GE Aerospace and Hindustan aeronautics limited (HAL) have joined forces to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian air force. The agreement includes the potential joint production of ge aerospace's f414 engines in India, supporting the Indian air force's light combat aircraft mk2 program. Ge Aerospace, with over four decades of presence in India, has a strong track record in the industry, including engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing.

GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL, to produce fighter jet engines for Tejas Mk2

GE aerospace joins forces in India for Jet engine domination

US-based GE Aerospace announced on Thursday (June 22) that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. The announcement is a major milestone amidst Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the US and a key element in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

GE Aerospace stated the agreement includes the potential joint production of its F414 engines in India, and GE Aerospace continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorisation for this.&nbsp;

The effort is part of the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme.&nbsp;

For the unversed, US-based GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-pm-modi-sets-techade-agenda-for-2020s-607153">India's PM Modi sets 'techade' agenda for making 2020s a transformative era in technology sector</a>&nbsp;

H Lawrence Culp, Jr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GE and CEO of GE Aerospace said, "This is a historic agreement made possible by our longstanding partnership with India and HAL."&nbsp;

"We are proud to play a role in advancing President Biden and Prime Minister Modi's vision of closer coordination between the two nations. Our F414 engines are unmatched and will offer important economic and national security benefits for both countries as we help our customers produce the highest quality engines to meet the needs of their military fleet," Lawrence added.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>GE Aerospace's presence in India&nbsp;</h2>

In India, GE Aerospace has operated for more than four decades. Its engagement has been seen in the industry including engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing. Apart from the potential new work in India, a number of US sites presently supporting work on the F414 engine will experience increased activity as a result of today's decision.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-team-up-with-nasa-for-joint-mission-to-iss-report-607356">India to team up with NASA for joint mission to ISS: Report</a>

GE began working with the Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL to support the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with F404 engines in 1986. And GE Aerospace's F404 and F414 have been part of the development and production programmes of LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programmes.&nbsp;

The press release by GE Aerospace mentioned that a total of 75 F404 engines have been delivered and another 99 are on order for LCA Mk1A. Meanwhile, eight F414 engines have been delivered as part of an ongoing development program for LCA Mk2.&nbsp;

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US-based GE Aerospace announced on Thursday (June 22) that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force.

US-based GE Aerospace announced on Thursday (June 22) that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. The announcement is a major milestone amidst Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the US and a key element in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. GE Aerospace stated the agreement includes the potential joint production of its F414 engines in India, and GE Aerospace continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorisation for this. The effort is part of the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme. For the unversed, US-based GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft. Also read: India's PM Modi sets 'techade' agenda for making 2020s a transformative era in technology sector H Lawrence Culp, Jr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GE and CEO of GE Aerospace said, "This is a historic agreement made possible by our longstanding partnership with India and HAL." "We are proud to play a role in advancing President Biden and Prime Minister Modi's vision of closer coordination between the two nations. Our F414 engines are unmatched and will offer important economic and national security benefits for both countries as we help our customers produce the highest quality engines to meet the needs of their military fleet," Lawrence added. Watch this report: × GE Aerospace's presence in India In India, GE Aerospace has operated for more than four decades. Its engagement has been seen in the industry including engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing. Apart from the potential new work in India, a number of US sites presently supporting work on the F414 engine will experience increased activity as a result of today's decision. Also read: India to team up with NASA for joint mission to ISS: Report GE began working with the Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL to support the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with F404 engines in 1986. And GE Aerospace's F404 and F414 have been part of the development and production programmes of LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programmes. The press release by GE Aerospace mentioned that a total of 75 F404 engines have been delivered and another 99 are on order for LCA Mk1A. Meanwhile, eight F414 engines have been delivered as part of an ongoing development program for LCA Mk2. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Historic agreement': GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL for production of fighter jet engines for IAF

In India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, a massive fire has been burning for over 15 hours. To put out the blaze in Satpura Bhawan, a multi-storied building housing various government offices in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been called in.&nbsp;

The affected building, as per PTI, is located on a hill in front of the Madhya Pradesh State government secretariat, Vallabh Bhawan.

<h2>Indian Air Force and the massive Bhopal building fire</h2>

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reached out to the Indian Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking support from the IAF.&nbsp;

A special IAF aircraft will fly to Bhopal to help douse the fire.

The Indian Defence Minister has directed the Indian Air Force to make use of AN-32 aircraft and MI-15 choppers. They've been instructed to reach Bhopal tonight.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-massive-fire-breaks-out-in-indias-bhopal-at-satpura-bhawan-building-spreads-to-three-floors-603585">Watch | Massive fire breaks out in India’s Bhopal at Satpura Bhawan building</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been apprised of the situation,&nbsp;he has assured CM Chouhan of all possible assistance from the Centre for controlling the blaze.

Talking to PTI, Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said that the IAF aircraft would be reaching around 1.20 AM.&nbsp;

Citing the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the news agency reports that they would try to extinguish the fire by pouring water using buckets from above.

<h2>How did the blaze start?</h2>

Quoting Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, PTI reports that based on prima facie evidence it is believed to be set off by a&nbsp;short circuit in an air conditioner on the third floor of the building.

"As per prima facie information and people present at the spot informed that the blaze erupted on the third floor of the building due to a short circuit in an air conditioner and raged to other floors due to wind."

<h2>The damage&nbsp;</h2>

No casualties have been reported. However, as per officials, the fire destroyed furniture and documents in several departments located in the building.

The fire which started on the building's third floor around 4 pm quickly spread up to the sixth floor.

As per District Collector Ashish Singh, the many files stored in the various offices helped the fire spread. The blaze has affected the third, fourth, fifth and the top sixth floors of the building.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-airport-for-delhi-to-have-indias-first-pod-taxi-service-603624">India's first pod taxi service will be available at upcoming Noida international airport</a>

"The fire is under control and is now confined to the building. It is not completely doused and efforts are on to completely douse it," one officer told the news agency.

Fire tenders and firefighters from the Army, Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL, Airports Authority of India, BHEL, and from Mandideep and Raisen are already pitching in to try and douse the fire, said the Chief Minister's Office said. Around 22 fire tenders and 30-40 tankers are involved in the dousing operation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, a massive fire has been burning for over 15 hours. To put out the blaze in Satpura Bhawan, a multi-storied building housing various government offices in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been called in.

In India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, a massive fire has been burning for over 15 hours. To put out the blaze in Satpura Bhawan, a multi-storied building housing various government offices in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been called in. The affected building, as per PTI, is located on a hill in front of the Madhya Pradesh State government secretariat, Vallabh Bhawan. Indian Air Force and the massive Bhopal building fire Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reached out to the Indian Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking support from the IAF. A special IAF aircraft will fly to Bhopal to help douse the fire. The Indian Defence Minister has directed the Indian Air Force to make use of AN-32 aircraft and MI-15 choppers. They've been instructed to reach Bhopal tonight. Also read | Watch | Massive fire breaks out in India’s Bhopal at Satpura Bhawan building Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been apprised of the situation, he has assured CM Chouhan of all possible assistance from the Centre for controlling the blaze. Talking to PTI, Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said that the IAF aircraft would be reaching around 1.20 AM. Citing the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the news agency reports that they would try to extinguish the fire by pouring water using buckets from above. How did the blaze start? Quoting Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, PTI reports that based on prima facie evidence it is believed to be set off by a short circuit in an air conditioner on the third floor of the building. "As per prima facie information and people present at the spot informed that the blaze erupted on the third floor of the building due to a short circuit in an air conditioner and raged to other floors due to wind." The damage No casualties have been reported. However, as per officials, the fire destroyed furniture and documents in several departments located in the building. The fire which started on the building's third floor around 4 pm quickly spread up to the sixth floor. As per District Collector Ashish Singh, the many files stored in the various offices helped the fire spread. The blaze has affected the third, fourth, fifth and the top sixth floors of the building. Also read | India's first pod taxi service will be available at upcoming Noida international airport "The fire is under control and is now confined to the building. It is not completely doused and efforts are on to completely douse it," one officer told the news agency. Fire tenders and firefighters from the Army, Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL, Airports Authority of India, BHEL, and from Mandideep and Raisen are already pitching in to try and douse the fire, said the Chief Minister's Office said. Around 22 fire tenders and 30-40 tankers are involved in the dousing operation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian Air Force to aid in dousing of massive Bhopal building fire; PM Modi pledges 'all possible assistance'

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has called for the development of the next generation smaller version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to bolster the firepower of lighter air combat planes like MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and the LCA Tejas.

The IAF chief made the remarks on Wednesday at the BrahMos User Meet 2023 in the national capital Delhi, saying that the 2.5-tonne missile that is currently mounted on Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets has greatly enhanced India’s firepower.

“As the situation unfolded in northern borders three years ago, we realised that the potent weapon can be used very effectively for land attacks... In future, next-generation BrahMos or a small version that can be fitted onto smaller platforms like MiG-29, Mirage 2000 or even the LCA,” Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said.

He said that the weapon, a joint venture of India and Russia, has emerged to be one of the air force’s most lethal air combat assets.

“As one of our most lethal air-combat assets, the BrahMos supersonic missile has really galvanised the way we will equip ourselves with precision firepower in the coming years. Seeing the conflicts that are happening across the globe, the importance of precision, and long-range firepower can’t be underscored.”

“The combination of BrahMos on the Sukhoi Su-30 has really given us a tremendous capability that has enhanced our firepower. It has made the deterrence value of the IAF go up by leaps and bounds,” he said.

<h2>Lethal version of BrahMos in development</h2>

According to several media reports, a smaller version of the missile weighing about 1.2 tonnes is presently in development. It is expected to be more lethal than the current version.

Scientists are also working to double the range of the supersonic missile and develop it into a hypersonic version, apart from modifying it in a way that it can be fitted on copters too to give forces strategic depth.

<h2>BrahMos: India’s mainstay</h2>

The missile was developed by BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an India-Russian joint venture. It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.

BrahMos missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound.&nbsp;

It operates on ‘Fire and Forget Principle’, adopting varieties of flights on its way to the target

In January last year, India sealed a $375 million deal with the Philippines for supplying three batteries of the missile.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has called for the development of the next generation smaller version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to bolster the firepower of lighter air combat planes like MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and the LCA Tejas.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has called for the development of the next generation smaller version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to bolster the firepower of lighter air combat planes like MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and the LCA Tejas. The IAF chief made the remarks on Wednesday at the BrahMos User Meet 2023 in the national capital Delhi, saying that the 2.5-tonne missile that is currently mounted on Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets has greatly enhanced India’s firepower. “As the situation unfolded in northern borders three years ago, we realised that the potent weapon can be used very effectively for land attacks... In future, next-generation BrahMos or a small version that can be fitted onto smaller platforms like MiG-29, Mirage 2000 or even the LCA,” Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said. He said that the weapon, a joint venture of India and Russia, has emerged to be one of the air force’s most lethal air combat assets. “As one of our most lethal air-combat assets, the BrahMos supersonic missile has really galvanised the way we will equip ourselves with precision firepower in the coming years. Seeing the conflicts that are happening across the globe, the importance of precision, and long-range firepower can’t be underscored.” “The combination of BrahMos on the Sukhoi Su-30 has really given us a tremendous capability that has enhanced our firepower. It has made the deterrence value of the IAF go up by leaps and bounds,” he said. Lethal version of BrahMos in development According to several media reports, a smaller version of the missile weighing about 1.2 tonnes is presently in development. It is expected to be more lethal than the current version. Scientists are also working to double the range of the supersonic missile and develop it into a hypersonic version, apart from modifying it in a way that it can be fitted on copters too to give forces strategic depth. BrahMos: India’s mainstay The missile was developed by BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an India-Russian joint venture. It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms. BrahMos missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound. It operates on ‘Fire and Forget Principle’, adopting varieties of flights on its way to the target In January last year, India sealed a $375 million deal with the Philippines for supplying three batteries of the missile. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

IAF chief VR Chaudhari calls for smaller versions of BrahMos cruise missile

In a recent incident, the Indian Air Force's intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft, HAL HJT-16, commonly known as Kiran, crashed into an open field in Chamrajnagar village in Karnataka.

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A Kiran trainer aircraft of the <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> crashed near Chamrajnagar, Karnataka today, while on a routine training sortie. Both aircrew Bhumika and Tejpal ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. <a href="https://t.co/K0eN6pvOWZ">pic.twitter.com/K0eN6pvOWZ</a>
— Jitender Sharma (@capt_ivane) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_ivane/status/1664182450942275584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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IAF's trainer aircraft crashes in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district. Two pilots eject safely. Both of them being airlifted to HAL airport in Bengaluru. <a href="https://t.co/o8BfbCskQh">pic.twitter.com/o8BfbCskQh</a>
— Harish Upadhya (@harishupadhya) <a href="https://twitter.com/harishupadhya/status/1664173489430097920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Fortunately, both pilots aboard the aircraft managed to eject safely using parachutes and landed without injuries. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie at the time of the accident. The IAF has announced that an inquiry would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident.

<h2>Aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</h2>

The Kiran trainer aircraft, designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), made its maiden flight in 1964. It aims at serving a crucial role in the IAF by providing intermediate training, also known as Stage 2 training, to pilots before they advance to training on board the Hawk jets.

Watch:&nbsp;IAF grounds MiG-21 fleet for safety checks after Rajasthan crash

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world, is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bengaluru.

<h2>IAF grounds Soviet-origin MiG-21 jets over safety concerns</h2>

This incident in Karnataka follows the temporary grounding of the entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets by the IAF. The decision was made after a MiG-21 Bison crashed into a house in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, on May 8 during a routine training sortie. The pilot survived, but sadly, three other individuals lost their lives in the crash.

The accident again highlighted safety concerns surrounding the MiG-21 fighter jets. Despite being the primary combat aircraft of the IAF for a considerable period, the ageing fleet has been involved in around 400 accidents since its induction in the early 1960s. Out of the more than 870 MiG-21 fighter jets procured by the IAF, only about 50 remain in service.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iaf-mig-21-crashes-in-rajasthan-killing-at-least-two-rescue-operation-underway-590129">Also Read |&nbsp;India: IAF MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan, killing at least three civilians; rescue operation underway</a>

An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the MiG-21 crash in Rajasthan. Until the investigation is completed and the cause of the accident is identified, the MiG-21 fleet will remain grounded. The aircraft will undergo thorough evaluation and checks before they are cleared for flight by the scrutiny teams.

<h2>IAF phasing out MiG-21 jets</h2>

The IAF has been gradually phasing out the ageing MiG fleet and aims to retire all the MiG jets by early 2025. To replace them, the IAF has signed a deal for 83 Tejas jets with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as part of its modernization plan.

Additionally, the procurement of 36 Rafale jets has solidified the IAF's combat capabilities. Furthermore, the IAF is in the process of acquiring 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft to enhance its combat fleet.

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&nbsp;

In a recent incident, the Indian Air Force's intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft, HAL HJT-16, commonly known as Kiran, crashed into an open field in Chamrajnagar village in Karnataka.

In a recent incident, the Indian Air Force's intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft, HAL HJT-16, commonly known as Kiran, crashed into an open field in Chamrajnagar village in Karnataka. A Kiran trainer aircraft of the @IAF_MCC crashed near Chamrajnagar, Karnataka today, while on a routine training sortie. Both aircrew Bhumika and Tejpal ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. pic.twitter.com/K0eN6pvOWZ — Jitender Sharma (@capt_ivane) June 1, 2023 × IAF's trainer aircraft crashes in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district. Two pilots eject safely. Both of them being airlifted to HAL airport in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/o8BfbCskQh — Harish Upadhya (@harishupadhya) June 1, 2023 × Fortunately, both pilots aboard the aircraft managed to eject safely using parachutes and landed without injuries. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie at the time of the accident. The IAF has announced that an inquiry would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident. Aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited The Kiran trainer aircraft, designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), made its maiden flight in 1964. It aims at serving a crucial role in the IAF by providing intermediate training, also known as Stage 2 training, to pilots before they advance to training on board the Hawk jets. Watch: IAF grounds MiG-21 fleet for safety checks after Rajasthan crash × Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world, is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bengaluru. IAF grounds Soviet-origin MiG-21 jets over safety concerns This incident in Karnataka follows the temporary grounding of the entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets by the IAF. The decision was made after a MiG-21 Bison crashed into a house in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, on May 8 during a routine training sortie. The pilot survived, but sadly, three other individuals lost their lives in the crash. The accident again highlighted safety concerns surrounding the MiG-21 fighter jets. Despite being the primary combat aircraft of the IAF for a considerable period, the ageing fleet has been involved in around 400 accidents since its induction in the early 1960s. Out of the more than 870 MiG-21 fighter jets procured by the IAF, only about 50 remain in service. Also Read | India: IAF MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan, killing at least three civilians; rescue operation underway An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the MiG-21 crash in Rajasthan. Until the investigation is completed and the cause of the accident is identified, the MiG-21 fleet will remain grounded. The aircraft will undergo thorough evaluation and checks before they are cleared for flight by the scrutiny teams. IAF phasing out MiG-21 jets The IAF has been gradually phasing out the ageing MiG fleet and aims to retire all the MiG jets by early 2025. To replace them, the IAF has signed a deal for 83 Tejas jets with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as part of its modernization plan. Additionally, the procurement of 36 Rafale jets has solidified the IAF's combat capabilities. Furthermore, the IAF is in the process of acquiring 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft to enhance its combat fleet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Air Force's training aircraft with two pilots on board crashes in Karnataka, IAF orders enquiry. Watch!

The Indian Air Force flew 24,000 kg of humanitarian relief supplies to assist the war-torn nation of Sudan and will bring back about 150 Indians who are stuck there. “Today, a C-17 aircraft of the #IAF got airborne for Sudan carrying 24,000 kg of relief material. On its return journey, the aircraft will bring back approximately 150 stranded Indians,” IAF tweeted.&nbsp;

Sudanese Army and paramilitary forces jointly overthrew the Sudan government in 2021. The two feuding groups were once allies. However, the former did not agree with the idea of integrating RSF with the army. This resulted in a fight for dominance that eventually turned into a full-fledged civil war. The bloodiest fights have taken place in Khartoum, with combat also occurring throughout in the nation.

<h2>Operation&nbsp;Kaveri&nbsp;</h2>

On April 24, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the evacuation programme "Operation Kaveri," which bears the name of one of the major rivers from South India. New Delhi established separate control centres in Jeddah and Port Sudan to accommodate the passengers while maintaining close communication with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Indian embassy in Khartoum.

Nearly a fortnight after launching ‘Operation Kaveri’ to bring back stranded citizens from the conflict-ridden country of Sudan, the Indian government on 5 May wrapped up the evacuation programme.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-prohibits-employees-from-using-openais-chatgpt-report-593888">Apple bans employees from using OpenAI's ChatGPT</a>

The Indian Air Force C130 flight brought the final batch of 47 passengers home which culminated the highly laborious and dangerous operation. In total, 3,862 people were moved out of Sudan, informed External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Twitter.&nbsp;

"An Indian Air Force C130 J flight carrying 47 passengers has landed in India. With this arrival, 3862 persons have been moved out of Sudan through #OperationKaveri," Jaishankar had said.&nbsp;The EAM also appreciated nations for helping New Delhi in its operations to evacuate its citizens with safely.&nbsp;

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"From Jeddah, airforce and commercial flights have brought people home. We are grateful to Saudi Arabia for hosting them and facilitating this process. Also appreciate the support of Chad, Egypt, France, South Sudan, UAE, UK, USA and UN," he wrote at the time.&nbsp;

A total of 17 aircraft from Sudan were piloted by the Indian Air Force, and five Indian Navy ships also assisted in the evacuation.

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Jaishankar lauded Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, who was present in Saudi Arabia to oversee the rescue efforts. Muraleedharan's presence on the ground was a source of strength and reassurance, he said. "Recognize the contribution of my colleague, @MOS_MEA whose presence on the ground was a source of strength and reassurance."

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The Indian Air Force flew 24,000 kg of humanitarian relief supplies to assist the war-torn nation of Sudan and will bring back about 150 Indians who are stuck there.

The Indian Air Force flew 24,000 kg of humanitarian relief supplies to assist the war-torn nation of Sudan and will bring back about 150 Indians who are stuck there. “Today, a C-17 aircraft of the #IAF got airborne for Sudan carrying 24,000 kg of relief material. On its return journey, the aircraft will bring back approximately 150 stranded Indians,” IAF tweeted. Sudanese Army and paramilitary forces jointly overthrew the Sudan government in 2021. The two feuding groups were once allies. However, the former did not agree with the idea of integrating RSF with the army. This resulted in a fight for dominance that eventually turned into a full-fledged civil war. The bloodiest fights have taken place in Khartoum, with combat also occurring throughout in the nation. Operation Kaveri On April 24, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the evacuation programme "Operation Kaveri," which bears the name of one of the major rivers from South India. New Delhi established separate control centres in Jeddah and Port Sudan to accommodate the passengers while maintaining close communication with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Indian embassy in Khartoum. Nearly a fortnight after launching ‘Operation Kaveri’ to bring back stranded citizens from the conflict-ridden country of Sudan, the Indian government on 5 May wrapped up the evacuation programme. Also Read | Apple bans employees from using OpenAI's ChatGPT The Indian Air Force C130 flight brought the final batch of 47 passengers home which culminated the highly laborious and dangerous operation. In total, 3,862 people were moved out of Sudan, informed External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Twitter. "An Indian Air Force C130 J flight carrying 47 passengers has landed in India. With this arrival, 3862 persons have been moved out of Sudan through #OperationKaveri," Jaishankar had said. The EAM also appreciated nations for helping New Delhi in its operations to evacuate its citizens with safely. Also Read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend Japan-hosted G7 summit in person "From Jeddah, airforce and commercial flights have brought people home. We are grateful to Saudi Arabia for hosting them and facilitating this process. Also appreciate the support of Chad, Egypt, France, South Sudan, UAE, UK, USA and UN," he wrote at the time. A total of 17 aircraft from Sudan were piloted by the Indian Air Force, and five Indian Navy ships also assisted in the evacuation. Watch | Japan to join India's UPI payment system, says Kono Taro, Japan's Digital Minister × Jaishankar lauded Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, who was present in Saudi Arabia to oversee the rescue efforts. Muraleedharan's presence on the ground was a source of strength and reassurance, he said. "Recognize the contribution of my colleague, @MOS_MEA whose presence on the ground was a source of strength and reassurance." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Indian Air Force assists conflict-ridden Sudan with 24,000 kg relief material

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday grounded its entire fleet of Russian-made MiG-21 fighter aircraft till an investigation to ascertain the reason behind the crash near Hanumangarh in the western state of Rajasthan earlier this month was completed.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday grounded its entire fleet of Russian-made MiG-21 fighter aircraft till an investigation to ascertain the reason behind the crash near Hanumangarh in the western state of Rajasthan earlier this month was completed. "The MiG-21 fleet has been grounded till the investigations are carried out and reasons for the crash are ascertained," a senior Air Force official was quoted as saying by ANI. On May 8, a MiG-21 Bison crashed during a routine training sortie after suffering a technical snag. Initial reports mentioned that the jet, which had taken off from Suratgarh, crashed on a house in Bahlolnagar and killed three villagers. According to local media reports, police said that all three killed in the crash were women. The pilot, however, managed to eject safely from the aircraft but with minor injuries. In a tweet, IAF wrote: "A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries." WATCH | How India's LCA Mk2 can be a game changer for the Indian Air Force × Why is IAF grounding MiG-21? IAF currently has around 50 MiG-21 aircraft in service, which comprise three of its 31 squadrons. The jet has been in service for over five decades now and remained a mainstay of combat operations. However, its reliability issues have become a significant talking point in recent times. Inducted into the IAF in the 1960s, the jet has been involved in as many as 400 accidents. While 870 Mig-21 fighter jets were procured initially, only 50 remain standing. The jet is also referred to as the 'flying coffin' primarily due to the number of pilots that have lost their lives while flying the machine. According to defence ministry officials, seeing the current state of MiG-21 aircraft, the entire batch is expected to be pulled out of service by early 2025. The MiGs will be replaced by 83 modern Tejas jets that IAF has a deal for with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of its The Air Force has procured 36 Rafale jets to fortify its combat prowess. The IAF is also in the process of adding 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft to its combat fleet. ALSO READ | India: IAF MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan, killing at least three civilians; rescue operation underway Previous incidents of MiG-21 crash Last year in July, a Mig-21 trainer fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan killing two pilots aboard - Wing Commander M Rana and Flight Lieutenant Advitiya Bal. In December 2021, Wing Commander Harshit Sinha lost his life after the Mig-21 he was piloting developed a technical snag and crashed in Jaisalmer during a training sortie. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Why has Indian Air Force grounded its entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets?

The first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft meant to be delivered to India completed a three-hour-long maiden flight trial in Seville, Spain, French firm Airbus Defence and Space said.

A test flight is meant to validate the performance of the major onboard systems and sub-systems. This aircraft is the first of 56 planes that the Indian Government had ordered&nbsp;for use by the Indian Air Force. While the first 16 aircraft will be assembled in Spain, the remaining will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in Gujarat, India.

Equipped to ferry troops and cargo, the plane is also capable of serving in maritime surveillance, disaster response missions, special missions, medical evacuations etc. In the troop-ferrying role, it is capable of transporting 70 personnel. Being a medium transport aircraft, it offers flexibility and is capable of ferrying troops and cargo to locations that are inaccessible by larger and heavier aircraft.

“This first flight represents a significant accomplishment for the first Make in India aerospace programme. With the Indian Air Force set to become the largest operator of the C295 in the world, this programme exemplifies our commitment to improving&nbsp;the Indian Air Force (IAF) operational capabilities,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

India acquired 56 C295 aircraft in September 2021 to replace the Air Force's legacy AVRO fleet. The first plane is expected to be delivered to India by the second half of this year, Airbus said. "This programme will significantly contribute to developing the country’s military-industrial ecosystem from the manufacturing to assembly, testing, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft" the firm added.

Airbus recently revealed that Indian Air Force pilots had commenced the training for operating C295 aircraft, at the Airbus International Training Centre in Spain. The new TASL facility in Gujarat meant for building the C295 planes will be India's first private-run aircraft manufacturing facility.

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The first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft meant to be delivered to India completed a three-hour-long maiden flight trial in Seville, Spain, French firm Airbus Defence and Space said.

The first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft meant to be delivered to India completed a three-hour-long maiden flight trial in Seville, Spain, French firm Airbus Defence and Space said. A test flight is meant to validate the performance of the major onboard systems and sub-systems. This aircraft is the first of 56 planes that the Indian Government had ordered for use by the Indian Air Force. While the first 16 aircraft will be assembled in Spain, the remaining will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in Gujarat, India. Equipped to ferry troops and cargo, the plane is also capable of serving in maritime surveillance, disaster response missions, special missions, medical evacuations etc. In the troop-ferrying role, it is capable of transporting 70 personnel. Being a medium transport aircraft, it offers flexibility and is capable of ferrying troops and cargo to locations that are inaccessible by larger and heavier aircraft. “This first flight represents a significant accomplishment for the first Make in India aerospace programme. With the Indian Air Force set to become the largest operator of the C295 in the world, this programme exemplifies our commitment to improving the Indian Air Force (IAF) operational capabilities,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space. India acquired 56 C295 aircraft in September 2021 to replace the Air Force's legacy AVRO fleet. The first plane is expected to be delivered to India by the second half of this year, Airbus said. "This programme will significantly contribute to developing the country’s military-industrial ecosystem from the manufacturing to assembly, testing, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft" the firm added. Airbus recently revealed that Indian Air Force pilots had commenced the training for operating C295 aircraft, at the Airbus International Training Centre in Spain. The new TASL facility in Gujarat meant for building the C295 planes will be India's first private-run aircraft manufacturing facility. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

First Airbus C295 plane for Indian Air Force completes maiden flight, delivery soon

A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Hanumangarh in the western state of Rajasthan, killing three people and injuring as many. The news agency ANI reported citing sources that the pilot is safe, with rescue operations underway. The jet crashed during a routine training sortie after suffering a technical snag.&nbsp;

Initial reports mentioned that the jet, which had taken off from Suratgarh, crashed on a house in Bahlolnagar and killed three villagers. According to local media reports, police said that all three killed in the crash were women.&nbsp;A video shared by the news agency showed locals gathering at the crash site. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The pilot, meanwhile, jumped out of the aircraft and landed safely in a drain area with the help of their parachute and sustained minor injuries. Reports mentioned that an IAF helicopter was sent to rescue the injured.&nbsp;

In a tweet, IAF wrote: "A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries."&nbsp;

The air force also mentioned that an inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.&nbsp;

IAF also noted that the "pilot experienced an onboard emergency, following which he attempted to recover the aircraft as per existing procedures. Having failed to do so, he initiated an ejection".&nbsp;

Local police have informed about the accident in the Sadar police station area.&nbsp;

Om Prakash, Inspector General of Police, Bikaner, said: "The pilot made all efforts to avert human casualties and crash-landed the plane on the outskirts of the village."&nbsp;

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A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries. 
An inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1655446544164995075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter aircraft crashed near Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. The aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh. The pilot is safe. More details awaited: IAF Sources <a href="https://t.co/0WOwoU5ASi">pic.twitter.com/0WOwoU5ASi</a>
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MiG-21 jets have served as the backbone of the country's air force for decades after first entering Indian service in the 1960s, but s number of crashes in the past few decades has raised concerns over the planes and their safety.&nbsp;

Last month, an Indian Army chopper crashed in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, near Machhna village in the district's Marwah tehsil. Reports said that three people onboard the chopper sustained injuries.&nbsp;

In March, a Cheetah helicopter crashed near the Mandala hills area in Arunachal Pradesh, killing the pilot and co-pilot. The pilots were identified as Lieutenant Colonel VVB Reddy and Major Jayanth A.&nbsp;

In January, two fighter jets – Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 – crashed near Morena in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, killing one pilot. The air force said that the jets had taken off from Gwalior and the aircraft were on a routine operational flying training mission.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Hanumangarh in the western state of Rajasthan, killing three people and injuring as many. The news agency ANI reported citing sources that the pilot is safe, with rescue operations underway.

A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Hanumangarh in the western state of Rajasthan, killing three people and injuring as many. The news agency ANI reported citing sources that the pilot is safe, with rescue operations underway. The jet crashed during a routine training sortie after suffering a technical snag. Initial reports mentioned that the jet, which had taken off from Suratgarh, crashed on a house in Bahlolnagar and killed three villagers. According to local media reports, police said that all three killed in the crash were women. A video shared by the news agency showed locals gathering at the crash site. The pilot, meanwhile, jumped out of the aircraft and landed safely in a drain area with the help of their parachute and sustained minor injuries. Reports mentioned that an IAF helicopter was sent to rescue the injured. In a tweet, IAF wrote: "A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries." The air force also mentioned that an inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. IAF also noted that the "pilot experienced an onboard emergency, following which he attempted to recover the aircraft as per existing procedures. Having failed to do so, he initiated an ejection". Local police have informed about the accident in the Sadar police station area. Om Prakash, Inspector General of Police, Bikaner, said: "The pilot made all efforts to avert human casualties and crash-landed the plane on the outskirts of the village." A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries. An inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 8, 2023 × #WATCH | Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter aircraft crashed near Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. The aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh. The pilot is safe. More details awaited: IAF Sources pic.twitter.com/0WOwoU5ASi — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2023 × MiG-21 jets have served as the backbone of the country's air force for decades after first entering Indian service in the 1960s, but s number of crashes in the past few decades has raised concerns over the planes and their safety. Last month, an Indian Army chopper crashed in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, near Machhna village in the district's Marwah tehsil. Reports said that three people onboard the chopper sustained injuries. In March, a Cheetah helicopter crashed near the Mandala hills area in Arunachal Pradesh, killing the pilot and co-pilot. The pilots were identified as Lieutenant Colonel VVB Reddy and Major Jayanth A. In January, two fighter jets – Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 – crashed near Morena in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, killing one pilot. The air force said that the jets had taken off from Gwalior and the aircraft were on a routine operational flying training mission. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: IAF MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan, killing at least three civilians; rescue operation underway

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force's (IAF)&nbsp;first female pilot to fly the Rafale combat aircraft, is part of the IAF contingent&nbsp;taking part in the ongoing multinational Exercise Orion in France. Squadron Leader Singh is in France to take part in the exercise, where India has sent Rafale aircraft for the first time outside the country, IAF officers said, according to a report by the news agency ANI on Wednesday (April 26).&nbsp;

Singh joined the air force in 2017 and was commissioned into the second batch of women fighter pilots. And in 2020, she became the first woman fighter pilot to fly the Rafale. Before this, she flew the&nbsp;MiG-21 Bison.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meet-shaliza-dhami-first-woman-officer-to-lead-combat-unit-in-iaf-570238">India: Meet Shaliza Dhami, first woman officer to lead combat unit in IAF</a>

Squadron Leader Singh is a resident of Varanasi and is part&nbsp;of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based in Punjab's Ambala.

Earlier, the IAF sent a woman fighter pilot for the first time to an international exercise in January this year&nbsp;when Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi went to Japan for the exercise 'Dharma Guardian'.

<h2>About Exercise Orion</h2>

The multinational wargame Exercise Orion is taking place at Mont-de-Marsan in France. ANI reported on Wednesday that Orion involves many of France's NATO and other important allies. It is the largest ever multinational exercise being carried out by the French defence forces which have involved their army, navy and air force along with their allies. More than 7,000 NATO troops have taken part in the drill.&nbsp;

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Busy Minds, Busier Skies! 
 
A detailed pre flight brief is as important as the flight itself.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> Air Warriors busy planning their routines during the ongoing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExOrion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExOrion</a> 23. <a href="https://t.co/up0VCIC22J">pic.twitter.com/up0VCIC22J</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1651031094337347584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The exercise started on April 17 and will continue till May 5. The IAF's contingent comprises four Rafale aircraft, two C-17s,&nbsp;two ll-78 aircraft, and 165 air warriors. According to an official statement, this would be the&nbsp;first overseas exercise for Rafale aircraft.&nbsp;

“Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the Indian Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other Air Forces,” the statement added.&nbsp;

On April 17,&nbsp;Emmanuel Lenain, the ambassador of France to India, said, "France warmly welcomes the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent that will take part in the exercise from today.”

Rafale is the latest aircraft to have been inducted into the IAF. The 36 Rafales have been completely inducted and they have played a significant role in improving India's&nbsp;preparedness along the borders with Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) first female pilot to fly the Rafale combat aircraft, is part of the IAF contingent taking part in the ongoing multinational Exercise Orion in France.

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) first female pilot to fly the Rafale combat aircraft, is part of the IAF contingent taking part in the ongoing multinational Exercise Orion in France. Squadron Leader Singh is in France to take part in the exercise, where India has sent Rafale aircraft for the first time outside the country, IAF officers said, according to a report by the news agency ANI on Wednesday (April 26). Singh joined the air force in 2017 and was commissioned into the second batch of women fighter pilots. And in 2020, she became the first woman fighter pilot to fly the Rafale. Before this, she flew the MiG-21 Bison. ALSO READ | India: Meet Shaliza Dhami, first woman officer to lead combat unit in IAF Squadron Leader Singh is a resident of Varanasi and is part of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based in Punjab's Ambala. Earlier, the IAF sent a woman fighter pilot for the first time to an international exercise in January this year when Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi went to Japan for the exercise 'Dharma Guardian'. About Exercise Orion The multinational wargame Exercise Orion is taking place at Mont-de-Marsan in France. ANI reported on Wednesday that Orion involves many of France's NATO and other important allies. It is the largest ever multinational exercise being carried out by the French defence forces which have involved their army, navy and air force along with their allies. More than 7,000 NATO troops have taken part in the drill. Busy Minds, Busier Skies! A detailed pre flight brief is as important as the flight itself.#IAF Air Warriors busy planning their routines during the ongoing #ExOrion 23. pic.twitter.com/up0VCIC22J — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 26, 2023 × The exercise started on April 17 and will continue till May 5. The IAF's contingent comprises four Rafale aircraft, two C-17s, two ll-78 aircraft, and 165 air warriors. According to an official statement, this would be the first overseas exercise for Rafale aircraft. “Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the Indian Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other Air Forces,” the statement added. On April 17, Emmanuel Lenain, the ambassador of France to India, said, "France warmly welcomes the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent that will take part in the exercise from today.” Rafale is the latest aircraft to have been inducted into the IAF. The 36 Rafales have been completely inducted and they have played a significant role in improving India's preparedness along the borders with Pakistan and China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's first woman Rafale pilot part of IAF team in Exercise Orion in France

Efforts by the Indian Air Force and the Forest Department ground staff attained fruition during the late hours of Tuesday, as a week-long forest blaze was extinguished in the Madukkarai region in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. According to the state's forest minister, the week-long blaze had claimed nearly 200 hectares of bamboo and dry grass.&nbsp;

Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Climate Change and Forests, Govt of Tamil Nadu thanked and acknowledged the contributions of the Forest department teams, the Indian Air Force and the local villagers, anti-poaching watchers etc.&nbsp;

When efforts by ground teams comprising more than 200 personnel were not providing the desired results, the Indian Air Force was roped in to perform aerial firefighting operations, over the weekend. In multiple sorties, the Air Force's Russian-origin Mi-17 multi-role helicopter had performed 'bambi bucket operations'. This is a process where the chopper carries an underslung bucket and dunks it in a waterbody(preferably closest to the fire site) and then dispenses the water over the blaze.&nbsp;

The IAF chopper had dispensed over 22,000 litres of water and had ensured that the fire was extinguished in two major zones and finally restricted to a limited patch. On Monday and Tuesday, additional ground teams were tasked by the Forest department to carry out the efforts on the ground. Efforts were carried out during the day and night to ensure that the blaze is brought under control.&nbsp;

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Efforts by the Indian Air Force and the Forest Department ground staff attained fruition during the late hours of Tuesday, as a week-long forest blaze was extinguished in the Madukkarai region in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Efforts by the Indian Air Force and the Forest Department ground staff attained fruition during the late hours of Tuesday, as a week-long forest blaze was extinguished in the Madukkarai region in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. According to the state's forest minister, the week-long blaze had claimed nearly 200 hectares of bamboo and dry grass. Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Climate Change and Forests, Govt of Tamil Nadu thanked and acknowledged the contributions of the Forest department teams, the Indian Air Force and the local villagers, anti-poaching watchers etc. When efforts by ground teams comprising more than 200 personnel were not providing the desired results, the Indian Air Force was roped in to perform aerial firefighting operations, over the weekend. In multiple sorties, the Air Force's Russian-origin Mi-17 multi-role helicopter had performed 'bambi bucket operations'. This is a process where the chopper carries an underslung bucket and dunks it in a waterbody(preferably closest to the fire site) and then dispenses the water over the blaze. The IAF chopper had dispensed over 22,000 litres of water and had ensured that the fire was extinguished in two major zones and finally restricted to a limited patch. On Monday and Tuesday, additional ground teams were tasked by the Forest department to carry out the efforts on the ground. Efforts were carried out during the day and night to ensure that the blaze is brought under control. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thanks to Air Force and forest dept, forest blaze put out after week-long efforts; 200 hectares lost

India and Russia are yet to make final headway to clear outstanding rouble payments for New Delhi's defence purchases from Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the US-led economic sanctions against Russia. As the current financial year ends in the absence of a solution to this problem, New Delhi has kicked off a local buying spree for its defence needs, The Indian Express newspaper reported.&nbsp;

This is because a significant chunk of unspent defence funds consist of the rouble payments worth ₹28,000 crore ($3.39 billion) for weapons India procured from Russia, the report concluded. This financial headroom is being utilised for local defence purchases by New Delhi.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-firm-run-by-military-drdo-veterans-develops-hack-proof-video-conference-solution-for-indian-navy-564275">Indian firm run by Military &amp; DRDO veterans develops hack-proof video conference solution for Indian Navy</a>

The report, while citing officials familiar with the matter, said a number of defence acquisitions are set to get an official nod by the end of this month.&nbsp;

<h2>India's potential local defence purchases</h2>

Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy have communicated their various buying and acquisition needs to the defence ministry in the past.&nbsp;

For the Indian Army, this includes the Electronic Warfare system for mountains, and a dedicated communication satellite among others.

For the Indian Air Force, this entails medium and high power radars, six Dornier-228 aircraft and 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft among others.&nbsp;

For the Indian Navy, the buying and acquisition needs consist of fleet support ships, Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), Next-Generation Missile Vessels and Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (NGMMCBs) with BrahMos missiles.&nbsp;

<h2>Spotlight on India's homegrown defence self-sufficiency</h2>

India's defence ministry on Monday signed a contract with Vishakhapatnam-headquartered Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) for normal refit of a third Kilo Class diesel-electric submarine Sindhukirti, The Indian Express reported.&nbsp;

Last Friday, the Ministry of Defence greenlighted a ₹667 Crore ($80.89 million) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure six Dornier-228 aircraft meant to be used for transport and communication duties.&nbsp;

Earlier in March 2023, the procurement for 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft was approved with HAL at ₹6,828 Crore ($828 million), The Indian Express report added.

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India and Russia are yet to make final headway to clear outstanding rouble payments for New Delhi's defence purchases from Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the US-led economic sanctions against Russia.

India and Russia are yet to make final headway to clear outstanding rouble payments for New Delhi's defence purchases from Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the US-led economic sanctions against Russia. As the current financial year ends in the absence of a solution to this problem, New Delhi has kicked off a local buying spree for its defence needs, The Indian Express newspaper reported. This is because a significant chunk of unspent defence funds consist of the rouble payments worth ₹28,000 crore ($3.39 billion) for weapons India procured from Russia, the report concluded. This financial headroom is being utilised for local defence purchases by New Delhi. ALSO READ | Indian firm run by Military & DRDO veterans develops hack-proof video conference solution for Indian Navy The report, while citing officials familiar with the matter, said a number of defence acquisitions are set to get an official nod by the end of this month. India's potential local defence purchases Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy have communicated their various buying and acquisition needs to the defence ministry in the past. For the Indian Army, this includes the Electronic Warfare system for mountains, and a dedicated communication satellite among others. For the Indian Air Force, this entails medium and high power radars, six Dornier-228 aircraft and 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft among others. For the Indian Navy, the buying and acquisition needs consist of fleet support ships, Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), Next-Generation Missile Vessels and Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (NGMMCBs) with BrahMos missiles. Spotlight on India's homegrown defence self-sufficiency India's defence ministry on Monday signed a contract with Vishakhapatnam-headquartered Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) for normal refit of a third Kilo Class diesel-electric submarine Sindhukirti, The Indian Express reported. Last Friday, the Ministry of Defence greenlighted a ₹667 Crore ($80.89 million) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure six Dornier-228 aircraft meant to be used for transport and communication duties. Earlier in March 2023, the procurement for 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft was approved with HAL at ₹6,828 Crore ($828 million), The Indian Express report added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India makes record local defence purchases due to Russia's rouble roadblock: Report

In a very rare occurrence, Indian Air Force teams are taking part in three International Air Force Exercises simultaneously - in the UAE, in the UK and Japan. India has deployed a fleet of fighter aircraft and transporter aircraft for the International exercises being conducted on foreign soil.

In a very rare occurrence, Indian Air Force teams are taking part in three International Air Force Exercises simultaneously - in the UAE, in the UK and Japan. India has deployed a fleet of fighter aircraft and transporter aircraft for the International exercises being conducted on foreign soil. Fighter and transporter aircraft from the IAF and hundreds of Air Warriors are taking part in these exercises that are aimed at building interoperability, exchanging best practices and enhancing mutual understanding. What are these three International Air Force Exercises? Exercise Desert Flag VIII An Indian contingent of 110 Air Warriors is at Al Dhafra airbase of the UAE, taking part in Exercise Desert Flag VIII. The Indian Air Force is participating with five LCA Tejas fighters and two C-17 Globemaster III strategic heavy-lifter aircraft. Notably, this is the first-ever international flying exercise that India's indigenously-built Tejas will be flying in. Exercise Desert Flag is a multilateral air exercise in which the air forces from UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, the UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, the Republic of Korea, USA would be taking part. The exercise is going on from 27th February to 17th March. The exercise is aimed at facilitating diverse fighter jet engagements and learning from the best practices. Exercise Cobra Warrior A 145-member team of the Indian Air Force are at UK's Waddington Air Force Base for the multilateral Air Exercise Cobra warrior. Air forces from Sweden, Finland, South Africa, the USA and Singapore would be taking part alongside the Royal Air Force and Indian Air Force. The IAF has deployed five Mirage-2000 fighters, two C-17 Globemaster III strategic heavy-lifter aircraft and an IL-78 mid-air refueller aircraft. The exercise is being conducted from 6th to 24th March. Exercise Shinyuu Maitri On the sidelines of the Indo-Japan Joint Army Exercise Dharma Guardian, the respective air forces are taking part in Exercise Maitri 23 which focuses on heavy-lift transport aircraft operations. The IAF contingent is taking part in one C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, whereas the Japanese JASDF will be fielding the C-2 transport aircraft. The exercise will comprise discussions on transport operations and tactical manoeuvring, followed by flying drills. The ongoing exercise is being conducted on March 1st and 2nd in Japan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In rare occurrence, 3 international air exercises across 2 continents for Indian Air Force

The Indian Government has approved the procurement of 70 'HTT-40' variant basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of more than Rs.6800cr. Built by India's government-run aerospace firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft would be delivered over a period of six years. These aircraft are meant to address the shortage of basic trainer aircraft that the IAF uses to train newly-inducted pilots.&nbsp;

In terms of specifications and features, the HTT-40 is a twin-seater, fully aerobatic turboprop aircraft with a fully air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics etc. The aircraft is also capable of being hot-refuelled (to refuel while the engine is running) and is equipped with zero-zero ejection seats (which enable ejections at low speeds and low altitudes, even in ground mishaps).&nbsp;

The procurement will include the 70 aircraft, their associated equipment and training aids including simulators. Being an indigenous solution, the aircraft is said to be configurable for upgrades to incorporate the futuristic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The HTT-40 contains nearly 56 per cent indigenous content, which will progressively increase to over 60 per cent through the indigenisation of major components and subsystems.&nbsp;

To fulfil this order, HAL would engage Indian private industry, including Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), in its supply chain and this procurement is said to have the potential to provide direct employment to 1,500 personnel and indirect employment for up to 3,000 individuals in more than 100 MSMEs.&nbsp;

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The Indian Government has approved the procurement of 70 'HTT-40' variant basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of more than Rs.6800cr. Built by India's government-run aerospace firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft would be delivered over a period of six years.

The Indian Government has approved the procurement of 70 'HTT-40' variant basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of more than Rs.6800cr. Built by India's government-run aerospace firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft would be delivered over a period of six years. These aircraft are meant to address the shortage of basic trainer aircraft that the IAF uses to train newly-inducted pilots. In terms of specifications and features, the HTT-40 is a twin-seater, fully aerobatic turboprop aircraft with a fully air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics etc. The aircraft is also capable of being hot-refuelled (to refuel while the engine is running) and is equipped with zero-zero ejection seats (which enable ejections at low speeds and low altitudes, even in ground mishaps). The procurement will include the 70 aircraft, their associated equipment and training aids including simulators. Being an indigenous solution, the aircraft is said to be configurable for upgrades to incorporate the futuristic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The HTT-40 contains nearly 56 per cent indigenous content, which will progressively increase to over 60 per cent through the indigenisation of major components and subsystems. To fulfil this order, HAL would engage Indian private industry, including Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), in its supply chain and this procurement is said to have the potential to provide direct employment to 1,500 personnel and indirect employment for up to 3,000 individuals in more than 100 MSMEs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian Air Force to get 70 'HTT-40' made-in-India trainer aircraft from HAL

The seventh "Operation Dost" aircraft, carrying more than 23 tonnes of relief aid, landed in earthquake-stricken Syria. Moutaz Douaji, the deputy minister of local administration and the environment, welcomed the plane at the airport in Damascus on Sunday (February 12), as reported by the PTI.&nbsp;

"The 7th #OperationDost flight reached Syria with over 23 tonnes of relief material, including gensets, solar lamps, emergency &amp; critical care medicines, and&nbsp;disaster relief consumables. Received at Damascus airport by Deputy Minister of Local Administration and Environment Moutaz Douaji," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

As per schedule the IAF aircraft first landed in Syria, unloaded its supplies there, then flew to Turkey with emergency and critical care medicines, and other humanitarian supplies. The external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, also mentioned the airplane leaving Ghaziabad on his Twitter account.

He tweeted, "The 7th #OperationDost flight departs for Syria and Turkey. Flight is carrying relief material, medical aid, emergency &amp; critical care medicines, medical equipment &amp; consumables."

The Indian Army also tweeted, "An #IAF C-17 aircraft got airborne last night for #Syria and #Turkiye, bearing relief material and emergency equipment."

The aid being sent for Syria comprises relief materials, sleeping mats, gensets, solar lamps, tarpaulins, blankets, emergency and critical care medicines, and disaster relief consumables, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

A massive earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.&nbsp;The death toll from the quakes that hit southeastern Turkiye and northern Syria stood at 33,179 on Sunday. The United Nations (UN) has estimated a combined total death toll of 50,000.&nbsp;

In response to the terrible earthquakes and aftershocks that struck the area, India initiated Operation Dost to provide aid to Turkey and Syria.

India is providing Turkey and Syria with a significant amount of humanitarian assistance as part of "Operation Dost".

(With inputs from agencies)

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The seventh "Operation Dost" aircraft, carrying more than 23 tonnes of relief aid, landed in earthquake-stricken Syria. Moutaz Douaji, the deputy minister of local administration and the environment, welcomed the plane at the airport in Damascus on Sunday (February 12), as reported by the PTI.

The seventh "Operation Dost" aircraft, carrying more than 23 tonnes of relief aid, landed in earthquake-stricken Syria. Moutaz Douaji, the deputy minister of local administration and the environment, welcomed the plane at the airport in Damascus on Sunday (February 12), as reported by the PTI. "The 7th #OperationDost flight reached Syria with over 23 tonnes of relief material, including gensets, solar lamps, emergency & critical care medicines, and disaster relief consumables. Received at Damascus airport by Deputy Minister of Local Administration and Environment Moutaz Douaji," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. As per schedule the IAF aircraft first landed in Syria, unloaded its supplies there, then flew to Turkey with emergency and critical care medicines, and other humanitarian supplies. The external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, also mentioned the airplane leaving Ghaziabad on his Twitter account. He tweeted, "The 7th #OperationDost flight departs for Syria and Turkey. Flight is carrying relief material, medical aid, emergency & critical care medicines, medical equipment & consumables." The Indian Army also tweeted, "An #IAF C-17 aircraft got airborne last night for #Syria and #Turkiye, bearing relief material and emergency equipment." The aid being sent for Syria comprises relief materials, sleeping mats, gensets, solar lamps, tarpaulins, blankets, emergency and critical care medicines, and disaster relief consumables, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. A massive earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. The death toll from the quakes that hit southeastern Turkiye and northern Syria stood at 33,179 on Sunday. The United Nations (UN) has estimated a combined total death toll of 50,000. In response to the terrible earthquakes and aftershocks that struck the area, India initiated Operation Dost to provide aid to Turkey and Syria. India is providing Turkey and Syria with a significant amount of humanitarian assistance as part of "Operation Dost". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Operation Dost: India sends 7th flight with 23 tonnes relief material to quake-hit Turkey, Syria

Two Indian Airforce jets crashed in Madhya Pradesh's Morena early this morning, where one pilot has lost his life and other two have been rescued. According to reports from the agencies, two planes - a Sukhoi-30 and a Mirage 2000 - crashed on Saturday morning in Madhya Pradesh in what appears to be a mid-air collision.

Indian Air Force jet crash: One pilot dead, two rescued; inquiry ordered to probe cause of accident

In Madhya Pradesh, two Indian Air Force planes crashed; one of the pilots was hurt. According to reports from the agencies, two planes crashed on Saturday morning in Madhya Pradesh in what appears to be a mid-air collision. Near Morena, Madhya Pradesh, a Sukhoi-30 and a Mirage 2000 aircraft collided.

BREAKING: Air Force jets Sukhoi, Mirage crash in Madhya Pradesh; pilots receive minor injuries

Two fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) – Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 – crashed near Morena in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday (January 28), killing one pilot.

Two fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) – Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 – crashed near Morena in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday (January 28), killing one pilot. The jets had taken off from Gwalior. Taking to Twitter, the air force said that the aircraft were on a routine operational flying training mission. "Two fighter aircraft of IAF were involved in an accident near Gwalior today morning. The aircraft were on routine operational flying training mission. One of the three pilots involved, sustained fatal injuries. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident." Earlier, defence sources told WION that the Sukhoi-30 had two pilots and while the Mirage 2000 had one pilot. Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh is monitoring the situation and is in touch with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and the air force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. #WATCH | Wreckage seen. A Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 aircraft crashed near Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Search and rescue operations launched. The two aircraft had taken off from the Gwalior air base where an exercise was going on. pic.twitter.com/xqCJ2autOe — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2023 × Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, meanwhile, tweeted that he directed the local administration to cooperate with the air force in quick rescue and relief work. मुरैना के कैलारस के पास वायुसेना के सुखोई-30 और मिराज-2000 विमानों के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने की खबर अत्यंत दुखद है। मैंने स्थानीय प्रशासन को त्वरित बचाव एवं राहत कार्य में वायुसेना के सहयोग के निर्देश दिए हैं। विमानों के पायलट के सुरक्षित होने की ईश्वर से कामना करता हूं। — Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 28, 2023 × Aircraft debris found in Bharatpur, Rajasthan Earlier, another crash was reported in Rajasthan's Bharatpur on Saturday though speaking to news agency ANI, SP Morena said, "Two jets — Mirage & Sukhoi — took off from Gwalior in the morning...As per IAF, one aircraft had 2 pilots, while the other had one; 2 safely rescued, body parts of 3rd found. Some parts of the jet were found in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, details being collected." Initially, Bharatpur District Collector Alok Ranjan said that it was a charter jet. However, defence sources later confirmed that it was an IAF aircraft, news agency ANI reported. "Received info about a plane crash around 10-10.15 am. After coming here, it was found it was an IAF fighter jet. Going by the debris, we're unable to adjudge if it's a fighter plane or a regular plane. Yet to know if pilots got out or or not," Bharatpur DSP told the news agency. Further details are awaited. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Two air force jets, Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000, crash near Morena in Madhya Pradesh; one pilot dead

For the first time an Indian Air Force (IAF) female fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, will participate in aerial war games which are to be held aboard. She will be a part of the Indian contingent for the maiden ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ joint exercise between India and Japan which will be hosted by the latter at the Hyakuri Air Base from January 12 to 26.&nbsp;

According to ANI, the exercise will be carried out by Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), at the aforementioned air Base in Japan and its surrounding airspace in Omitama, and the Iruma Air Base in Sayama.&nbsp;The Indian contingent will consist of 139 personnel including a woman medical officer, said a report by Hindustan Times citing anonymous official sources. Earlier today, they were scheduled to leave for Japan.&nbsp;

Who is Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi?

IAF’s Avani Chaturvedi was a part of the first batch of women to be commissioned as fighter pilots in the country’s air force almost seven years ago. This time as a squadron leader her participation in the air drills marks the first time that a female fighter pilot of the IAF is a part of an international joint exercise abroad.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fighter-jet-doesnt-care-if-pilot-a-man-or-woman-avani-chaturvedi-35140/amp">Fighter jet doesn't care if pilot a man or woman: Avani Chaturvedi</a>

While Chaturvedi is a Sukhoi-30 fighter pilot she is also qualified in MiG-21 Bison fighter jet and completed her training on Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and became one of the first woman combat pilots along with Mohana Singh Jitarwal and Bhawana Kanth. Notably, the IAF is the only one among the three defence arms of India to allow women in combat positions.&nbsp;

Born in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, she attended a school in Deoland, a small town in the same state. However, prior to joining the IAF, Chaturvedi finished her degree in Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from Banasthali University in Rajasthan. Her passion to conquer the skies also led her to join the Flying Club in her college.&nbsp;

Subsequently, she underwent six months of intensive training at the Hyderabad Air Force Academy in Telangana, before being inducted into the IAF fighter squadron in June 2016. Today, there are 17 female fighter pilots in the IAF and squadron leader Chaturvedi along with her batchmate Kanth flies the Russian-origin Sukhoi fighter jet at the air force’s Jodhpur air base.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/avani-chaturvedi-to-be-first-iaf-woman-fighter-pilot-to-participate-in-aerial-wargames-abroad-550431">Avani Chaturvedi to be first IAF woman fighter pilot to participate in aerial wargames abroad</a>

In 2018, as a flying officer, she also created history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly solo. Notably, she had flown a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet in Gujarat in her first training solo sortie. According to media reports, Chaturvedi was inspired by her brother who is in the Indian Army.&nbsp;

Notably, there are more than 145 female helicopter and transport aircraft pilots in the Indian Armed Forces which include the Army, Navy and the IAF. Out of which at least 30 have been deployed on the frontline warships while another 100 have been trained as military police women for the Army. However, female officers are still not allowed to serve in the armed forces’ main combat arms or Navy’s submarines said a report by Times of India.&nbsp;

What is the Veer Guardian 2023?

It is a joint Air Exercise between India and Japan to bolster air defence cooperation between the two countries. In a statement, India’s air force said, “IAF will participate with four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 Globemasters &amp; an IL-78 tanker.” Meanwhile, the JASDF will be participating with four F-2 and four F-15 fighter jets, the statement added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malabar-exercise-involving-india-japan-us-and-australia-culminates-in-seas-off-japan-534859">Malabar Exercise involving India, Japan, US and Australia culminates in seas off Japan</a>

This comes after the second 2+2 meeting of defence and foreign ministers in Tokyo last year when India and Japan had first unveiled their plans to conduct the joint exercise. “This exercise will thus be another step towards deepening strategic ties and defence cooperation between the two countries,” said the IAF.&nbsp;

The IAF added, “The inaugural exercise will include the conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two air forces. They will undertake multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment and will exchange best practices.” According to the statement, experts from both countries will also discuss and share their expertise on “varied operational aspects.”

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-and-japan-to-hold-joint-air-exercise-to-promote-defence-cooperation-550407">India and Japan to hold joint air exercise to promote defence cooperation</a>

In September, six Indian ships, one submarine and P8I, Mig-29K and a Dornier aircraft participated in bilateral exercise JIMEX 22 with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Izumo and Takanami in India. Last year, New Delhi and Tokyo also held the multilateral exercise Malabar with the United States and Australia between November 8 and 15 at Yokosuka, Japan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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For the first time an Indian Air Force (IAF) female fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, will participate in aerial war games which are to be held aboard.

For the first time an Indian Air Force (IAF) female fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, will participate in aerial war games which are to be held aboard. She will be a part of the Indian contingent for the maiden ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ joint exercise between India and Japan which will be hosted by the latter at the Hyakuri Air Base from January 12 to 26. According to ANI, the exercise will be carried out by Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), at the aforementioned air Base in Japan and its surrounding airspace in Omitama, and the Iruma Air Base in Sayama. The Indian contingent will consist of 139 personnel including a woman medical officer, said a report by Hindustan Times citing anonymous official sources. Earlier today, they were scheduled to leave for Japan. Who is Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi? IAF’s Avani Chaturvedi was a part of the first batch of women to be commissioned as fighter pilots in the country’s air force almost seven years ago. This time as a squadron leader her participation in the air drills marks the first time that a female fighter pilot of the IAF is a part of an international joint exercise abroad. ALSO READ | Fighter jet doesn't care if pilot a man or woman: Avani Chaturvedi While Chaturvedi is a Sukhoi-30 fighter pilot she is also qualified in MiG-21 Bison fighter jet and completed her training on Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and became one of the first woman combat pilots along with Mohana Singh Jitarwal and Bhawana Kanth. Notably, the IAF is the only one among the three defence arms of India to allow women in combat positions. Born in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, she attended a school in Deoland, a small town in the same state. However, prior to joining the IAF, Chaturvedi finished her degree in Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from Banasthali University in Rajasthan. Her passion to conquer the skies also led her to join the Flying Club in her college. Subsequently, she underwent six months of intensive training at the Hyderabad Air Force Academy in Telangana, before being inducted into the IAF fighter squadron in June 2016. Today, there are 17 female fighter pilots in the IAF and squadron leader Chaturvedi along with her batchmate Kanth flies the Russian-origin Sukhoi fighter jet at the air force’s Jodhpur air base. ALSO WATCH | Avani Chaturvedi to be first IAF woman fighter pilot to participate in aerial wargames abroad In 2018, as a flying officer, she also created history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly solo. Notably, she had flown a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet in Gujarat in her first training solo sortie. According to media reports, Chaturvedi was inspired by her brother who is in the Indian Army. Notably, there are more than 145 female helicopter and transport aircraft pilots in the Indian Armed Forces which include the Army, Navy and the IAF. Out of which at least 30 have been deployed on the frontline warships while another 100 have been trained as military police women for the Army. However, female officers are still not allowed to serve in the armed forces’ main combat arms or Navy’s submarines said a report by Times of India. What is the Veer Guardian 2023? It is a joint Air Exercise between India and Japan to bolster air defence cooperation between the two countries. In a statement, India’s air force said, “IAF will participate with four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 Globemasters & an IL-78 tanker.” Meanwhile, the JASDF will be participating with four F-2 and four F-15 fighter jets, the statement added. ALSO READ | Malabar Exercise involving India, Japan, US and Australia culminates in seas off Japan This comes after the second 2+2 meeting of defence and foreign ministers in Tokyo last year when India and Japan had first unveiled their plans to conduct the joint exercise. “This exercise will thus be another step towards deepening strategic ties and defence cooperation between the two countries,” said the IAF. The IAF added, “The inaugural exercise will include the conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two air forces. They will undertake multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment and will exchange best practices.” According to the statement, experts from both countries will also discuss and share their expertise on “varied operational aspects.” ALSO WATCH | India and Japan to hold joint air exercise to promote defence cooperation In September, six Indian ships, one submarine and P8I, Mig-29K and a Dornier aircraft participated in bilateral exercise JIMEX 22 with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Izumo and Takanami in India. Last year, New Delhi and Tokyo also held the multilateral exercise Malabar with the United States and Australia between November 8 and 15 at Yokosuka, Japan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Avani Chaturvedi becomes first IAF woman fighter pilot to participate in aerial wargames abroad

Squadron leader Avani Chaturvedi, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) first female fighter pilot, is set to take part in a maiden air exercise 'Veer Guardian-2023', which will be held at the Hyakuri air base in Japan.

Avani Chaturvedi to be first IAF woman fighter pilot to participate in aerial wargames abroad

The Indian Air Force successfully fired a Brahmos missile against a ship target with perfect precision.

Indian Air Force hits ship target with Brahmos missile

Indo-Israeli joint venture Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems(KRAS) rolled out the&nbsp;100th&nbsp;kit of the made-in-India&nbsp;Medium&nbsp;Range&nbsp;Surface&nbsp;to&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Missile(MRSAM), for delivery&nbsp;to&nbsp;the Indian Armed Forces. Operated by the Indian Army and the&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Force, the MRSAM&nbsp;missile&nbsp;can take down multiple aerial targets such as jets, drones, helicopters, and incoming&nbsp;missiles, within a 70km&nbsp;range. The&nbsp;missile&nbsp;kit or mid-section refers&nbsp;to&nbsp;the frontal end of the&nbsp;missile, which comprises the seeker and crucial electronics.

The MRSAM is an advanced network-centric combat&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Defence System developed jointly by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Indian industry comprising private and public sectors including MSMEs. In 2019, KRAS received an order for supplying mid-sections of 1000MRSAMs, the deal was worth $100mn.

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100th mid-section (brain, eyes) of Indo-Israel Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) being rolled out at KRAS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> 
Developed by <a href="https://twitter.com/drdo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drdo</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/RAFAELdefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RAFAELdefense</a> ,it is made by <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatForgeLtd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BharatForgeLtd</a> (kalyani rafael advanced systems) &amp; Bharat Dynamics Ltd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Defence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Defence</a> <a href="https://t.co/im7cZGVfw6">pic.twitter.com/im7cZGVfw6</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1602555131656302593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Dr Narayana Murthy, Director General&nbsp;Missiles &amp; Strategic Systems handed over the&nbsp;100th&nbsp;MRSAM&nbsp;Missile&nbsp;kit&nbsp;to&nbsp;senior officers of the Indian Armed Forces, in the presence of Baba N Kalyani, CMD, Bharat Forge Ltd and Mj Gen(retd) Yoav Har-Even, President and CEO Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, Israel. The ceremony&nbsp;took place at the KRAS facility in the Indian city of Hyderabad.&nbsp;

"This delivery is not only a shining example of the synergy between India and Israel and the private and public sector but also reinforces our commitment&nbsp;to&nbsp;AtmaNirbhar Bharat(Self-reliant India) as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," said Baba Kalyani, Chairman &amp; MD, Bharat Forge Ltd. He added that apart from the&nbsp;missile&nbsp;kits, their firm would also extend support in the Maintenance and Repair operations of&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Missile&nbsp;Systems&nbsp;to&nbsp;the Armed Forces.&nbsp;

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Indo-Israeli joint venture Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems(KRAS) rolled out the 100th kit of the made-in-India Medium Range Surface to Air Missile(MRSAM), for delivery to the Indian Armed Forces.

Indo-Israeli joint venture Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems(KRAS) rolled out the 100th kit of the made-in-India Medium Range Surface to Air Missile(MRSAM), for delivery to the Indian Armed Forces. Operated by the Indian Army and the Air Force, the MRSAM missile can take down multiple aerial targets such as jets, drones, helicopters, and incoming missiles, within a 70km range. The missile kit or mid-section refers to the frontal end of the missile, which comprises the seeker and crucial electronics. The MRSAM is an advanced network-centric combat Air Defence System developed jointly by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Indian industry comprising private and public sectors including MSMEs. In 2019, KRAS received an order for supplying mid-sections of 1000MRSAMs, the deal was worth $100mn. 100th mid-section (brain, eyes) of Indo-Israel Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) being rolled out at KRAS #Hyderabad #india Developed by @drdo & @RAFAELdefense ,it is made by @BharatForgeLtd (kalyani rafael advanced systems) & Bharat Dynamics Ltd #tech #Defence pic.twitter.com/im7cZGVfw6 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 13, 2022 × Dr Narayana Murthy, Director General Missiles & Strategic Systems handed over the 100th MRSAM Missile kit to senior officers of the Indian Armed Forces, in the presence of Baba N Kalyani, CMD, Bharat Forge Ltd and Mj Gen(retd) Yoav Har-Even, President and CEO Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, Israel. The ceremony took place at the KRAS facility in the Indian city of Hyderabad. "This delivery is not only a shining example of the synergy between India and Israel and the private and public sector but also reinforces our commitment to AtmaNirbhar Bharat(Self-reliant India) as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," said Baba Kalyani, Chairman & MD, Bharat Forge Ltd. He added that apart from the missile kits, their firm would also extend support in the Maintenance and Repair operations of Air Defence Missile Systems to the Armed Forces. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

100th kit of Indo-Israeli MRSAM missile rolled out for supply to Indian forces

A consortium led by Tata Group and Airbus will be manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force in Vadodara city of western Gujarat state, in a major boost to the Make in India policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the manducating facility on Sunday.

Announcing the project, which is worth Rs 220 billion, the defence ministry on Thursday said that this is the first time that a military plane will be manufactured in India by a private company.

"For the first time, the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured outside of Europe,” Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar told reporters.

The conception of a manufacturing facility in Vadodara is the result of an agreement signed by India with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C295 transport aircraft in a bid to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes for the IAF.

Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, within four years, while the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India.

"The first 16 fly-away aircraft are scheduled to be received between September 2023 and August 2025. The first Made-in-India aircraft is expected in September 2026," Kumar said, speaking from Kerala through video conference. 
&nbsp;

He said that the plan’s components will be 96 per cent indigenous, barring the engine of the aircraft. "96 per cent of the work that Airbus does at its facility in Spain will be done in India."

Tata Consortium has identified more than 125 in-country MSME suppliers spread over seven states, Kumar said, adding that it will generate employment in the aerospace industry in the country.

The new facility is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3,000 indirect jobs and an additional 3,000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 4 million man hours of work within the aerospace and defence sector, the defence ministry said.

Nearly 240 engineers will be trained at the Airbus facility in Spain for the project, it added.

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A consortium led by Tata Group and Airbus will be manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force in Vadodara city of western Gujarat state, in a major boost to the Make in India policy.

A consortium led by Tata Group and Airbus will be manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force in Vadodara city of western Gujarat state, in a major boost to the Make in India policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the manducating facility on Sunday. Announcing the project, which is worth Rs 220 billion, the defence ministry on Thursday said that this is the first time that a military plane will be manufactured in India by a private company. "For the first time, the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured outside of Europe,” Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar told reporters. The conception of a manufacturing facility in Vadodara is the result of an agreement signed by India with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C295 transport aircraft in a bid to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes for the IAF. Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, within four years, while the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India. "The first 16 fly-away aircraft are scheduled to be received between September 2023 and August 2025. The first Made-in-India aircraft is expected in September 2026," Kumar said, speaking from Kerala through video conference. He said that the plan’s components will be 96 per cent indigenous, barring the engine of the aircraft. "96 per cent of the work that Airbus does at its facility in Spain will be done in India." Tata Consortium has identified more than 125 in-country MSME suppliers spread over seven states, Kumar said, adding that it will generate employment in the aerospace industry in the country. The new facility is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3,000 indirect jobs and an additional 3,000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 4 million man hours of work within the aerospace and defence sector, the defence ministry said. Nearly 240 engineers will be trained at the Airbus facility in Spain for the project, it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

C-295 aircraft for IAF to be made in India’s Gujarat state under Tata-Airbus joint venture

Indian Air Force is celebrating its 90th anniversary with nearly about 18 military aircraft participating participating in the annual fly past. The Indian Air Force had a pretty spectacular aerial show at the Sukhna Lake Complex in Chandigarh.

Indian Air Force puts up spectacular aerial show on its 90th anniversary; 80 aircraft part of show

The Indian Air Force celebrated&nbsp;its 90th anniversary on Saturday. On the occasion, a new indigenously made camouflage combat uniform of the IAF has been unveiled.&nbsp;The new battle fatigues are similar to the ones which were introduced for the Indian army on the occasion of the 74th Army Day this year.

As per Times Now, the new battle fatigues carry a digitally pixelated design and not the organic patterns that were used earlier.

The digital pattern of the new uniform is all-terrain friendly. It gives the personnel the freedom and the flexibility to seamlessly move from deserts to mountainous lands, to woodlands etc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-centre-gives-approval-for-creation-of-a-weapon-system-branch-for-iaf-officers-says-air-chief-marshal-523513" hreflang="en">India: Centre gives approval for creation of a weapon system branch for IAF officers, says Air Chief Marshal</a>

Besides the new pattern, the uniform will have a different, more breathable, lightweight fabric and design that will increase the comfort and efficiency of personnel.

As per reports, ergonomic fitting is a feature that allows both male and female ground duty personnel to maximise their operational capability.

The all-terrain, all-weather uniform can be mass-produced which will also help manufacturers cut production costs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-air-force-day-2022-major-announcements-made-during-90th-anniversary-celebrations-523532">Indian Air Force Day 2022: Major announcements made during 90th anniversary celebrations</a>

PTI reports that a senior IAF officer who was wearing the new combat uniform during the anniversary celebrations in Chandigarh, said that the new pattern is called a "disruptive pattern" and it is a terrain pattern.

"If you are undertaking an operation in hilly areas, in desert or in jungle, this pattern merges with the terrain so that we remain camouflaged while undertaking our military operations. This is a very light cloth and moreover, boots are also light," he said adding that the uniform is indigenously made.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Air Force celebrated its 90th anniversary on Saturday. On the occasion, a new indigenously made camouflage combat uniform of the IAF has been unveiled.

The Indian Air Force celebrated its 90th anniversary on Saturday. On the occasion, a new indigenously made camouflage combat uniform of the IAF has been unveiled. The new battle fatigues are similar to the ones which were introduced for the Indian army on the occasion of the 74th Army Day this year. As per Times Now, the new battle fatigues carry a digitally pixelated design and not the organic patterns that were used earlier. The digital pattern of the new uniform is all-terrain friendly. It gives the personnel the freedom and the flexibility to seamlessly move from deserts to mountainous lands, to woodlands etc. Also read | India: Centre gives approval for creation of a weapon system branch for IAF officers, says Air Chief Marshal Besides the new pattern, the uniform will have a different, more breathable, lightweight fabric and design that will increase the comfort and efficiency of personnel. As per reports, ergonomic fitting is a feature that allows both male and female ground duty personnel to maximise their operational capability. The all-terrain, all-weather uniform can be mass-produced which will also help manufacturers cut production costs. Also read | Indian Air Force Day 2022: Major announcements made during 90th anniversary celebrations PTI reports that a senior IAF officer who was wearing the new combat uniform during the anniversary celebrations in Chandigarh, said that the new pattern is called a "disruptive pattern" and it is a terrain pattern. "If you are undertaking an operation in hilly areas, in desert or in jungle, this pattern merges with the terrain so that we remain camouflaged while undertaking our military operations. This is a very light cloth and moreover, boots are also light," he said adding that the uniform is indigenously made. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian Air Force unveils new combat uniform during its 90th anniversary celebrations

The central government has approved the establishment of a weapon system branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force, which would save it 3,400 crore on flying training, said Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari&nbsp;during the IAF's 90th anniversary celebrations in Chandigarh on Saturday.&nbsp;

In his address during the celebrations, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari noted that this is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being formed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/200kg-heroin-en-route-to-india-from-afghanistan-via-pakistan-seized-by-ncb-523489">200kg heroin en route to India from Afghanistan via Pakistan seized by NCB</a>

"On this historic occasion, it is my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for the officers in the IAF."

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— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1578588288796925953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<iframe aria-label="Advertisement" data-google-container-id="4" data-gtm-yt-inspected-16="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-2204733_50="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/22390678/Hindu_Desktop_Inarticle_1x1_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/22390678/Hindu_Desktop_Inarticle_1x1_0" role="region" scrolling="no" tabindex="0" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"This is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being created," he said.

“The weapon system branch will essentially man the specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air-missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bus-hits-truck-catches-fire-in-nashik-leaving-11-dead-24-injured-523478">Bus hits truck, catches fire in Nashik leaving 11 dead, injuring 24</a>

“Creation of this branch would result in savings of over ₹3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training,” the IAF chief said.

Chaudhari added that drones, swarm drones, hypersonic weapons, and space-based ISR systems have added a new dimension to warfare. 
 
"Artificial intelligence is being used for a quicker decision making and analysis of big data. I am happy to report that several projects are well underway to utilise the potential of automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to transform our operational philosophy," he said. 
 
Air Chief Marshal also announced that IAF is planning induction of women Agniveers from&nbsp;next year. 
 
A formal parade was held at the air force base to mark the day. A march-past was conducted after the Air Chief Marshal had inspected the procession.

Senior IAF officers in attendance were Air Marshal Sreekumar Prabhakaran, Air-Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The central government has approved the establishment of a weapon system branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force, which would save it 3,400 crore on flying training, said Air Chief Marshal V.

The central government has approved the establishment of a weapon system branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force, which would save it 3,400 crore on flying training, said Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari during the IAF's 90th anniversary celebrations in Chandigarh on Saturday. In his address during the celebrations, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari noted that this is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being formed. Also read | 200kg heroin en route to India from Afghanistan via Pakistan seized by NCB "On this historic occasion, it is my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for the officers in the IAF." https://t.co/uyUMlFyMzj — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 8, 2022 × "This is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being created," he said. “The weapon system branch will essentially man the specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air-missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft,” he said. Also read | Bus hits truck, catches fire in Nashik leaving 11 dead, injuring 24 “Creation of this branch would result in savings of over ₹3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training,” the IAF chief said. Chaudhari added that drones, swarm drones, hypersonic weapons, and space-based ISR systems have added a new dimension to warfare. "Artificial intelligence is being used for a quicker decision making and analysis of big data. I am happy to report that several projects are well underway to utilise the potential of automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to transform our operational philosophy," he said. Air Chief Marshal also announced that IAF is planning induction of women Agniveers from next year. A formal parade was held at the air force base to mark the day. A march-past was conducted after the Air Chief Marshal had inspected the procession. Senior IAF officers in attendance were Air Marshal Sreekumar Prabhakaran, Air-Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Centre has given nod to weapon system branch for IAF officers, says Air Chief Marshal

The Indian Air Force is all set to retire its soviet-era MIG-21 squadron, of which wingman Abhinandan Varthaman was a part when he shot down Pakistan’s F-16 combat aircraft a day after the Balakot airstrike in February 2019.

The force will be retiring its ageing fleet, which is currently based in Srinagar city of norther Jammu and Kashmir, on September 30, according to reports.

The No. 51 Squadron, called the 'Sword Arms', is one of its four remaining squadrons of ageing MiG-21 fighter jets.

The remaining three squadrons of MiG-21 will be phased out by 2025, PTI news agency reported quoting defence sources.

The decision to retire the ageing fleet is part of the IAF’s move to phase out the MIG-21 by 2025.

In July, PTI reported that the IAF had drawn up a three-year timeline to phase out the remaining four MIG-21 fighter squadrons as part of a ‘modernisation drive’.

For several years, the Soviet-era Russian fighter has been making the headlines due to multiple crashes causing the death of pilots.

Since 1970, over 170 Indian pilots and 40 civilians have been killed in MiG-21 accidents. Since 2010, more than 20 aircraft have crashed and 38 aircraft crashed in the decade after 2003, according to data released by the Defence Ministry.

Nearly 300 accidents have been reported since 1963. Due to its high rate of accidents, the fighter aircraft has earned the moniker “Flying Coffin”

However, defence officials said that MiG21s are being retired not solely based on their ageing factor.

"Ageing is a factor, but we read reports that even a modern aircraft can crash. A crash can happen due to multiple factors, including weather," the source was quoted as saying.

The 2019 Balakot strike was launched in response to the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of 40 troops of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one of India’s paramilitary forces.

The IAF fighter jets had bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in the Pakistan-occupied territory of the Balakot region.

Varthaman, who is now the Group Captain, shot down a Pakistani F16 in a dog fight after the Pakistan Air Force launched retaliation to the Balakot air strike.

The former The then Wing Commander Varthaman's fighter jet was hit but he managed to eject and was in Pakistani captivity as he landed across the Line of Control. He was later awarded the Vir Chakra.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Air Force is all set to retire its soviet-era MIG-21 squadron, of which wingman Abhinandan Varthaman was a part when he shot down Pakistan’s F-16 combat aircraft a day after the Balakot airstrike in February 2019.

The Indian Air Force is all set to retire its soviet-era MIG-21 squadron, of which wingman Abhinandan Varthaman was a part when he shot down Pakistan’s F-16 combat aircraft a day after the Balakot airstrike in February 2019. The force will be retiring its ageing fleet, which is currently based in Srinagar city of norther Jammu and Kashmir, on September 30, according to reports. The No. 51 Squadron, called the 'Sword Arms', is one of its four remaining squadrons of ageing MiG-21 fighter jets. The remaining three squadrons of MiG-21 will be phased out by 2025, PTI news agency reported quoting defence sources. The decision to retire the ageing fleet is part of the IAF’s move to phase out the MIG-21 by 2025. In July, PTI reported that the IAF had drawn up a three-year timeline to phase out the remaining four MIG-21 fighter squadrons as part of a ‘modernisation drive’. For several years, the Soviet-era Russian fighter has been making the headlines due to multiple crashes causing the death of pilots. Since 1970, over 170 Indian pilots and 40 civilians have been killed in MiG-21 accidents. Since 2010, more than 20 aircraft have crashed and 38 aircraft crashed in the decade after 2003, according to data released by the Defence Ministry. Nearly 300 accidents have been reported since 1963. Due to its high rate of accidents, the fighter aircraft has earned the moniker “Flying Coffin” However, defence officials said that MiG21s are being retired not solely based on their ageing factor. "Ageing is a factor, but we read reports that even a modern aircraft can crash. A crash can happen due to multiple factors, including weather," the source was quoted as saying. The 2019 Balakot strike was launched in response to the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of 40 troops of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one of India’s paramilitary forces. The IAF fighter jets had bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in the Pakistan-occupied territory of the Balakot region. Varthaman, who is now the Group Captain, shot down a Pakistani F16 in a dog fight after the Pakistan Air Force launched retaliation to the Balakot air strike. The former The then Wing Commander Varthaman's fighter jet was hit but he managed to eject and was in Pakistani captivity as he landed across the Line of Control. He was later awarded the Vir Chakra. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian Air Force to retire Abhinandan's MiG-21 Squadron by Sept 30

The Indian Air Force contingent of four Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic heavy lifter planes returned home after successfully taking part in the "Exercise Pitch Black" in Darwin, Australia. Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, the three-week-long exercise witnessed the participation of Air Forces from 17 nations and involved 2500 personnel.&nbsp;

The participating forces took part in various multi-aircraft combat drills day &amp; night, simulating complex aerial scenarios, involving large formations.&nbsp;

The exercise provided an opportunity for the participants to share best practices and experiences. The event witnessed a collaborative spirit that has led to a better understanding of each other's capabilities and a bonhomie that will lead to enduring ties between the participating nations.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The Indian Air Force contingent of four Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic heavy lifter planes returned home after successfully taking part in the "Exercise Pitch Black" in Darwin, Australia.

The Indian Air Force contingent of four Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic heavy lifter planes returned home after successfully taking part in the "Exercise Pitch Black" in Darwin, Australia. Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, the three-week-long exercise witnessed the participation of Air Forces from 17 nations and involved 2500 personnel. The participating forces took part in various multi-aircraft combat drills day & night, simulating complex aerial scenarios, involving large formations. The exercise provided an opportunity for the participants to share best practices and experiences. The event witnessed a collaborative spirit that has led to a better understanding of each other's capabilities and a bonhomie that will lead to enduring ties between the participating nations.

Indian Air Force contingent back home after ‘Exercise Pitch Black’ in Australia

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In a statement released by the Indian Air Force, the three officers were sacked after a court of inquiry found them guilty of deviating from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).&nbsp;The accident transpired on March 9, 2022, when the projectile was launched accidentally during a routine maintenance check.&nbsp;

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In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketed as countries looked to build reserves, fearing the temporary halt may very well extend beyond three days. Euro, the major currency of Europe sunk to its lowest level since 2002. According to reports, the currency slid as much as one&nbsp;per cent to as low as $0.9934 in the afternoon.

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A new virus known as tomato flu or tomato fever is spreading throughout India. The virus&nbsp;, discovered in children in the souther Indian state of Kerala in May has now spread to two other states.

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A whistleblower disclosure has revealed that Twitter has security problems which are apparently threatening its users' personal information. Apart from that, it poses risk to company shareholders, national security and also to democracy.&nbsp;

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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)&nbsp;has imposed a collective fine of over $1 billion on JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co and Bank of America.&nbsp;Reportedly, the regulatory body, during its probe&nbsp;found that the employees were using unauthorised messaging tools such as WhatsApp and email to exchange vital information.

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Record-breaking heatwave in China has resulted in wildfires near the country's biggest city Chongqing, housing more than 32 million people. Reportedly, the mountains and the forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat are now burning amber-red.&nbsp;More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households.&nbsp;

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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has come down heavily on Virat Kohli's critics. Shastri&nbsp;believes the chatter around Kohli's form will end if the senior batter manages to score a half-century in his team's opener against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022.

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Indian Air Force terminates three officers for accidentally firing BrahMos missile into Pakistan In a statement released by the Indian Air Force, the three officers were sacked after a court of inquiry found them guilty of deviating from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Indian Air Force terminates three officers for accidentally firing BrahMos missile into Pakistan In a statement released by the Indian Air Force, the three officers were sacked after a court of inquiry found them guilty of deviating from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The accident transpired on March 9, 2022, when the projectile was launched accidentally during a routine maintenance check. Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketed as countries looked to build reserves, fearing the temporary halt may very well extend beyond three days. Euro, the major currency of Europe sunk to its lowest level since 2002. According to reports, the currency slid as much as one per cent to as low as $0.9934 in the afternoon. Two more states in India now affected by the tomato flu outbreakhttps://www.wionews.com/world/gazproms-halt-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-plunges-europe-into-a-gas-crisis-509359 A new virus known as tomato flu or tomato fever is spreading throughout India. The virus , discovered in children in the souther Indian state of Kerala in May has now spread to two other states. Apple to manufacture iPhone 14 in India; plans to bring it on par with China Apple is planning to begin the manufacturing of the iPhone 14 in India. The company has already started working with its local suppliers in India to speed up the production pace to cut down the manufacturing time of the new smartphone. Twitter security problems a major threat to users' personal data and national security, alleges whistleblower A whistleblower disclosure has revealed that Twitter has security problems which are apparently threatening its users' personal information. Apart from that, it poses risk to company shareholders, national security and also to democracy. US banking giants fined $1 billion for using unapproved apps including WhatsApp The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has imposed a collective fine of over $1 billion on JP Morgan Chase & Co and Bank of America. Reportedly, the regulatory body, during its probe found that the employees were using unauthorised messaging tools such as WhatsApp and email to exchange vital information. China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave Record-breaking heatwave in China has resulted in wildfires near the country's biggest city Chongqing, housing more than 32 million people. Reportedly, the mountains and the forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat are now burning amber-red. More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households. Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to be tried without jury Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon who owned now shut pro-democracy publication Apple Daily will face a no-jury court. This is the latest deviation from city's 177-year-old tradition of jury-trial. Lai is under arrest China's controversial national security law. Mouths will be shut if Virat Kohli gets a fifty in 1st game against Pakistan at Asia Cup: Ravi Shastri Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has come down heavily on Virat Kohli's critics. Shastri believes the chatter around Kohli's form will end if the senior batter manages to score a half-century in his team's opener against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022. Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone accused of violating rules amid drought in Los Angeles Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Hart feature in a list of Los Angeles residents accused of using excessive amounts of water amid the ongoing drought. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: IAF terminates 3 officers, Europe plummets into a gas crisis & more

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out the remaining four squadrons of the Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter aircraft within a three-year time frame, with one of them likely to retire from service in September this year, according to reports.

The air force plans to retire all&nbsp;four MiG-21 squadrons by 2025. Currently, the IAF has around 70 MiG-21 aircraft and 50 MiG-29 variants.

Apart from that, plans are also afoot to retire the MiG-29 fleet, with the officials drawing up a timeline to phase out in the next five years.

Notably, the decision comes days after two IAF pilots died after MiG-21 fighter aircraft they were flying crashed in western Rajasthan's Barmer district on Thursday. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

But the officials maintained that the plan to retire the ageing fleet is part of the IAF’s modernisation drive and not linked to Barmer incident, according to PTI news agency.

Srinagar-based No. 51 squadron, which is also known as “Sword Arms,” is set to be retired by September 30. The squadron generally comprises 17 to 20 aircraft.

MiGs long stay in the IAF

The MiG-21 is India’s longest-serving fighter plane. However, the aircraft has had a very poor safety record of late.

The aircraft was designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union, and it made its maiden flight on 16 June, 1955.

The first fleet of the MiG variant was inducted into the IAF in 1963 and India procured over 700 MiG-variants in the subsequent decades.

India’s decision to buy MiG series should be looked through the prism of 1962 war China and growing hostility from Pakistan. At the time, India was desperately scaling up its military capability to prepare for attack despite cash-strapped economy.

The Soviet Union was willing to sell this fighter aircraft on extremely favourable terms and even agreed for licensed production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Since then the plane has seen several updates and modifications.

In 2000, Indian MiG-21s were upgraded with new censors and weapons. The modified version was later used by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who shot down a F-16 fighter of Pakistan in 2019, a day after India had carried out air strikes in Balakot.

Number of crashes and deaths

Though MiGs are the backbone of the IAF, the aircraft has earned numerous monikers, such as ‘flying coffin’&nbsp;and ‘widow maker’ due to frequent crashes.

According to a Times of India newspaper report, over 400 MiG-21s have crashed since 1971-72, killing over 200 pilots and another 50 people on the ground.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-forces-mig-21-crashes-in-rajasthan-three-pilots-killed-501552" hreflang="en">Indian Air Force's MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan, two pilots killed</a>

Bharat-Rakshak.com, an aviation website that works closely with the IAF, has documented the accidents that the MiG has seen since its induction. The first two MiG crashes took place in December 1963.

Why is India still using MiG-21?

According to reports, the MiG-21 had completed its retirement period in the mid-1990s.

It is not as if IAF was impervious to the series of crashes and the faulty mechanism of the MiGs. Due to delays in induction of new fighter aircraft, the IAF has been forced to keep the ageing flights to maintain a certain squadron strength to guard India's skies.

Apart from that, there have been delays in the indigenous Tejas programme, political controversy surrounding the Rafael deal and slow-paced procurement procedure. With no avenues to increase the fleet strength, the IAF had to keep MiGs in service longer than usual.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out the remaining four squadrons of the Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter aircraft within a three-year time frame, with one of them likely to retire from service in September this year, according to reports.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out the remaining four squadrons of the Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter aircraft within a three-year time frame, with one of them likely to retire from service in September this year, according to reports. The air force plans to retire all four MiG-21 squadrons by 2025. Currently, the IAF has around 70 MiG-21 aircraft and 50 MiG-29 variants. Apart from that, plans are also afoot to retire the MiG-29 fleet, with the officials drawing up a timeline to phase out in the next five years. Notably, the decision comes days after two IAF pilots died after MiG-21 fighter aircraft they were flying crashed in western Rajasthan's Barmer district on Thursday. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. But the officials maintained that the plan to retire the ageing fleet is part of the IAF’s modernisation drive and not linked to Barmer incident, according to PTI news agency. Srinagar-based No. 51 squadron, which is also known as “Sword Arms,” is set to be retired by September 30. The squadron generally comprises 17 to 20 aircraft. MiGs long stay in the IAF The MiG-21 is India’s longest-serving fighter plane. However, the aircraft has had a very poor safety record of late. The aircraft was designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union, and it made its maiden flight on 16 June, 1955. The first fleet of the MiG variant was inducted into the IAF in 1963 and India procured over 700 MiG-variants in the subsequent decades. India’s decision to buy MiG series should be looked through the prism of 1962 war China and growing hostility from Pakistan. At the time, India was desperately scaling up its military capability to prepare for attack despite cash-strapped economy. The Soviet Union was willing to sell this fighter aircraft on extremely favourable terms and even agreed for licensed production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Since then the plane has seen several updates and modifications. In 2000, Indian MiG-21s were upgraded with new censors and weapons. The modified version was later used by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who shot down a F-16 fighter of Pakistan in 2019, a day after India had carried out air strikes in Balakot. Number of crashes and deaths Though MiGs are the backbone of the IAF, the aircraft has earned numerous monikers, such as ‘flying coffin’ and ‘widow maker’ due to frequent crashes. According to a Times of India newspaper report, over 400 MiG-21s have crashed since 1971-72, killing over 200 pilots and another 50 people on the ground. Also read | Indian Air Force's MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan, two pilots killed Bharat-Rakshak.com, an aviation website that works closely with the IAF, has documented the accidents that the MiG has seen since its induction. The first two MiG crashes took place in December 1963. Why is India still using MiG-21? According to reports, the MiG-21 had completed its retirement period in the mid-1990s. It is not as if IAF was impervious to the series of crashes and the faulty mechanism of the MiGs. Due to delays in induction of new fighter aircraft, the IAF has been forced to keep the ageing flights to maintain a certain squadron strength to guard India's skies. Apart from that, there have been delays in the indigenous Tejas programme, political controversy surrounding the Rafael deal and slow-paced procurement procedure. With no avenues to increase the fleet strength, the IAF had to keep MiGs in service longer than usual. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian Air Force to retire all MiG-21 fleet in 3 years, MiG-29 phase out also in pipeline

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