and asserted that his force was prepared to deal with any challenge to protect India's national interests. At WWI ceremony Macron urges world leaders to 'build hope, not fear' French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged dozens of world leaders marking a century since the end of World War I to come together for a joint "fight for peace". "Let us build our hopes rather than playing our fears against each other," he told leaders gathered at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Sri Lanka president Sirisena usurped powers of MPs: Speaker Sri Lanka's parliamentary Speaker Sunday accused President Maithripala Sirisena of "usurping" the rights of legislators and asked public servants not to carry out his "illegal orders".

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Indian Air Force is "very much alive" to emerging threats that could arise in the Indo Pacific region, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said Sunday, and asserted that his force was prepared to deal with any challenge to protect India's national interests.

He also said there is cause for concern over the rate of modernisation and induction of new equipment in India's neighbourhood, even as India faces challenges emanating from "unresolved territorial disputes" and "sponsored" non-state and transnational actors. But the IAF is capable of, and is moving ahead, for countering them effectively, he told PTI in an interview.

Asked whether the IAF can play a role in smashing terrorist training camps across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, he did not rule out such a possibility.

"The IAF is well equipped to take on threats which occur from across the border, be it in the realm of sub conventional or other domains," the Air Chief Marshal said.

Referring to India's immediate security challenges, without naming China and Pakistan, he said, "The current challenges emanate from unresolved territorial issues, sponsored non-state actors and transnational actors who act against national interests through the global commons."

"The IAF is prepared 24x7 for any threat and is ready for a befitting response to any contingency with all our available assets," he told PTI.

Dhanoa also made an indirect reference to China's rapid modernisation of its air force and also about the infrastructure development Beijing has carried out in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) bordering India.

"The IAF is well equipped to take on challenges across the entire range of threats that could emanate across our borders. While there is a cause for concern as regards to the rate of modernisation and induction of new equipment in our neighbourhood, the IAF is nevertheless, moving ahead with appropriate measures to cater to these new developments," he said.

Asked whether the IAF was capable of playing a role to expand India's geo-political influence in the Indo-Pacific region, he replied in the affirmative and talked about IAF's capabilities including having the second largest fleet of C-17s.

"We have the second largest fleet of C-17s in the world. Therefore, India will pull its heft in helping out friendly nations in times of human distress and humanitarian relief. In addition, the IAF is very much alive to the emerging threats that could arise in the Indo Pacific region," he said.

At present, the IAF has a fleet of ten C-17 Globemasters, used for strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo for long-range missions.

The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China's growing clout in the region.

In November last year, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending "Quad" Coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence.

Dhanoa said the IAF was adopting a holistic approach in harnessing all available resources at its disposal to deal with various security challenges in a collaborative and cohesive manner.

"The gradual shift in the centre of gravity of global financial power from the West to the East has brought many challenges to the fabric of existential peace in the Asia-Pacific," he said.

"Security is no longer confined to the preservation of territorial integrity alone. It also encompasses a comprehensive concept including all elements of national power," he added.

On IAF's ambitious modernisation plan, the Chief of Air Staff said augmenting the fighter squadron strength was his top priority.

"To achieve this, the IAF is looking at new inductions and midlife upgrades. Towards this, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft are being upgraded in a phased manner in order to equip them with contemporary capabilities," he said.

He also mentioned the planned induction of 83 Tejas light combat aircraft and 36 Rafale jets.

"Further, case for 114 fighter aircraft is being processed under the Strategic Partnership model of DPP (Defence Procurement Procedure)-16. Other options are also being explored to build up to authorised strength at the earliest," he added.

The IAF has already started the process to procure a batch of 114 fighter jets.

At present, the IAF has a total of 32 squadrons of fighter jets much below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons.

"The IAF is adopting a holistic approach in harnessing all available resources at its disposal to tackle emerging challenges in a collaborative and cohesive manner," said the IAF chief.

The Indian Air Force is "very much alive" to emerging threats that could arise in the Indo Pacific region, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said Sunday, and asserted that his force was prepared to deal with any challenge to protect India's national interests.

The Indian Air Force is "very much alive" to emerging threats that could arise in the Indo Pacific region, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said Sunday, and asserted that his force was prepared to deal with any challenge to protect India's national interests. He also said there is cause for concern over the rate of modernisation and induction of new equipment in India's neighbourhood, even as India faces challenges emanating from "unresolved territorial disputes" and "sponsored" non-state and transnational actors. But the IAF is capable of, and is moving ahead, for countering them effectively, he told PTI in an interview. Asked whether the IAF can play a role in smashing terrorist training camps across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, he did not rule out such a possibility. "The IAF is well equipped to take on threats which occur from across the border, be it in the realm of sub conventional or other domains," the Air Chief Marshal said. Referring to India's immediate security challenges, without naming China and Pakistan, he said, "The current challenges emanate from unresolved territorial issues, sponsored non-state actors and transnational actors who act against national interests through the global commons." "The IAF is prepared 24x7 for any threat and is ready for a befitting response to any contingency with all our available assets," he told PTI. Dhanoa also made an indirect reference to China's rapid modernisation of its air force and also about the infrastructure development Beijing has carried out in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) bordering India. "The IAF is well equipped to take on challenges across the entire range of threats that could emanate across our borders. While there is a cause for concern as regards to the rate of modernisation and induction of new equipment in our neighbourhood, the IAF is nevertheless, moving ahead with appropriate measures to cater to these new developments," he said. Asked whether the IAF was capable of playing a role to expand India's geo-political influence in the Indo-Pacific region, he replied in the affirmative and talked about IAF's capabilities including having the second largest fleet of C-17s. "We have the second largest fleet of C-17s in the world. Therefore, India will pull its heft in helping out friendly nations in times of human distress and humanitarian relief. In addition, the IAF is very much alive to the emerging threats that could arise in the Indo Pacific region," he said. At present, the IAF has a fleet of ten C-17 Globemasters, used for strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo for long-range missions. The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China's growing clout in the region. In November last year, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending "Quad" Coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. Dhanoa said the IAF was adopting a holistic approach in harnessing all available resources at its disposal to deal with various security challenges in a collaborative and cohesive manner. "The gradual shift in the centre of gravity of global financial power from the West to the East has brought many challenges to the fabric of existential peace in the Asia-Pacific," he said. "Security is no longer confined to the preservation of territorial integrity alone. It also encompasses a comprehensive concept including all elements of national power," he added. On IAF's ambitious modernisation plan, the Chief of Air Staff said augmenting the fighter squadron strength was his top priority. "To achieve this, the IAF is looking at new inductions and midlife upgrades. Towards this, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft are being upgraded in a phased manner in order to equip them with contemporary capabilities," he said. He also mentioned the planned induction of 83 Tejas light combat aircraft and 36 Rafale jets. "Further, case for 114 fighter aircraft is being processed under the Strategic Partnership model of DPP (Defence Procurement Procedure)-16. Other options are also being explored to build up to authorised strength at the earliest," he added. The IAF has already started the process to procure a batch of 114 fighter jets. At present, the IAF has a total of 32 squadrons of fighter jets much below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons. "The IAF is adopting a holistic approach in harnessing all available resources at its disposal to tackle emerging challenges in a collaborative and cohesive manner," said the IAF chief.

India is 'very much alive' to emerging threats in Indo-Pacific: Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave for France on Wednesday night on a three-day visit, which comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.

Officials sources said Sitharaman will hold wide-ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries and also deliberate on major regional and global issues of mutual interests.

Sitharaman, who will hold with Party the first edition of defence dialogue, will leave for Paris late Wednesday night and conclude her visit on Saturday, they said.

The sources said besides exploring ways to boost bilateral defence cooperation, Sitharaman will also take stock of progress in the supply of 36 Rafale jets by Dassault to the Indian Air Force under Rs 58,000-crore deal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016.

The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal.

The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault. The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence.

Last month, Hollande was quoted by French publication 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant.

The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row.

Sources said Sitharaman will discuss with Party ways to expand Indo-French maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two ministers are also likely to deliberate on joint production of military platforms and weapons by the two countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron had visited India in March during which the two countries decided to expand strategic ties and deepen counter-terror cooperation.

The two sides also inked a strategic pact providing for the use of each other's military facilities including opening naval bases to warships.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron also decided to create an annual defence dialogue at the ministerial level to explore ways to further deepen defence and strategic ties.

Sitharaman and Parly will hold the first edition of the defence dialogue.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave for France on Wednesday night on a three-day visit, which comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave for France on Wednesday night on a three-day visit, which comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation. Officials sources said Sitharaman will hold wide-ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries and also deliberate on major regional and global issues of mutual interests. Sitharaman, who will hold with Party the first edition of defence dialogue, will leave for Paris late Wednesday night and conclude her visit on Saturday, they said. The sources said besides exploring ways to boost bilateral defence cooperation, Sitharaman will also take stock of progress in the supply of 36 Rafale jets by Dassault to the Indian Air Force under Rs 58,000-crore deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal. The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault. The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence. Last month, Hollande was quoted by French publication 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant. The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row. Sources said Sitharaman will discuss with Party ways to expand Indo-French maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The two ministers are also likely to deliberate on joint production of military platforms and weapons by the two countries. French President Emmanuel Macron had visited India in March during which the two countries decided to expand strategic ties and deepen counter-terror cooperation. The two sides also inked a strategic pact providing for the use of each other's military facilities including opening naval bases to warships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron also decided to create an annual defence dialogue at the ministerial level to explore ways to further deepen defence and strategic ties. Sitharaman and Parly will hold the first edition of the defence dialogue.

Defence minister Sitharaman set to leave for France over procurement of 36 Rafale jets

The Indian Air Force is undertaking proactive measures to minimise accidents caused by human error, IAF chief Birender Singh Dhanoa said Monday at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-celebrates-86th-anniversary-today-170169">86th Air Force Day</a> at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. The Indian Air Force came into existence on October 8, 1932.&nbsp;

"IAF is constantly endeavouring to minimise accidents by learning lessons from the past so as to preserve assets to meet any future challenge," Dhano said Monday.&nbsp;

The chief emphasised that aerospace safety is "one area where we need to" maintain a "constant vigil" as loss of aircraft in peacetime "is not only expensive, it diminishes our war time capability". &nbsp;

Dhanoa said the air force is inducting state-of-the-art simulators which are expected to enhance the quality of training imparted to air crew and also exposes them to realistic operational environments without endangering safety.

Due to legacy planes such as the MiG, a number of accidents have been reported in recent past.&nbsp;

In September this year, an IAF MiG-27 crashed near Jodhpur. The pilot ejected safely. In June, a MiG-21 fighter, which the air force is phasing out, crashed in Kangra killing its piolet. And only last week, a two-seater ML-130 microlight aircraft crashed in Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh.

Dhanoa also spoke about modernisation of the fleet. He said India is in the process of "acquiring new combat systems, upgrading and modernising existing inventory" of aircraft.&nbsp;

"The mid-life upgradation of Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar fleet is already underway. Acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft, the S-400 missile systems, Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters would further enhance our capabilities," said Dhanoa. &nbsp;

India is also in the process of building its own light combat aircraft — the Tejas. (The Tejas however has overshot a number of deadlines.)&nbsp;

Last week, India signed a deal to acquire five units of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. The S-400 will add a dimension to New Delhi's defence architecture, especially in case of a two-front war with China and Pakistan.

The air force is also expanding engagements with friendly countries with participation in bilateral and multi-national air exercises. These include exercises with Australia, Russia, Israel, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

The Indian Air Force is undertaking proactive measures to minimise accidents caused by human error, IAF chief Birender Singh Dhanoa said Monday at the 86th Air Force Day at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad.

The Indian Air Force is undertaking proactive measures to minimise accidents caused by human error, IAF chief Birender Singh Dhanoa said Monday at the 86th Air Force Day at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. The Indian Air Force came into existence on October 8, 1932. "IAF is constantly endeavouring to minimise accidents by learning lessons from the past so as to preserve assets to meet any future challenge," Dhano said Monday. The chief emphasised that aerospace safety is "one area where we need to" maintain a "constant vigil" as loss of aircraft in peacetime "is not only expensive, it diminishes our war time capability". Dhanoa said the air force is inducting state-of-the-art simulators which are expected to enhance the quality of training imparted to air crew and also exposes them to realistic operational environments without endangering safety. Due to legacy planes such as the MiG, a number of accidents have been reported in recent past. In September this year, an IAF MiG-27 crashed near Jodhpur. The pilot ejected safely. In June, a MiG-21 fighter, which the air force is phasing out, crashed in Kangra killing its piolet. And only last week, a two-seater ML-130 microlight aircraft crashed in Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. Dhanoa also spoke about modernisation of the fleet. He said India is in the process of "acquiring new combat systems, upgrading and modernising existing inventory" of aircraft. "The mid-life upgradation of Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar fleet is already underway. Acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft, the S-400 missile systems, Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters would further enhance our capabilities," said Dhanoa. India is also in the process of building its own light combat aircraft — the Tejas. (The Tejas however has overshot a number of deadlines.) Last week, India signed a deal to acquire five units of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. The S-400 will add a dimension to New Delhi's defence architecture, especially in case of a two-front war with China and Pakistan. The air force is also expanding engagements with friendly countries with participation in bilateral and multi-national air exercises. These include exercises with Australia, Russia, Israel, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Need to minimise accidents caused by human error: Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa

The India Air Force's beast -- MiG-29 - has gained in strength and ferocity after an upgrade, giving the force which is battling a shortage of fighter aircraft a much-needed boost, according to officials.&nbsp;

The Russian origin aircraft, now capable of effecting mid-air refuelling, is compatible with latest missiles and can launch multi-dimensional attacks, Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli, who is deployed at Adampur Air Force Station, said.&nbsp;

Even in the previous 'legacy version', the aircraft played an important role as the Indian Air Force stamped its supremacy over the Pakistani force during the Kargil War of 1999.

Last week, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The country will celebrate the Air Force day on Monday.&nbsp;

"With the upgrade, as compared to previous 'legacy version' of the MiG-29 bought under emergency clause in early 1980s, the fighter jets are capable to give befitting response," said an official, requesting anonymity, when asked about any possible two-front war with China and Pakistan. 
Kohli said that upgraded MiG-29 also has Multi-Functional Display (MFD) screen.

On September 12, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa had said the force was reeling under a severe shortage of fighter aircraft. The IAF chief had said the force currently has 31 squadrons of fighter jets against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.&nbsp;

"Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," he had said.

The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, which is around 100 kms from Pakistan and 250 km away from China borders, is now equipped with upgraded MiG-29.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has three squadrons of MiG-29 fighter jets in operation, two of them at the Adampur Air Force Station. One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft.

Kohli said that the force now has a combat aircraft which is flexible and can manoeuvre every situation so that IAF pilots can change their position and strike the enemy.

He also said that the fighter plane has the capability of taking off vertically,which has "increased the IAF's power a lot".

The upgraded MiG-29 aircraft can take off within five minutes of spotting a hostile jet trying to enter the Indian airspace and destroy it, he said.

"With air-to-air refuelling feature, upgraded MiG 29 can cover larger distance as compared to the previous legacy aircraft and destroy the enemy," said another IAF officer, who did not wish to be named, on the two-front war possibility.

"With the upgraded version, the range of aircraft has improved a lot. Moreover, in the legacy aircraft, we were restricted to the certain dimension, but we can now do air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-shipping operation," said a pilot who flies MiG aircraft.

The upgraded MiG-29 has all latest features, including a glass cockpit having digital screens. Old instruments in the legacy version of MiG 29 have been replaced with modern ones, Kohli added.

In the 1999 Kargil War, the Adampur station played an important role in destroying enemy fortifications located at heights of 15,000 feet and above. In the

1971 war also, the Adampur base was an operationally dynamic base for the air campaign against Pakistan.

In the 1965 Indo-Pak war too, Adampur proved to be nemesis for the Pakistani misadventures as several squadrons inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

The India Air Force's beast -- MiG-29 - has gained in strength and ferocity after an upgrade, giving the force which is battling a shortage of fighter aircraft a much-needed boost, according to officials.

The India Air Force's beast -- MiG-29 - has gained in strength and ferocity after an upgrade, giving the force which is battling a shortage of fighter aircraft a much-needed boost, according to officials. The Russian origin aircraft, now capable of effecting mid-air refuelling, is compatible with latest missiles and can launch multi-dimensional attacks, Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli, who is deployed at Adampur Air Force Station, said. Even in the previous 'legacy version', the aircraft played an important role as the Indian Air Force stamped its supremacy over the Pakistani force during the Kargil War of 1999. Last week, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The country will celebrate the Air Force day on Monday. "With the upgrade, as compared to previous 'legacy version' of the MiG-29 bought under emergency clause in early 1980s, the fighter jets are capable to give befitting response," said an official, requesting anonymity, when asked about any possible two-front war with China and Pakistan. Kohli said that upgraded MiG-29 also has Multi-Functional Display (MFD) screen. On September 12, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa had said the force was reeling under a severe shortage of fighter aircraft. The IAF chief had said the force currently has 31 squadrons of fighter jets against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. "Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," he had said. The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, which is around 100 kms from Pakistan and 250 km away from China borders, is now equipped with upgraded MiG-29. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has three squadrons of MiG-29 fighter jets in operation, two of them at the Adampur Air Force Station. One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft. Kohli said that the force now has a combat aircraft which is flexible and can manoeuvre every situation so that IAF pilots can change their position and strike the enemy. He also said that the fighter plane has the capability of taking off vertically,which has "increased the IAF's power a lot". The upgraded MiG-29 aircraft can take off within five minutes of spotting a hostile jet trying to enter the Indian airspace and destroy it, he said. "With air-to-air refuelling feature, upgraded MiG 29 can cover larger distance as compared to the previous legacy aircraft and destroy the enemy," said another IAF officer, who did not wish to be named, on the two-front war possibility. "With the upgraded version, the range of aircraft has improved a lot. Moreover, in the legacy aircraft, we were restricted to the certain dimension, but we can now do air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-shipping operation," said a pilot who flies MiG aircraft. The upgraded MiG-29 has all latest features, including a glass cockpit having digital screens. Old instruments in the legacy version of MiG 29 have been replaced with modern ones, Kohli added. In the 1999 Kargil War, the Adampur station played an important role in destroying enemy fortifications located at heights of 15,000 feet and above. In the 1971 war also, the Adampur base was an operationally dynamic base for the air campaign against Pakistan. In the 1965 Indo-Pak war too, Adampur proved to be nemesis for the Pakistani misadventures as several squadrons inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

Air Force Day: MiG-29 gets upgrade; gains in lethality, ferocity

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he understands the pain of jawans, Air Force officers, the families of martyred pilots as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited workers and will work to bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from them.&nbsp;

Gandhi addressed them all on Twitter in his apparent attack against the Narendra Modi government on the issue of the Rafale fighter jet deal.&nbsp;

"To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL.

We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL. We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you. <a href="https://t.co/gNFgnaYn4W">pic.twitter.com/gNFgnaYn4W</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1044499479456600064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gandhi has been attacking the government on the Rafale deal, accusing the Modi government and the prime minister of putting money into the pockets of his "crony" friends.&nbsp;

Yesterday, he said the country's "chowkidar" Modi snatched money away from the poor and handed it over to industrialist Anil Ambani. Gandhi also asked the prime minister for answers on several issues relating to the Rafale jet fighter deal.

"The chowkidar of the country has taken out Rs 20,000 crore from the pockets of the poor, martyrs and the jawans and put it in the pocket of (Anil) Ambani," Gandhi said at a meeting in the Jais area of his Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

"HAL which has been in the business for 70 years, makes aircraft...While Anil Ambani had not made an aircraft in his life and also has an outstanding bank loan of Rs 45,000 crore," he said. 
&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he understands the pain of jawans, Air Force officers, the families of martyred pilots as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited workers and will work to bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from them.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he understands the pain of jawans, Air Force officers, the families of martyred pilots as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited workers and will work to bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from them. Gandhi addressed them all on Twitter in his apparent attack against the Narendra Modi government on the issue of the Rafale fighter jet deal. "To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL. We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you," he said on Twitter. To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL. We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you. pic.twitter.com/gNFgnaYn4W — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 25, 2018 × Gandhi has been attacking the government on the Rafale deal, accusing the Modi government and the prime minister of putting money into the pockets of his "crony" friends. Yesterday, he said the country's "chowkidar" Modi snatched money away from the poor and handed it over to industrialist Anil Ambani. Gandhi also asked the prime minister for answers on several issues relating to the Rafale jet fighter deal. "The chowkidar of the country has taken out Rs 20,000 crore from the pockets of the poor, martyrs and the jawans and put it in the pocket of (Anil) Ambani," Gandhi said at a meeting in the Jais area of his Lok Sabha constituency. "HAL which has been in the business for 70 years, makes aircraft...While Anil Ambani had not made an aircraft in his life and also has an outstanding bank loan of Rs 45,000 crore," he said.

Rafale deal:  Will bring to justice those who stole from you, Rahul tells jawans, IAF officers

India will not abandon the purchase of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russia despite US pressure as New Delhi is committed to all its military-technical cooperation with Moscow, India's Ambassador Pankaj Saran said on Friday.

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force, officials in New Delhi said last month.

In an interview with the state-run TASS news agency, India's Ambassador to Russia Saran, who has recently been appointed the Deputy National Security Advisor, said that India will not back out of buying S-400s.

Military-Technical cooperation between India and Russia was discussed during the informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi last month, he said.

It was the first informal Summit in the history of India-Russia relations.

The envoy said the date for the annual bilateral summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin has not been announced but he expects it to take place sometime in October in New Delhi.

"We are committed to all our agreements in this sphere, including purchase of S-400. India has a long history of military-technical cooperation with Russia based on trust and mutual benefit. There is no change in the approach of India to our partnership in this field," Saran said.

Asked if Russia could expect signing of an agreement on supply of S-400 by the end of this year, the Indian envoy said he would not like to fix any time-frame.

"I can only say that we have achieved significant progress in the negotiations," Saran said.

Officials in New Delhi have said that India and Russia are now trying to find a way out to evade the provisions of a US law that seeks to punish countries and entities engaged in transactions with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.

Both sides are now looking at ways to insulate the deal from the sanctions announced by the US against Russia under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The US had announced sanctions against Russia under the stringent law for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016.

CAATSA, which came into effect in January, mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.

Asked about the reason for organising the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, Saran said that the summit was characterised by a special personal chemistry between the two leaders.

"The reason for this unscheduled meeting was that both sides wanted to exchange opinions on key global and regional issues including development of situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Iran as well as to discuss matters of bilateral interest.

"Today relations between India and Russia are important not only for our two countries but also for the region and the whole world. And we would like to build a multi-polar world where India and Russia will contribute to global stability," the ambassador added.&nbsp

Military-Technical cooperation between India and Russia was discussed during the informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi last month, India's Ambassador Pankaj Saran said.

India will not abandon the purchase of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russia despite US pressure as New Delhi is committed to all its military-technical cooperation with Moscow, India's Ambassador Pankaj Saran said on Friday. India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force, officials in New Delhi said last month. In an interview with the state-run TASS news agency, India's Ambassador to Russia Saran, who has recently been appointed the Deputy National Security Advisor, said that India will not back out of buying S-400s. Military-Technical cooperation between India and Russia was discussed during the informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi last month, he said. It was the first informal Summit in the history of India-Russia relations. The envoy said the date for the annual bilateral summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin has not been announced but he expects it to take place sometime in October in New Delhi. "We are committed to all our agreements in this sphere, including purchase of S-400. India has a long history of military-technical cooperation with Russia based on trust and mutual benefit. There is no change in the approach of India to our partnership in this field," Saran said. Asked if Russia could expect signing of an agreement on supply of S-400 by the end of this year, the Indian envoy said he would not like to fix any time-frame. "I can only say that we have achieved significant progress in the negotiations," Saran said. Officials in New Delhi have said that India and Russia are now trying to find a way out to evade the provisions of a US law that seeks to punish countries and entities engaged in transactions with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. Both sides are now looking at ways to insulate the deal from the sanctions announced by the US against Russia under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The US had announced sanctions against Russia under the stringent law for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016. CAATSA, which came into effect in January, mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. Asked about the reason for organising the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, Saran said that the summit was characterised by a special personal chemistry between the two leaders. "The reason for this unscheduled meeting was that both sides wanted to exchange opinions on key global and regional issues including development of situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Iran as well as to discuss matters of bilateral interest. "Today relations between India and Russia are important not only for our two countries but also for the region and the whole world. And we would like to build a multi-polar world where India and Russia will contribute to global stability," the ambassador added.

India won't back out of buying S-400s from Russia despite US pressure: India's envoy

An Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Gujarat on Tuesday, killing its pilot, an official said.

The fighter jet crashed near Beraja-Ramaniya Village in Mundra taluka of Kutch.

An IAF spokesperson said the aircraft was on a routine training mission when it met with the accident at Jamnagar around 10.30 am.

"The pilot, Air Commodore Sanjay Chauhan, sustained fatal injuries during the crash," the spokesperson said.

A Court of Inquiry into the incident has been ordered by the air headquarters to investigate the cause of the accident, the sources said.&nbsp;

<img alt="1_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="581" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/1_0.jpg" width="1032" />

(A file photo of&nbsp;Air Commodore Sanjay Chauhan with&nbsp;Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>: Wreckage of IAF's Jaguar fighter jet that crashed in Kutch's Mundra, the aircraft was on a routine training mission from Jamnagar. The Pilot, Air Cmde Sanjay Chauhan, lost his life in the crash. Court of Inquiry ordered to investigate cause of accident. <a href="https://t.co/bGBiE2L53k">pic.twitter.com/bGBiE2L53k</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1003884589142573057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The plane's debris was strewn far and wide on the outskirts of the village, locals said.

Debris of the aircraft kills some cattle grazing in the village.

<img alt="222.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="956" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/222.jpg" width="1280" />

The fighter jet crashed near Beraja-Ramaniya Village in Mundra taluka of Kutch.

An Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Gujarat on Tuesday, killing its pilot, an official said. The fighter jet crashed near Beraja-Ramaniya Village in Mundra taluka of Kutch. An IAF spokesperson said the aircraft was on a routine training mission when it met with the accident at Jamnagar around 10.30 am. "The pilot, Air Commodore Sanjay Chauhan, sustained fatal injuries during the crash," the spokesperson said. A Court of Inquiry into the incident has been ordered by the air headquarters to investigate the cause of the accident, the sources said. (A file photo of Air Commodore Sanjay Chauhan with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.) #Gujarat: Wreckage of IAF's Jaguar fighter jet that crashed in Kutch's Mundra, the aircraft was on a routine training mission from Jamnagar. The Pilot, Air Cmde Sanjay Chauhan, lost his life in the crash. Court of Inquiry ordered to investigate cause of accident. pic.twitter.com/bGBiE2L53k — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2018 × The plane's debris was strewn far and wide on the outskirts of the village, locals said. Debris of the aircraft kills some cattle grazing in the village.

Indian Air Force pilot killed after Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat’s Kutch

Just days after the Gangan Shakti exercise, the Indian and Malaysian armies will hold a two-week military exercise beginning today, as part of efforts to bolster defence cooperation.&nbsp;

The joint exercise 'Harimau Shakti' will take place in Malaysia's&nbsp;dense forests of Sengai Perdik in Hulu Langat district.

The Indian Air Force recently concluded Gagan Shakti exercise involving the Tejas fighter aircraft and paratroopers. The exercise was aimed at taking on the Chinese and Pakistani military.

The two-week military drill involved over 1,000 sorties by IAF aircrafts in which 300 Air Force officers participated.

The "Harimau Shakti" exercise will end on May 13th. The military drill will focus on bolstering cooperation between the two armed forces including sharing expertise in counter-insurgency operations.

The Indian Army will be represented by the 4 Grenadiers with the Malaysian side being led by the 1 Royal Ranjer Regiment.

Both armies will take part in jungle warfare and tactical planning to hone operational skills.

This is the first time the Indian Army will be taking part in a military exercise on Malaysian soil. 
&nbsp;

The "Harimau Shakti" exercise will end on May 13th

Just days after the Gangan Shakti exercise, the Indian and Malaysian armies will hold a two-week military exercise beginning today, as part of efforts to bolster defence cooperation. The joint exercise 'Harimau Shakti' will take place in Malaysia's dense forests of Sengai Perdik in Hulu Langat district. The Indian Air Force recently concluded Gagan Shakti exercise involving the Tejas fighter aircraft and paratroopers. The exercise was aimed at taking on the Chinese and Pakistani military. The two-week military drill involved over 1,000 sorties by IAF aircrafts in which 300 Air Force officers participated. The "Harimau Shakti" exercise will end on May 13th. The military drill will focus on bolstering cooperation between the two armed forces including sharing expertise in counter-insurgency operations. The Indian Army will be represented by the 4 Grenadiers with the Malaysian side being led by the 1 Royal Ranjer Regiment. Both armies will take part in jungle warfare and tactical planning to hone operational skills. This is the first time the Indian Army will be taking part in a military exercise on Malaysian soil.

In a first, Indian Army to take part in jungle warfare exercise in Malaysia

As the Indian Air Force <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-achieved-things-beyond-our-stated-objectives-air-chief-marshal-on-gagan-shakti-exercise-132330">closed the Gagan Shakti exercise</a>, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa addressing a press conference said India has "no intention" of global dominance.

The military exercise included long-range strike mission with SU30 aircraft engaging multiple targets in the 13-day exercise.

During the exercise, 13,000 sorties were carried out by Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters. The main aim of the exercise was to test India's war preparedness in a war-like situation with Pakistan or China.

The exercise also focussed joint maritime air operations with the Indian Navy.

During the press conference, the IAF chief said: "Gagan Shakti conducted to exercise our resources. It was not against any country."

"What we did in exercise Gagan Shakti is that we have walked the mile," India's air chief added.

Speaking to reporters on India's global ambitions, Dhanoa said: "We don't aim at global dominance because as a country, we need to get economically well-off. We're helpful to our neigbours in any situation."

"We have no intention of domination," he declared.

"Pakistan will keep the Kashmir part boiling. It will continue to attack the military," &nbsp;Dhanoa told reporters, adding," any such attack may have unintended consequences which may result in an escalation."

"In most countries, state has an army. But in Pakistan, the army has a state. If peace were to come,it will lose several of its privileges," he said.

"I can't afford to put my children in Ivy League colleges & settle down in London. Like many of their generals do," he added.

"For China, the geography works against them, especially in the Tibetan autonomous region. Over the past few years, we have seen significant increase in deployment of aircraft & air crew in Tibetan autonomous region," Dhanoa informed.

During the Gagan Shakti exercise 13,000 sorties were carried out by Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters

As the Indian Air Force closed the Gagan Shakti exercise, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa addressing a press conference said India has "no intention" of global dominance. The military exercise included long-range strike mission with SU30 aircraft engaging multiple targets in the 13-day exercise. During the exercise, 13,000 sorties were carried out by Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters. The main aim of the exercise was to test India's war preparedness in a war-like situation with Pakistan or China. The exercise also focussed joint maritime air operations with the Indian Navy. During the press conference, the IAF chief said: "Gagan Shakti conducted to exercise our resources. It was not against any country." "What we did in exercise Gagan Shakti is that we have walked the mile," India's air chief added. Speaking to reporters on India's global ambitions, Dhanoa said: "We don't aim at global dominance because as a country, we need to get economically well-off. We're helpful to our neigbours in any situation." "We have no intention of domination," he declared. "Pakistan will keep the Kashmir part boiling. It will continue to attack the military," Dhanoa told reporters, adding," any such attack may have unintended consequences which may result in an escalation." "In most countries, state has an army. But in Pakistan, the army has a state. If peace were to come,it will lose several of its privileges," he said. "I can't afford to put my children in Ivy League colleges & settle down in London. Like many of their generals do," he added. "For China, the geography works against them, especially in the Tibetan autonomous region. Over the past few years, we have seen significant increase in deployment of aircraft & air crew in Tibetan autonomous region," Dhanoa informed.

'We don't aim at global dominance, helpful towards our neigbours,' says IAF chief post-Gagan Shakti exercise

The vintage <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-world-war-ii-era-dakota-finally-home-bound-to-india-132589">World War II Dakota DC31 aircraft </a>arrived in Air Force station Jamnagar, Gujarat on Wednesday.

The transport aircraft will fly into Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad on Thursday to be inducted in into the vintage fleet of the Indian Air Force.

The plane had begun its journey from Coventry in the UK and reached Jamnagar today.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dakotahomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dakotahomebound</a> : The Dakota <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VP905?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VP905</a> carried out an overshoot & familiarised with the airfield, before touching down on the home ground. To honour the old war horse in its new residence, induction ceremony is scheduled on 04 May 18 at Air Force Station Hindan. <a href="https://t.co/ETHEx0kxmN">pic.twitter.com/ETHEx0kxmN</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/989144718507327494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The aircraft has been gifted to the IAF by BJP Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar, whose father Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar was a Dakota pilot in the IAF.

"Post completion of custom formalities, the aircraft is planned to ferry from Jamnagar to Hindan Air Force Station on April 26, for its induction into the Vintage Aircraft Fleet of the IAF formed in 2012,", the Defence ministry said in a statement.

The iconic transport airport operated in the Indian Air Force till 1988, however it rose again after it was taken out of scrap seven years ago by Chandresekhar and gifted to the Air Force.

The plane had played a central role in India's push to transport troops to Kashmir during the Indo-Pak war in 1948.

The induction ceremony for the Dakota is slated to take place on May 4th at Hindan air base in Delhi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> : The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dakota?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dakota</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VP905?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VP905</a> aircraft was received with lot of splendour at AFS Jamnagar, today. The crew is seen posing with the beautiful machine along with the Commander-in-chief SWAC, team Jamnagar & Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar MP Rajya Sabha. <a href="https://t.co/6Qm0EjwwhZ">pic.twitter.com/6Qm0EjwwhZ</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/989140304967159809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp

The iconic transport airport operated in the Indian Air Force till 1988.

The vintage World War II Dakota DC31 aircraft arrived in Air Force station Jamnagar, Gujarat on Wednesday. The transport aircraft will fly into Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad on Thursday to be inducted in into the vintage fleet of the Indian Air Force. The plane had begun its journey from Coventry in the UK and reached Jamnagar today. #Dakotahomebound : The Dakota #VP905 carried out an overshoot & familiarised with the airfield, before touching down on the home ground. To honour the old war horse in its new residence, induction ceremony is scheduled on 04 May 18 at Air Force Station Hindan. pic.twitter.com/ETHEx0kxmN — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 25, 2018 × The aircraft has been gifted to the IAF by BJP Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar, whose father Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar was a Dakota pilot in the IAF. "Post completion of custom formalities, the aircraft is planned to ferry from Jamnagar to Hindan Air Force Station on April 26, for its induction into the Vintage Aircraft Fleet of the IAF formed in 2012,", the Defence ministry said in a statement. The iconic transport airport operated in the Indian Air Force till 1988, however it rose again after it was taken out of scrap seven years ago by Chandresekhar and gifted to the Air Force. The plane had played a central role in India's push to transport troops to Kashmir during the Indo-Pak war in 1948. The induction ceremony for the Dakota is slated to take place on May 4th at Hindan air base in Delhi. #DakotaHomebound : The #Dakota #VP905 aircraft was received with lot of splendour at AFS Jamnagar, today. The crew is seen posing with the beautiful machine along with the Commander-in-chief SWAC, team Jamnagar & Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar MP Rajya Sabha. pic.twitter.com/6Qm0EjwwhZ — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 25, 2018 ×

Watch: Dakota arrives in India to be inducted into IAF's vintage fleet

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound.

Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram -&nbsp; will land on Indian soil on April 25.

It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> :&nbsp;A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a>. <a href="https://t.co/xq8LHza53V">pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988465747583094784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station.

The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year.

The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India.

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar.

On April 22, the&nbsp;Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well.

A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines.

Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> : On 22Apr18, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VP905?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VP905</a> flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 <a href="https://t.co/RpwhaFdPbk">pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988622633456435201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd.

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound. Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram - will land on Indian soil on April 25. It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict. #DakotaHomebound : A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the #IAF. pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 23, 2018 × Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station. The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year. The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India. The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar. On April 22, the Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well. A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines. Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh. Update on #DakotaHomebound : On 22Apr18, #VP905 flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 24, 2018 ×

Watch: World War II-era Dakota finally home-bound to India

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-10-dead-15-injured-after-van-ploughs-into-crowd-on-toronto-sidewalk-132406">10 dead, 15 injured after van ploughs into </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-10-dead-15-injured-after-van-ploughs-into-crowd-on-toronto-sidewalk-132406">crowd</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-10-dead-15-injured-after-van-ploughs-into-crowd-on-toronto-sidewalk-132406"> on Toronto sidewalk</a>

A driver ploughed his white Ryder rental van into a crowd in Toronto on Monday, killing 10 people and injuring 15 along a roughly mile-long (1.6-km) stretch of sidewalk thronged with lunch-hour pedestrians, police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inclusion-of-death-penalty-will-have-disastrous-consequence-on-children-former-delhi-high-court-chief-justice-132391">Death penalty for child rapists: 'Futile... disastrous consequences for children,' says ex-Delhi HC chief justice</a>

After the Delhi High Court reprimanded the Centre over the ordinance passed to amend the POCSO Act, the former Delhi High Court chief justice AP Shah said on Monday that the enhancement of punishment will have "disastrous consequences for children".&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china--18-dead-in-lounge-fire-arson-suspected-132389">18 dead in China karaoke lounge fire arson suspected</a>

A major fire broke out in a three storey building in Qingyuan city in China on Tuesday. At least 18 people are reported to be killed and five people are injured.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-george-hw-bush-admitted-to-houston-hospital-132384">Day</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-george-hw-bush-admitted-to-houston-hospital-132384"> after wife's funeral, ex-US President George HW Bush admitted to hospital</a>

Former US President George HW Bush was admitted to a Houston hospital for an infection that spread to his blood a day after the funeral of Barbara Bush, his wife of seven decades, a family spokesman said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/achieved-things-beyond-stated-objectives-iaf-chief-on-mega-exercise-132386">Indian Air Force prepared to deal with two-front war, hints chief</a>

The Indian Air Force effectively achieved relocation and re-balancing of its assets from one sector to another during a just-concluded mega exercise, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Monday, hinting at its preparedness to deal with a two-front war.

 
&nbsp;

10 dead, 15 injured after van ploughs into crowd on Toronto sidewalk A driver ploughed his white Ryder rental van into a crowd in Toronto on Monday, killing 10 people and injuring 15 along a roughly mile-long (1.6-km) stretch of sidewalk thronged with lunch-hour pedestrians, police said. Death penalty for child rapists: 'Futile... disastrous consequences for children,' says ex-Delhi HC chief justice After the Delhi High Court reprimanded the Centre over the ordinance passed to amend the POCSO Act, the former Delhi High Court chief justice AP Shah said on Monday that the enhancement of punishment will have "disastrous consequences for children". 18 dead in China karaoke lounge fire arson suspected A major fire broke out in a three storey building in Qingyuan city in China on Tuesday. At least 18 people are reported to be killed and five people are injured. Day after wife's funeral, ex-US President George HW Bush admitted to hospital Former US President George HW Bush was admitted to a Houston hospital for an infection that spread to his blood a day after the funeral of Barbara Bush, his wife of seven decades, a family spokesman said on Monday. Indian Air Force prepared to deal with two-front war, hints chief The Indian Air Force effectively achieved relocation and re-balancing of its assets from one sector to another during a just-concluded mega exercise, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Monday, hinting at its preparedness to deal with a two-front war.

The Indian Air Force effectively achieved relocation and re-balancing of its assets from one sector to another during a just-concluded mega exercise, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Monday, hinting at its preparedness to deal with a two-front war.

The IAF carried out Gagan Shakti exercise -- the biggest such drill in three decades -- from April 8 to April 20 with a focus on borders with China and Pakistan.

"We achieved things beyond our stated objectives," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said&nbsp;in an interview.

He said all assets of the Indian Air Force were deployed during the 13-day long exercise and that a total of 11,000 sorties were carried out by aircraft and choppers of the force.

"The overall objective of Gagan Shakti was fully achieved," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said.&nbsp;

The first phase of the exercise focused on northern borders and the second phase was aimed at checking preparedness in case of a war-like situation along the borders with Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We achieved relocation and re-balancing of assets from one sector to another in 48 hours," he said.

The exercise also focused on flexible use of airspace, joint maritime air operations with the Indian Navy, joint operations with the Indian Army, simulated combat search and rescue for effective extraction of downed aircrew behind enemy lines among others.

The combat drill was carried out at a time China was showing increasing assertiveness along the borders with India and in strategically critical sea lanes in the region.

The IAF has just carried out its Gagan Shakti exercise -- its biggest drill in three decades -- with a focus on the China and Pakistan borders

The Indian Air Force effectively achieved relocation and re-balancing of its assets from one sector to another during a just-concluded mega exercise, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Monday, hinting at its preparedness to deal with a two-front war. The IAF carried out Gagan Shakti exercise -- the biggest such drill in three decades -- from April 8 to April 20 with a focus on borders with China and Pakistan. "We achieved things beyond our stated objectives," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said in an interview. He said all assets of the Indian Air Force were deployed during the 13-day long exercise and that a total of 11,000 sorties were carried out by aircraft and choppers of the force. "The overall objective of Gagan Shakti was fully achieved," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said. The first phase of the exercise focused on northern borders and the second phase was aimed at checking preparedness in case of a war-like situation along the borders with Pakistan. "We achieved relocation and re-balancing of assets from one sector to another in 48 hours," he said. The exercise also focused on flexible use of airspace, joint maritime air operations with the Indian Navy, joint operations with the Indian Army, simulated combat search and rescue for effective extraction of downed aircrew behind enemy lines among others. The combat drill was carried out at a time China was showing increasing assertiveness along the borders with India and in strategically critical sea lanes in the region.

Indian Air Force prepared to deal with two-front war, hints chief

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to conduct its biggest ever combat exercise along Pakistan and China borders.

The exercise- Gagan Shakti, 2018- will be taking place between April 10 to 23. Depending upon the order of the Air Force Chief, the Air Force will mobilise its assets in the war scenario within 48 hours of the orders.

Meanwhile, the IAF is readying to mobilise its entire asset and equipment inventory to conduct its biggest exercise ever.

IAF will mobilise more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft in order to practice the real time scenario, to be conducted day and night, of Combat with the enemy encompassing along Pakistan border in the Western areas and along China border in the Northern areas.

For the first time, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will be taking part in the exercise and will perform both the offensive and defensive roles. Navy's Maritime Combat Aircraft MiG 29s will also take part.

As per the protocol, Pakistan has been informed. The scale of the exercise can be gauged from the fact that just from Air Force more than 300 officers and more than 15,000 airmen have been mobilised. Joint operations scenario with the Army and the Navy are part of this exercise.

The pan India synergised exercise will showcase the multi spectrum capabilities, both offensive and defensive. The IAF will conduct all terrain operations- desert, high altitude, maritime scenarios and special operations- in the real time.

Mobility and resilience of air combat operations will be visible from the fact that Aircraft from Bhuj in Gujarat will fly towards Assam and conduct bombing and simultaneously aircraft from Assam will fly towards deserts of Rajasthan and will do bombing. Also, inter valley transfer of troops and equipments will be performed.

A senior IAF officer on the condition of anonymity told ANI, "The exercise will cover from the heights of 20,000 ft to the extreme hot areas of the desert and also the maritime scenarios. We will be utilising all the Air Force firing ranges. The IAF will be conducting landing at Advanced Landing Grounds, Improvised Airstrips and helipads."

During the exercise, 1100 aircraft will be flying three-four sorties in a day with the cumulative sorties reaching to the count of 3300 to 4400 in a day.

In order to maintain optimum turn around, keeping the aircraft Combat ready Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be placing their technicians at the maintenance bases. Apart from the Defence assets there is participation of the railways and civil aviation manpower and machinery.

The exercise- Gagan Shakti, 2018- will be taking place from April 10 to 23. Depending upon the order of the Air Force Chief, the Air Force will mobilise its assets in the war scenario within 48 hours of the orders

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to conduct its biggest ever combat exercise along Pakistan and China borders. The exercise- Gagan Shakti, 2018- will be taking place between April 10 to 23. Depending upon the order of the Air Force Chief, the Air Force will mobilise its assets in the war scenario within 48 hours of the orders. Meanwhile, the IAF is readying to mobilise its entire asset and equipment inventory to conduct its biggest exercise ever. IAF will mobilise more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft in order to practice the real time scenario, to be conducted day and night, of Combat with the enemy encompassing along Pakistan border in the Western areas and along China border in the Northern areas. For the first time, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will be taking part in the exercise and will perform both the offensive and defensive roles. Navy's Maritime Combat Aircraft MiG 29s will also take part. As per the protocol, Pakistan has been informed. The scale of the exercise can be gauged from the fact that just from Air Force more than 300 officers and more than 15,000 airmen have been mobilised. Joint operations scenario with the Army and the Navy are part of this exercise. The pan India synergised exercise will showcase the multi spectrum capabilities, both offensive and defensive. The IAF will conduct all terrain operations- desert, high altitude, maritime scenarios and special operations- in the real time. Mobility and resilience of air combat operations will be visible from the fact that Aircraft from Bhuj in Gujarat will fly towards Assam and conduct bombing and simultaneously aircraft from Assam will fly towards deserts of Rajasthan and will do bombing. Also, inter valley transfer of troops and equipments will be performed. A senior IAF officer on the condition of anonymity told ANI, "The exercise will cover from the heights of 20,000 ft to the extreme hot areas of the desert and also the maritime scenarios. We will be utilising all the Air Force firing ranges. The IAF will be conducting landing at Advanced Landing Grounds, Improvised Airstrips and helipads." During the exercise, 1100 aircraft will be flying three-four sorties in a day with the cumulative sorties reaching to the count of 3300 to 4400 in a day. In order to maintain optimum turn around, keeping the aircraft Combat ready Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be placing their technicians at the maintenance bases. Apart from the Defence assets there is participation of the railways and civil aviation manpower and machinery.

IAF to conduct biggest combat exercise along Pak, China borders

An Indian Air Force fighter trainer aircraft crashed in Odisha&rsquo;s Mayurbhanj district here on Tuesday.

According to reports, the aircraft crashed at Subarnarekha&rsquo;s Topa ghat area of Mahuldangiri village of Baripada today.

It is suspected that the aircraft took off from Kalaikunda Air Force Station from neighbouring West Bengal and some locals at Rairangpur claimed to have spotted smoke coming out of the plane.

Earlier, a Hawk A-3492 had also crashed in a paddy field in Mayurbhanj district in 2015.

The aircraft was airborne from Kalaikunda on a routine training sortie. The trainee pilot ejected safely.

A Committee of Inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident.

(With inputs ANI)

The aircraft was airborne from Kalaikunda on a routine training sortie. The trainee pilot ejected safely.

An Indian Air Force fighter trainer aircraft crashed in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district here on Tuesday. According to reports, the aircraft crashed at Subarnarekha’s Topa ghat area of Mahuldangiri village of Baripada today. It is suspected that the aircraft took off from Kalaikunda Air Force Station from neighbouring West Bengal and some locals at Rairangpur claimed to have spotted smoke coming out of the plane. Earlier, a Hawk A-3492 had also crashed in a paddy field in Mayurbhanj district in 2015. The aircraft was airborne from Kalaikunda on a routine training sortie. The trainee pilot ejected safely. A Committee of Inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident. (With inputs ANI)

Indian Air Force plane crashes in Odisha, pilot ejected safely

Flying officer Bhawana Kanth is now the second woman pilot of the Indian Air Force to fly solo in a fighter aircraft.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Flying officer Bhawana Kanth became the second woman pilot of Indian Air Force to fly solo in a fighter aircraft after she flew in a MiG 21 Bison aircraft from Ambala Air Force Station at around 2 pm yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/3jkKeYHTdU">pic.twitter.com/3jkKeYHTdU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975019300846276608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Kanth flew solo in a MiG 21 Bison aircraft from Ambala Air Force Station at around 2 pm&nbsp;yesterday. The sortie was flown for about 30 minutes.&nbsp;

Flying officer Avani Chaturvedi was the first woman IAF pilot to go solo.

Kanth hails from Darbhanga, Bihar and was born and brought up in Begusarai.

Bhawana, Avani and Mohana Singh were commissioned as flying officers into the fighter stream after basic training in June 2016 on &quot;an experimental basis&quot; for five years initially.

Flying officer Avani Chaturvedi was the first woman IAF pilot to go solo

Flying officer Bhawana Kanth is now the second woman pilot of the Indian Air Force to fly solo in a fighter aircraft. Flying officer Bhawana Kanth became the second woman pilot of Indian Air Force to fly solo in a fighter aircraft after she flew in a MiG 21 Bison aircraft from Ambala Air Force Station at around 2 pm yesterday. pic.twitter.com/3jkKeYHTdU — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × Kanth flew solo in a MiG 21 Bison aircraft from Ambala Air Force Station at around 2 pm yesterday. The sortie was flown for about 30 minutes. Flying officer Avani Chaturvedi was the first woman IAF pilot to go solo. Kanth hails from Darbhanga, Bihar and was born and brought up in Begusarai. Bhawana, Avani and Mohana Singh were commissioned as flying officers into the fighter stream after basic training in June 2016 on "an experimental basis" for five years initially.

Flying officer Bhawana Kanth becomes second woman pilot to fly solo in fighter aircraft

Terrorists fired on guards at an Air Force Station in Kashmir&#39;s Malangpora.&nbsp;

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening as terrorists fired bullets and threw grenades at Malangpora water point outside the Air Force station. India&#39;s Defence Security Corps (DSC) guards retaliated immediately forcing the terrorists to pull back.

There were no reports of any casualties.

On Monday, an unidentified man had fired on security forces in J&amp;K after he tried to enter the security zone in Budgam Air Force station.

The man reportedly crossed the security fence and came close to perimeter wall of the Air Force station.&nbsp;

Security officials suspected a terrorist attack which was foiled at the right time. Investigation is still underway on the suspected terror strike.

Security officials suspect a man tried to carry out a terror strike at Budgam Air Force station on Monday

Terrorists fired on guards at an Air Force Station in Kashmir's Malangpora. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening as terrorists fired bullets and threw grenades at Malangpora water point outside the Air Force station. India's Defence Security Corps (DSC) guards retaliated immediately forcing the terrorists to pull back. There were no reports of any casualties. On Monday, an unidentified man had fired on security forces in J&K after he tried to enter the security zone in Budgam Air Force station. The man reportedly crossed the security fence and came close to perimeter wall of the Air Force station. Security officials suspected a terrorist attack which was foiled at the right time. Investigation is still underway on the suspected terror strike.

J&K: Terrorists fire at guards in Air Force Station in Malangpora

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-no-one-shall-be-spared-says-govt-32982">PNB scam: &#39;No one shall be spared,&#39; says govt</a>

The government Thursday promised &quot;swift action soon&quot; in the PNB scam. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad added that &quot;no one shall be spared&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scam-began-in-2011-bank-discovered-it-in-january-2018-pnb-md-32969">Scam began in 2011, bank discovered it in January 2018: PNB MD</a>

Punjab National Bank MD Sunil Mehta said Thursday that the massive Rs 11,400 crore scam his bank finds itself in began in 2011 but that the bank &quot;detected it in the third week of January (2018).&quot;&nbsp;

Mehta added that &quot;we promptly investigated it for 3-4 days, we went to CBI on 29 Jan and FIR was booked on (Jan) 30.&quot;&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-nirav-modi-left-india-on-january-1-say-officials-32966" target="_blank">PNB scam: Nirav Modi left India on January 1, say officials</a>

Billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi had left the country on January 1 much before the CBI received a complaint from Punjab National Bank on January 29 about a Rs 280-crore fraud, officials said.

His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on January 1, while wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, departed on January 6, the officials said.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-feared-trapped-after-building-collapses-in-bengaluru-32988" target="_blank">One killed as under construction building collapses in Bengaluru</a>

One labourer was killed and many injured when a four-storey under construction building collapsed on Jail Road at Kasavanahalli in Bengaluru on Thursday afternoon, news reports said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-air-force-pilots-killed-in-aircraft-crash-in-assam-32979" target="_blank">2 AIF pilots killed in aircraft crash in Assam</a>

An Indian Air Force (IAF) microlight aircraft on Thursday crashed near Majuli river island district of Assam, killing two pilots.

PNB scam: 'No one shall be spared,' says govt The government Thursday promised "swift action soon" in the PNB scam. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad added that "no one shall be spared". Scam began in 2011, bank discovered it in January 2018: PNB MD Punjab National Bank MD Sunil Mehta said Thursday that the massive Rs 11,400 crore scam his bank finds itself in began in 2011 but that the bank "detected it in the third week of January (2018)." Mehta added that "we promptly investigated it for 3-4 days, we went to CBI on 29 Jan and FIR was booked on (Jan) 30." PNB scam: Nirav Modi left India on January 1, say officials Billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi had left the country on January 1 much before the CBI received a complaint from Punjab National Bank on January 29 about a Rs 280-crore fraud, officials said. His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on January 1, while wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, departed on January 6, the officials said. One killed as under construction building collapses in Bengaluru One labourer was killed and many injured when a four-storey under construction building collapsed on Jail Road at Kasavanahalli in Bengaluru on Thursday afternoon, news reports said. 2 AIF pilots killed in aircraft crash in Assam An Indian Air Force (IAF) microlight aircraft on Thursday crashed near Majuli river island district of Assam, killing two pilots.

WION Evening News Brief, February 15, 2018

indian-air-force

Indian Air Force, News on Indian Air Force, stories on Indian Air Force, articles on Indian Air Force, Indian Air Force stories at Wion, Indian Air Force news, Indian Air Force latest news

indian air-force

Sensex falls 285 points as IAF strikes terror camps in Pakistan

Fighter jets' sound kept us awake the whole night: Locals on IAF's strike on terror launch pads

All you need to know about Mirage-2000 fighter jets which destroyed terror camps across LoC

Indian Air Force demonstrates its might, carries out mega exercise in Pokhran

Meet Hina Jaiswal, IAF's first woman flight engineer

Indian Air Force Jaguar crashes in UP's Kushinagar, pilot safe

Indian Air Force to acquire 15 HAROP killer drones from Israel

Indian Air Force to deploy Rafale jets in Ambala, Hasimara

18 high-powered pumps being moved to Meghalaya mining site

Watch: Russia-India joint military exercise concludes in Rajasthan

Russia-India air forces’ joint exercise concludes in desert state

Western Air Command airlifts record 463 tonne load at one go

News brief: Big stories of the day

India is 'very much alive' to emerging threats in Indo-Pacific: Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa

Defence minister Sitharaman set to leave for France over procurement of 36 Rafale jets

Need to minimise accidents caused by human error: Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa

Air Force Day: MiG-29 gets upgrade; gains in lethality, ferocity

Rafale deal: Will bring to justice those who stole from you, Rahul tells jawans, IAF officers

India won't back out of buying S-400s from Russia despite US pressure: India's envoy

Indian Air Force pilot killed after Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat’s Kutch

In a first, Indian Army to take part in jungle warfare exercise in Malaysia

'We don't aim at global dominance, helpful towards our neigbours,' says IAF chief post-Gagan Shakti exercise

Watch: Dakota arrives in India to be inducted into IAF's vintage fleet

Watch: World War II-era Dakota finally home-bound to India

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indian Air Force prepared to deal with two-front war, hints chief