In a significant achievement for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border given the tensions with China on the Ladakh front.

"The LCA Tejas was deployed by the Indian Air Force on the western front close to the Pakistan border to take care of any possible action by the adversary there," government sources told.

The first LCA Tejas squadron, 45 Squadron (Flying Daggers) based out of Sulur under the Southern Air Command, was deployed in an operational role there, the sources said.

The indigenous Tejas aircraft had been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech where he had stated that the deal to buy the LCA Mark1A version was expected to be completed soon.

While the first squadron of the planes is of the Initial Operational Clearance version, the second 18 Squadron `Flying Bullets` is of the Final Operational Clearance version and was operationalized by the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria at the Sulur airbase on May 27.

The Indian Air Force and the Defence Ministry are expected to finalise the deal for the 83 Mark1A aircraft by the end of this year.

Given the Chinese aggression on the borders, the IAF had deployed its assets all along the borders with both China and Pakistan.The forward airbases of the force have been equipped to take care of situations along the western and northern fronts and have seen extensive flying operations in the recent past, including both daytime and night operations.&nbsp;

In a significant achievement for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border given the tensions with China on the Ladakh front.

In a significant achievement for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border given the tensions with China on the Ladakh front. "The LCA Tejas was deployed by the Indian Air Force on the western front close to the Pakistan border to take care of any possible action by the adversary there," government sources told. The first LCA Tejas squadron, 45 Squadron (Flying Daggers) based out of Sulur under the Southern Air Command, was deployed in an operational role there, the sources said. The indigenous Tejas aircraft had been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech where he had stated that the deal to buy the LCA Mark1A version was expected to be completed soon. While the first squadron of the planes is of the Initial Operational Clearance version, the second 18 Squadron `Flying Bullets` is of the Final Operational Clearance version and was operationalized by the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria at the Sulur airbase on May 27. The Indian Air Force and the Defence Ministry are expected to finalise the deal for the 83 Mark1A aircraft by the end of this year. Given the Chinese aggression on the borders, the IAF had deployed its assets all along the borders with both China and Pakistan.The forward airbases of the force have been equipped to take care of situations along the western and northern fronts and have seen extensive flying operations in the recent past, including both daytime and night operations.

Amid border tensions with China, indigenous fighter LCA Tejas deployed on western front

Amid heavy rains with water levels rising to unimaginable levels, Indian security officials on Monday successfully rescued a man who was stranded at an overflowing dam in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

As per a police official, Jitendra Kashyap apparently jumped into the weir (constructed to remove excess water) of Khutaghat dam in Bilaspur on Sunday evening and got swept away in the strong current.

Watch |

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper today rescued a man at Khutaghat Dam near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. Due to heavy flow in the dam, IAF was requested to carry out a rescue operation: Dipanshu Kabra, IG Bilaspur Range (Video source-Bilaspur Police) <a href="https://t.co/IaGddp2gt6">pic.twitter.com/IaGddp2gt6</a>
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After waiting for over 12 hours sitting on a rock and clutching a tree, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was called in to carry out the rescue work, said Inspector General, Bilaspur Range, Chhattisgarh Police, Dipanshu Kabra.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/made-in-india-helicopters-help-mauritus-in-evacuating-oil-from-breached-japanese-vessel-321116">Made in India helicopters help Mauritus in evacuating oil from breached Japanese vessel</a>

The IAF personnel then flew Mi-17 helicopter early on Monday and completed the rescue operation in around 20 minutes.&nbsp;

A police official said that the man has been hospitalised in Raipur where his condition is said to be stable.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-team-to-mauritius-to-assist-in-oil-spill-320959">India sends team to Mauritius to assist in oil spill</a>

In many parts in the country, floods are causing massive devastation and the Chhattisgarh government on Sunday also issued directives to district officials to remain alert over a possible flood-like situation.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel asked all district collectors and superintendents of police to remain alert in view of the continual rains.&nbsp;

Amid heavy rains with water levels rising to unimaginable levels, Indian security officials on Monday successfully rescued a man who was stranded at an overflowing dam in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

Amid heavy rains with water levels rising to unimaginable levels, Indian security officials on Monday successfully rescued a man who was stranded at an overflowing dam in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. As per a police official, Jitendra Kashyap apparently jumped into the weir (constructed to remove excess water) of Khutaghat dam in Bilaspur on Sunday evening and got swept away in the strong current. Watch | #WATCH Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper today rescued a man at Khutaghat Dam near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. Due to heavy flow in the dam, IAF was requested to carry out a rescue operation: Dipanshu Kabra, IG Bilaspur Range (Video source-Bilaspur Police) pic.twitter.com/IaGddp2gt6 — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2020 × After waiting for over 12 hours sitting on a rock and clutching a tree, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was called in to carry out the rescue work, said Inspector General, Bilaspur Range, Chhattisgarh Police, Dipanshu Kabra. Also read | Made in India helicopters help Mauritus in evacuating oil from breached Japanese vessel The IAF personnel then flew Mi-17 helicopter early on Monday and completed the rescue operation in around 20 minutes. A police official said that the man has been hospitalised in Raipur where his condition is said to be stable. Also read | India sends team to Mauritius to assist in oil spill In many parts in the country, floods are causing massive devastation and the Chhattisgarh government on Sunday also issued directives to district officials to remain alert over a possible flood-like situation. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel asked all district collectors and superintendents of police to remain alert in view of the continual rains.

Watch | How Indian military rescued man stranded in dam for 12 hours

The first batch of the much-awaited Rafale fighter jets that took off from France on July 27 will reach India today.

IAF Rafale fighters to land at Ambala air base today

The family of Hilal Ahmad Rather, a Kashmiri man who has played a key role in India's Rafale journey, is delighted after his pictures on a fighter aircraft beamed television screens.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, his brother-in-law, Dr Mohammad Ayoub Mattoo, said that it was his father's dream to see him fly one day. Hilal's family says his mother had a dream night before he was born. "She saw Eid crescent in her dream and after he was born, his father named him Hilal which translates to crescent," Ayoub says.&nbsp;

Ayoub says that he informed Hilal about the news and his images goingg viral.

"He said he was happy and loves what he does," he added.

Father of Hilal, Mohammad Abdullah Rather, was an army man in Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment of the Indian Army who fought 1962 Sino-India war in Ladakh. Interestingly, Ayoub says a picket that Hilal's father took over during the war is named after their caste and is called 'Rather picket'.&nbsp;

"His father was energetic like Hilal, he wanted him to join the Indian Airforce. If he was alive today, he would've been happy to see his success," he says.&nbsp;

Air Commodore Hilal is the youngest among five siblings who initially studied from Montessori school and Hanfia Institute in Anantnag district of south Kashmir before moving to Sanik School Nagrota and later to qualifying for National Defence Academy, Pune.&nbsp;

"He ranked top and was awarded&nbsp;Sword of Honour by then President of India. I was there to witness that event and he never looked back ever since," he says adding that Hilal is a religious man who prays five times a day and is honest to his service.&nbsp;

Hilal is currently India's Air Attache to France. He was commissioned in the airforce in 1988 and rose from being a flight lieutenant to now an Air Commodore. With more than 3000 hours of accident-free flying on MiG 21s, Mirage-2000, and Kiran aircraft, according to records accessible online. He&nbsp; has also received Vayu Sena Medal, which is given for devotion to duty as a Wing Commander in 2010 and Vishisht Seva Medal when he was a group captain in 2016. 
&nbsp;

The family of Hilal Ahmad Rather, a Kashmiri man who has played a key role in India's Rafale journey, is delighted after his pictures on a fighter aircraft beamed television screens.

The family of Hilal Ahmad Rather, a Kashmiri man who has played a key role in India's Rafale journey, is delighted after his pictures on a fighter aircraft beamed television screens. Speaking to WION, his brother-in-law, Dr Mohammad Ayoub Mattoo, said that it was his father's dream to see him fly one day. Hilal's family says his mother had a dream night before he was born. "She saw Eid crescent in her dream and after he was born, his father named him Hilal which translates to crescent," Ayoub says. Ayoub says that he informed Hilal about the news and his images goingg viral. "He said he was happy and loves what he does," he added. Father of Hilal, Mohammad Abdullah Rather, was an army man in Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment of the Indian Army who fought 1962 Sino-India war in Ladakh. Interestingly, Ayoub says a picket that Hilal's father took over during the war is named after their caste and is called 'Rather picket'. "His father was energetic like Hilal, he wanted him to join the Indian Airforce. If he was alive today, he would've been happy to see his success," he says. Air Commodore Hilal is the youngest among five siblings who initially studied from Montessori school and Hanfia Institute in Anantnag district of south Kashmir before moving to Sanik School Nagrota and later to qualifying for National Defence Academy, Pune. "He ranked top and was awarded Sword of Honour by then President of India. I was there to witness that event and he never looked back ever since," he says adding that Hilal is a religious man who prays five times a day and is honest to his service. Hilal is currently India's Air Attache to France. He was commissioned in the airforce in 1988 and rose from being a flight lieutenant to now an Air Commodore. With more than 3000 hours of accident-free flying on MiG 21s, Mirage-2000, and Kiran aircraft, according to records accessible online. He has also received Vayu Sena Medal, which is given for devotion to duty as a Wing Commander in 2010 and Vishisht Seva Medal when he was a group captain in 2016.

WION exclusive: Rafale journey star's father was hero of 1962 Sino-India war

The first batch of five Rafale jets flew out of France's Merignac airbase today and will arrive in India on Wednesday, July 29. The aircraft has been developed by France's aviation firm Dassault and equipped with modern radar technology to tackle modern air combat.

First batch of Rafales jets fly out of France from Merignac airbase

As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

The people cited above said the IAF is zeroing in on procuring new generation medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon system Hammer to integrate with the Rafale jets, using the emergency financial powers provided by the government to the armed forces for faster acquisition of key weapons and platforms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-arming-itself-to-remain-compelling-deterrent-against-attack-by-neighbours-315496" hreflang="en">India arming itself to remain compelling deterrent against attack by neighbours</a>

Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a precision-guided missile developed by French defence major Safran. The missile was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy.

In view of the border row with China, the defence ministry this month granted special powers to the three services for individual capital procurement programme worth Rs 300 crore to meet emergent operational requirements.

There will be no cap on the number of procurement programmes and that each acquisition under the emergency requirement category should not cost more than Rs 300 crore, according to officials.

They said the first batch of Rafale jets is likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector by the second half of next month. India will receive a total of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore contract.

The Meteor, Scalp and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the Rafale jets.

The Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power for much longer than any other missile, said an official.

The Scalp is a deep-strike cruise missile known for having pinpoint terminal accuracy through its highly accurate seeker and target recognition system.

The Rafales will also be equipped with MICA weapon system which is integrated into IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets.

As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said.

As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said. The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. The people cited above said the IAF is zeroing in on procuring new generation medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon system Hammer to integrate with the Rafale jets, using the emergency financial powers provided by the government to the armed forces for faster acquisition of key weapons and platforms. Also read: India arming itself to remain compelling deterrent against attack by neighbours Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a precision-guided missile developed by French defence major Safran. The missile was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy. In view of the border row with China, the defence ministry this month granted special powers to the three services for individual capital procurement programme worth Rs 300 crore to meet emergent operational requirements. There will be no cap on the number of procurement programmes and that each acquisition under the emergency requirement category should not cost more than Rs 300 crore, according to officials. They said the first batch of Rafale jets is likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector by the second half of next month. India will receive a total of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore contract. The Meteor, Scalp and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the Rafale jets. The Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden. The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power for much longer than any other missile, said an official. The Scalp is a deep-strike cruise missile known for having pinpoint terminal accuracy through its highly accurate seeker and target recognition system. The Rafales will also be equipped with MICA weapon system which is integrated into IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft. Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others. The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft. The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases. Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets.

Indian Air Force to integrate Rafale with new generation air-to-ground missiles

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out intensive night operations over the Eastern Ladakh sector, involving its fighter aircraft including the MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30MKI along with its Apache attack helicopters and the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, according to news agency ANI.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out intensive night operations over the Eastern Ladakh sector, involving its fighter aircraft including the MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30MKI along with its Apache attack helicopters and the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, according to news agency ANI. Notwithstanding the strong winds and the chilling weather, the ground crew and pilots are flying using even very small windows when the wind speed is low, the report said. Explaining the significance of the operations, senior fighter pilot Group Captain A Rathi deployed at the forward base told ANI, "Night operations have an inherent element of surprise. Indian Air Force is fully trained and ready to undertake an entire spectrum of operations in any environment with the help of modern platforms and highly motivated personnel." The pilots of the Apache choppers could be seen flying with their night vision goggles which allows them to navigate through the mountains around the airbase and the darkness in the night, the report added. The strong late evening winds at the airbase and the weather warning almost led to calling off the night sorties but around 10 PM everyone was back to their respective aircraft as the wind speed receded. Soon after, the mighty Chinook choppers came out on the runway and hovered for some time adjusting to the wind speeds before taking off towards the eastern parts of Ladakh. The Chinook with its high tech gadgets and navigation aids is fully ready for 24x7 operations and played a big role in transferring troops to the Line of Actual Control from rear locations. ''The motivation level of troops at the airbase is very high. The morale is very high like our motto Nabha Sparsham Deeptam (Touch the Sky with Glory)," Warrant Officer P Sharma told. The entire base with its flurry of activities is playing a crucial role in enhancing the combat preparedness of the country along the China border. "This base plays a very important role in undertaking operations in this area. It is cleared for all contingencies and all combat and support operations to be undertaken in this area," a Flight Lieutenant had told on the importance of the forward airfield. The officer had stated that given the operations along the borders with China after the clash in Galwan valley and the tensions at the border, "Air Power will play an important role in this area in both combat and support roles. We have all the resources in terms of men and equipment to meet all the challenges." "The Indian Air Force is ready in all aspects to undertake all operational talks and providing the requisite support for all military operations," the Wing Commander had added. Air activities in the Ladakh area and other places along the China border had gone up extensively soon after the Chinese started building up and went up further after the Galwan valley clash on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army men lost their lives.

IAF carrying out intensive night-time operations over Eastern Ladakh

The Indian Air Force is significantly enhancing deployment of its frontline jets, attack helicopters and transport fleet in all its key bases guarding the airspace along the Line of Actual Control in view of heightened border tension with China in eastern Ladakh, people familiar with the development said on Saturday.

The IAF has also pressed into service a fleet of C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft as well as C-130J Super Hercules in transporting heavy military equipment and weaponry to several forward bases to further ramp up India's military preparedness in the region.

The IAF is also using its Ilyushin-76 fleet to transport troops to various areas along the Line of Actual Control, the 3,500 km de-facto border between India and China, the people cited above said.

They said the force has already moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar.

It has also deployed Apache attack choppers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations.

The frontline fighter jets have increased their sorties in Ladakh and nearby areas in the last few days as part of increased alert level, and probably as a response to expanded activities of the Chinese air force, the people said.

"We are fully ready to deal with any situation," said a senior official when asked about increasing activities of the IAF in Ladakh and other regions.

Last month, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria made a quiet visit to Ladakh and Srinagar air bases to review the Indian Air Force's preparedness to deal with any eventualities in the region.

The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last seven weeks.

The tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details.

India has been insisting on restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to restore peace and tranquillity in the region.

India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks in the last few weeks to ease tension in the region. However, there was no visible sign of end to the standoff though the two sides agreed to initiate disengagement of the forces from the region.

India on Thursday said it expected China to ensure expeditious restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas in sync with provisions of relevant bilateral pacts.

Following the Galwan Valley clashes, the Army has sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border besides moving in heavy weapons.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force is significantly enhancing deployment of its frontline jets, attack helicopters and transport fleet in all its key bases guarding the airspace along the Line of Actual Control in view of heightened border tension with China in eastern Ladakh, people familiar with the development said on Saturday.

The Indian Air Force is significantly enhancing deployment of its frontline jets, attack helicopters and transport fleet in all its key bases guarding the airspace along the Line of Actual Control in view of heightened border tension with China in eastern Ladakh, people familiar with the development said on Saturday. The IAF has also pressed into service a fleet of C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft as well as C-130J Super Hercules in transporting heavy military equipment and weaponry to several forward bases to further ramp up India's military preparedness in the region. The IAF is also using its Ilyushin-76 fleet to transport troops to various areas along the Line of Actual Control, the 3,500 km de-facto border between India and China, the people cited above said. They said the force has already moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar. It has also deployed Apache attack choppers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations. The frontline fighter jets have increased their sorties in Ladakh and nearby areas in the last few days as part of increased alert level, and probably as a response to expanded activities of the Chinese air force, the people said. "We are fully ready to deal with any situation," said a senior official when asked about increasing activities of the IAF in Ladakh and other regions. Last month, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria made a quiet visit to Ladakh and Srinagar air bases to review the Indian Air Force's preparedness to deal with any eventualities in the region. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last seven weeks. The tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. India has been insisting on restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to restore peace and tranquillity in the region. India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks in the last few weeks to ease tension in the region. However, there was no visible sign of end to the standoff though the two sides agreed to initiate disengagement of the forces from the region. India on Thursday said it expected China to ensure expeditious restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas in sync with provisions of relevant bilateral pacts. Following the Galwan Valley clashes, the Army has sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border besides moving in heavy weapons.

IAF ramping up deployment in key bases along border with China

A massive fire has engulfed a natural-gas producing well of Oil India Limited (OIL) in upper Assam's Tinsukia district, that has been leaking gas for the last 14 days.

Two firefighters who were engaged in controlling a blaze in Assam’s Baghjan were killed on Wednesday. Their bodies were found near the natural gas well that ignited on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that the bodies of Durlov Gogoi, 30 and Bikeshwar Gohain, 56, were found from a pond near the well at Baghjan.

The oil well, part of Baghjan oil fields, had suffered damage after a blowout on May 27 and has been spewing gas since then.

Smoke from the fire&nbsp;can reportedly be seen from 10 km away and locals claim it has spread to nearby villages.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Massive fire at the gas well of Oil India Ltd at Baghjan in Tinsukia district, Assam. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is present at the spot <a href="https://t.co/Tw2G92aPXy">pic.twitter.com/Tw2G92aPXy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1270309788568571906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Several fire tenders from Oil India Limited, ONGC, and Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts were rushed to the spot. A company spokesperson said while no casualty was reported in the incident, one ONGC employee suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

The Indian Air Force and the Army are assisting in the firefighting operations, after the Sarbananda Sonowal government requested for help. The Air Force has sent three fire engines, and the Army has reached the area and is on stand-by. The area has been cordoned off by paramilitary forces.&nbsp;

Nearly 3,000 people from Baghjan were evacuated and at least one dolphin, one particolored flying squirrel and a variety of fish died as condensate — residue from gas condensing after coming in contact with water.

A statement from OIL said, ''While cleaning operations were on at the well site, the well caught fire. Fire tenders are at the site controlling the spread of fire.''

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While the clearing operations were on at the well site, the well caught fire.There is no casualty reported. Fire tenders are at the site controlling the spread of fire. There r violent protests around the well site. Once the situation is normal, the experts will move to the site. <a href="https://t.co/HaCgLGeQtr">pic.twitter.com/HaCgLGeQtr</a>
— Oil India Limited (@OilIndiaLimited) <a href="https://twitter.com/OilIndiaLimited/status/1270357665747619840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There were protests in the area as the fire broke out, threatening the lives and livelihood of the people already facing the impact of the blowout for the last two weeks amid the Covid-19 crisis.

A massive fire has engulfed a natural-gas producing well of Oil India Limited (OIL) in upper Assam's Tinsukia district, that has been leaking gas for the last 14 days.

A massive fire has engulfed a natural-gas producing well of Oil India Limited (OIL) in upper Assam's Tinsukia district, that has been leaking gas for the last 14 days. Two firefighters who were engaged in controlling a blaze in Assam’s Baghjan were killed on Wednesday. Their bodies were found near the natural gas well that ignited on Tuesday. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that the bodies of Durlov Gogoi, 30 and Bikeshwar Gohain, 56, were found from a pond near the well at Baghjan. The oil well, part of Baghjan oil fields, had suffered damage after a blowout on May 27 and has been spewing gas since then. Smoke from the fire can reportedly be seen from 10 km away and locals claim it has spread to nearby villages. #WATCH Massive fire at the gas well of Oil India Ltd at Baghjan in Tinsukia district, Assam. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is present at the spot pic.twitter.com/Tw2G92aPXy — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2020 × Several fire tenders from Oil India Limited, ONGC, and Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts were rushed to the spot. A company spokesperson said while no casualty was reported in the incident, one ONGC employee suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The Indian Air Force and the Army are assisting in the firefighting operations, after the Sarbananda Sonowal government requested for help. The Air Force has sent three fire engines, and the Army has reached the area and is on stand-by. The area has been cordoned off by paramilitary forces. Nearly 3,000 people from Baghjan were evacuated and at least one dolphin, one particolored flying squirrel and a variety of fish died as condensate — residue from gas condensing after coming in contact with water. A statement from OIL said, ''While cleaning operations were on at the well site, the well caught fire. Fire tenders are at the site controlling the spread of fire.'' While the clearing operations were on at the well site, the well caught fire.There is no casualty reported. Fire tenders are at the site controlling the spread of fire. There r violent protests around the well site. Once the situation is normal, the experts will move to the site. pic.twitter.com/HaCgLGeQtr — Oil India Limited (@OilIndiaLimited) June 9, 2020 × There were protests in the area as the fire broke out, threatening the lives and livelihood of the people already facing the impact of the blowout for the last two weeks amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Massive fire engulfs OIL-owned well in Assam, two firefighters killed

Construction of emergency runway for Indian Air Force has started in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in South Kashmir amid the Indo-China crisis. Watch this video to get more details.

Construction of IAF's emergency runway starts in South Kashmir amid Indo-China crisis

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir.

The runway will be strategically important for the defence forces in the valley and will help in rescue and relief operation in natural climates and other situations.

The airstrip is targeted to be completed in just 8 months with men and machinery working hard to complete the target. The construction is being done by the National Highways Authority of India through its contractors.

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“This is an emergency runway. We have 8 months to complete this project but due to lockdown and bad weather, we had to stop this work,” Parveen, a survey engineer told WION.

In 2017, the Indian Airforce cleared 12 national highways as emergency landing airstrips across India which includes Maoist-affected Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, reports said.

This is the first such project in Jammu &amp; Kashmir where India and Pakistan airforces engaged in an aerial dogfight after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 which killed 40 CRPF men.

The runway can be used by the fighter jets &amp; helicopters to land and take off in emergencies.

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir.

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir. The runway will be strategically important for the defence forces in the valley and will help in rescue and relief operation in natural climates and other situations. The airstrip is targeted to be completed in just 8 months with men and machinery working hard to complete the target. The construction is being done by the National Highways Authority of India through its contractors. “This is an emergency runway. We have 8 months to complete this project but due to lockdown and bad weather, we had to stop this work,” Parveen, a survey engineer told WION. In 2017, the Indian Airforce cleared 12 national highways as emergency landing airstrips across India which includes Maoist-affected Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, reports said. This is the first such project in Jammu & Kashmir where India and Pakistan airforces engaged in an aerial dogfight after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 which killed 40 CRPF men. The runway can be used by the fighter jets & helicopters to land and take off in emergencies.

Construction of emergency landing airstrip on NH-44 for Indian Airforce starts in Kashmir

Indian Air Force was forced to rush its fighter jet patrols in Ladakh after Chinese military choppers were found to be flying close to the Line of Actual Control, according to news agency ANI.

Indian Air Force was forced to rush its fighter jet patrols in Ladakh after Chinese military choppers were found to be flying close to the Line of Actual Control, according to news agency ANI. The incident took place last week, around the same time a scuffle broke out between the Chinese People`s Liberation Army troops and Indian troops along the LAC in North Sikkim which led to injuries on both sides. "The Chinese military helicopters were flying very close to the Line of Actual Control. After their movement was picked up, the Indian Air Force fighter jets flew patrols in the area," government sources told. Government sources who requested anonymity due to knowledge of frontline operations informed that the Chinese choppers did not cross the LAC into Indian territory in that particular area, the report stated quoting the government sources. The latest development comes close on the heels of Indian security establishment noticing that Pakistani Air Force increased its patrols of F-16S and JF-17s along its Eastern Border with India, especially night sorties, after the Handwara terror attack that led to the death of 5 Indian security personnel. Fear of retaliation by Indian forces was cited as the reason by Indian security establishment sources for this ramping up of PAF air patrols.

IAF fighters rushed in after Chinese choppers spotted near Ladakh LAC: Report

A Mig-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force airborne on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar met with an accident.&nbsp;

The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft. The pilot has been rescued by a helicopter.&nbsp;

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.

A Mig-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force airborne on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar met with an accident. The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft.

A Mig-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force airborne on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar met with an accident. The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft. The pilot has been rescued by a helicopter. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.

Indian Air Force jet crashes in Punjab; pilot ejects safely

Indian Navy chopper showered rose petals over health workers, especially frontline staff at the Goa Medical College, the state''s biggest hospital and a quarantine facility for Covid-19 patients

Navy chopper showers rose petals on Goa Medical college

Indian Air Force (IAF) started a flypast to thank and appreciate the COVID-19 warriors on Sunday morning. The flypast started from Srinagar's beautiful Dal lake.&nbsp;

According to the IAF officials, two C-130J Super Hercules special operations transport started their journey from Srinagar and will fly all the way to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-colonel-major-killed-in-kupwara-encounter-296332">Also read:&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir: Colonel, major killed in Kupwara encounter</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> IAF chopper showers flower petals on All India Institute of Medical Sciences to express gratitude and appreciation towards medical professionals fighting COVID19<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLqaptSaDx">pic.twitter.com/BLqaptSaDx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1256832592147550208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Two IAF C-130J Super Hercules special operations transport aircraft fly over Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. The aircraft took off from Srinagar,J&amp;K and will fly all the way to Trivandrum in Kerala to show gratitude towards COVID-19 warriors. <a href="https://t.co/iFGSrbFGq0">pic.twitter.com/iFGSrbFGq0</a>
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The planes will be showering flower petals on some selected hospitals that have played a key role in treating coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

"The list of hospitals include AllMS, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, GTB Hospital, Loknayak Hospital, RML Hospital, Safdarjang Hospital, Ganga Ram Hospital, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Max Saket, Rohini Hospital, Apollo Indraprastha Hospital, and Army Hospital R&amp;R," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

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Meghalaya: Indian Air Force aircraft flypast Civil Hospital in Shillong to express gratitude towards health workers for their contribution in the fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/15bDBR58pE">pic.twitter.com/15bDBR58pE</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian Air Force chopper showers flower petals on Chirayu Medical College &amp; Hospital in Bhopal to express gratitude towards medical professionals fighting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/fi0AtFh2Uk">pic.twitter.com/fi0AtFh2Uk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1256822824980938752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-militants-killed-in-kashmir-encounter-operation-underway-296224">Also read: Two militants killed in Kashmir encounter; operation underway</a>

These planes are not only doing a flypast to show gratitude but are also carrying medical supplies to be delivered at an airbase. This activity is also being used as a&nbsp;part of&nbsp;the training activity of IAF and opportunity flight for transport aircraft and helicopters, which are involved in moving supplies related to the COVID-19 task.

Some IAF choppers, too, showed gratitude by showering flower petals on&nbsp;Police War Memorial and Delhi hospitals.

More such flypasts will be organised in the future, starting from Srinagar to Thiruvananthapuram, and&nbsp;from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kutch in Gujarat.

"Fighter aircraft formations, comprising Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar will be flying over the Rajpath and will orbit over Delhi and will be visible to the residents from rooftops," said the statement.

Indian Air Force (IAF) started a flypast to thank and appreciate the COVID-19 warriors on Sunday morning. The flypast started from Srinagar's beautiful Dal lake.

Indian Air Force (IAF) started a flypast to thank and appreciate the COVID-19 warriors on Sunday morning. The flypast started from Srinagar's beautiful Dal lake. According to the IAF officials, two C-130J Super Hercules special operations transport started their journey from Srinagar and will fly all the way to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Colonel, major killed in Kupwara encounter #WATCH IAF chopper showers flower petals on All India Institute of Medical Sciences to express gratitude and appreciation towards medical professionals fighting COVID19#Delhi pic.twitter.com/BLqaptSaDx — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2020 × #WATCH Two IAF C-130J Super Hercules special operations transport aircraft fly over Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. The aircraft took off from Srinagar,J&K and will fly all the way to Trivandrum in Kerala to show gratitude towards COVID-19 warriors. pic.twitter.com/iFGSrbFGq0 — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2020 × The planes will be showering flower petals on some selected hospitals that have played a key role in treating coronavirus patients. "The list of hospitals include AllMS, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, GTB Hospital, Loknayak Hospital, RML Hospital, Safdarjang Hospital, Ganga Ram Hospital, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Max Saket, Rohini Hospital, Apollo Indraprastha Hospital, and Army Hospital R&R," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. Meghalaya: Indian Air Force aircraft flypast Civil Hospital in Shillong to express gratitude towards health workers for their contribution in the fight against #COVID19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/15bDBR58pE — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2020 × #WATCH: Indian Air Force chopper showers flower petals on Chirayu Medical College & Hospital in Bhopal to express gratitude towards medical professionals fighting #COVID19. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/fi0AtFh2Uk — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2020 × Also read: Two militants killed in Kashmir encounter; operation underway These planes are not only doing a flypast to show gratitude but are also carrying medical supplies to be delivered at an airbase. This activity is also being used as a part of the training activity of IAF and opportunity flight for transport aircraft and helicopters, which are involved in moving supplies related to the COVID-19 task. Some IAF choppers, too, showed gratitude by showering flower petals on Police War Memorial and Delhi hospitals. More such flypasts will be organised in the future, starting from Srinagar to Thiruvananthapuram, and from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kutch in Gujarat. "Fighter aircraft formations, comprising Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar will be flying over the Rajpath and will orbit over Delhi and will be visible to the residents from rooftops," said the statement.

IAF starts flypast from Dal Lake to salute COVID-19 workers; transporting medical supplies too

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a fly-past over Dal Lake in Srinagar on Sunday morning to express gratitude to medical professionals and other frontline workers at the forefront of battle against the deadly Coronavirus.

IAF conducts flypasts across the Nation, C-130 hercules flies over Delhi

The Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy joined hands on Sunday (May 3) to express their gratitude to corona warriors, including healthcare workers, police, and forces who are at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Illuminated Indian naval vessels salute coronavirus warriors

How armed forces warriors thanked corona fighters

Indian Air Force's C-17 Globalmaster has left for Iran to evacuate Indian stranded in the country as the coronavirus pandemic spreads in the west Asian country. The plane with 14 Air Force officers and four medical staff is led by Wing Commander Karan Kapoor and will be landing in the Iranian capital at 2 am IST.&nbsp;

While no details have been given on how many Indians will be brought back, the number could be 100 or more.&nbsp;

The C17 leaves Tehran at 4 am IST and reaches India at 9 am IST on Tuesday.&nbsp;

This is the second time C17 is being sent to evacuate Indians this year.&nbsp;In February end, India had sent C17 to evacuate Indians from Wuhan, China.

Sources said, more sorties of IAF can be expected to evacuate Indian citizens in coming days.&nbsp;

India will be evacuating its pilgrims first from Iran, followed by students stranded in the country in the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

New Delhi has also set up a medical screening centre in the central Iranian city of Qom, which is the worst impacted by the pandemic.&nbsp;

The Indian government is negotiating with the Iranian government to establish more screening centres in other cities of Iran.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with parents of stranded Indian students in Srinagar and assured that the Indian government is doing its best to bring them back.

The Indian govt will be facilitating the return via normal civil aviation channels by resuming and rearranging flights and medical screening before leaving Iran. Currently, there are no direct flights between India and Iran as the flight operation stands cancelled due to coronavirus epidemic.

Iran evacuated 215 of its citizens from India. A flight from Iran arrived in India on Saturday carrying swab samples of 180 Indians. The samples are being tested at a laboratory in AIIMS. Six scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are stationed in Iran.

Indian Air Force's C-17 Globalmaster has left for Iran to evacuate Indian stranded in the country as the coronavirus pandemic spreads in the west Asian country. The plane with 14 Air Force officers and four medical staff is led by Wing Commander Karan Kapoor and will be landing in the Iranian capital at 2 am IST.

Indian Air Force's C-17 Globalmaster has left for Iran to evacuate Indian stranded in the country as the coronavirus pandemic spreads in the west Asian country. The plane with 14 Air Force officers and four medical staff is led by Wing Commander Karan Kapoor and will be landing in the Iranian capital at 2 am IST. While no details have been given on how many Indians will be brought back, the number could be 100 or more. The C17 leaves Tehran at 4 am IST and reaches India at 9 am IST on Tuesday. This is the second time C17 is being sent to evacuate Indians this year. In February end, India had sent C17 to evacuate Indians from Wuhan, China. Sources said, more sorties of IAF can be expected to evacuate Indian citizens in coming days. India will be evacuating its pilgrims first from Iran, followed by students stranded in the country in the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic. New Delhi has also set up a medical screening centre in the central Iranian city of Qom, which is the worst impacted by the pandemic. The Indian government is negotiating with the Iranian government to establish more screening centres in other cities of Iran. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with parents of stranded Indian students in Srinagar and assured that the Indian government is doing its best to bring them back. The Indian govt will be facilitating the return via normal civil aviation channels by resuming and rearranging flights and medical screening before leaving Iran. Currently, there are no direct flights between India and Iran as the flight operation stands cancelled due to coronavirus epidemic. Iran evacuated 215 of its citizens from India. A flight from Iran arrived in India on Saturday carrying swab samples of 180 Indians. The samples are being tested at a laboratory in AIIMS. Six scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are stationed in Iran.

COVID-19: IAF's C-17 departs for Iran to evacuate stranded Indians  

The Indian Air Force will be sending its C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft tonight to Iran to evacuate Indians stuck there due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-number-of-confirmed-cases-soar-to-43-new-cases-from-up-delhi-jammu-kerala-285216">coronavirus</a> outbreak.

The C-17 Globemaster aircraft had earlier taken medical supplies to China amid the coronavirus crisis and evacuated several Indian and foreigners.

Watch Video:

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Iran has been one of the countries worst hit by the virus with 43 new deaths from the novel coronavirus reported today taking the death toll to 237.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-bans-arrivals-from-14-countries-including-india-over-coronavirus-fears-285153">Also Read: Qatar bans arrivals from 14 countries including India over coronavirus fears</a>

Tehran reported 1,945 cases, with the city of Qom being the second worst-hit with 712 confirmed cases.

Iran Air had earlier announced the suspension of all its flights to Europe until further notice as the virus spread nationwide.

According to reports, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had banned Iran Air aircraft from European airspace.

Sweden had announced temporary suspension of Iran Air flights after the advice of health officials who said the country was "not in control" of the coronavirus outbreak on its soil.

The Indian Air Force will be sending its C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft tonight to Iran to evacuate Indians stuck there due to the coronavirus outbreak. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft had earlier taken medical supplies to China amid the coronavirus crisis and evacuated several Indian and foreigners.

The Indian Air Force will be sending its C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft tonight to Iran to evacuate Indians stuck there due to the coronavirus outbreak. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft had earlier taken medical supplies to China amid the coronavirus crisis and evacuated several Indian and foreigners. Watch Video: Iran has been one of the countries worst hit by the virus with 43 new deaths from the novel coronavirus reported today taking the death toll to 237. Also Read: Qatar bans arrivals from 14 countries including India over coronavirus fears Tehran reported 1,945 cases, with the city of Qom being the second worst-hit with 712 confirmed cases. Iran Air had earlier announced the suspension of all its flights to Europe until further notice as the virus spread nationwide. According to reports, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had banned Iran Air aircraft from European airspace. Sweden had announced temporary suspension of Iran Air flights after the advice of health officials who said the country was "not in control" of the coronavirus outbreak on its soil.

Coronavirus outbreak: IAF's C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft to leave for Iran to bring back Indians

An Indian Air Force (IAF) <a href="&quot;This assistance has been provided in the wake the Coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak in China and the request by China to provide supplies such as masks and medical equipment,&quot; the statement read.">special flight carrying around 15 Tons of medical assistance comprising masks</a>, gloves and other emergency medical equipment departed for the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday.

The AIF flight will also bring back Indian and foreign nationals from some of the neighbouring countries, who had sought assistance in travelling to India, in keeping with New Delhi's neighbourhood first policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

"This assistance has been provided in the wake the Coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak in China and the request by China to provide supplies such as masks and medical equipment," the statement read.

The medical supplies will help augment China`s efforts to control the outbreak of this infection which has claimed more than 2700 lives in the country and has been declared as a Public Health Emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The development comes more than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping, offering assistance to China amid the outbreak of the disease.

"The assistance being sent today is also a mark of friendship and solidarity from the people of India towards the people of China as the two countries also celebrate 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year," the statement read.

Coronavirus first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since then spread to several countries across the world, including India.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) special flight carrying around 15 Tons of medical assistance comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment departed for the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) special flight carrying around 15 Tons of medical assistance comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment departed for the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday. The AIF flight will also bring back Indian and foreign nationals from some of the neighbouring countries, who had sought assistance in travelling to India, in keeping with New Delhi's neighbourhood first policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. "This assistance has been provided in the wake the Coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak in China and the request by China to provide supplies such as masks and medical equipment," the statement read. The medical supplies will help augment China`s efforts to control the outbreak of this infection which has claimed more than 2700 lives in the country and has been declared as a Public Health Emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The development comes more than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping, offering assistance to China amid the outbreak of the disease. "The assistance being sent today is also a mark of friendship and solidarity from the people of India towards the people of China as the two countries also celebrate 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year," the statement read. Coronavirus first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since then spread to several countries across the world, including India.

IAF special flight carrying medical assistance departs for coronavirus-hit Wuhan

One year ago on this day, Indian Air Force aircrafts bombed a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama attack which had killed over 40 Indian Army soldiers. During the operation, 12 Indian fighter jets entered Pakistan controlled airspace and destroyed a major terror camp in Balakot.

Balakot airstrike anniversary: When IAF crossed into Pakistan and bombed JeM camps

Indian Air Force(IAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft is on a medical mission to Wuhan in China as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-state-of-emergency-declared-in-san-francisco-282798">coronavirus</a> continues to spread nationwide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-another-person-dies-in-france-as-death-toll-rises-in-iran-282881">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus outbreak -&nbsp;Another person dies in France as death toll rises in Iran</a> 
 
"We are carrying about 15 tonnes of medical equipment. On our way back, we shall be carrying Indians and&nbsp;citizens of friendly neighbourhood countries," IAF's Group Captain AK Patnaik told ANI. 
 
There were reports earlier that China was reportedly delaying granting clearance to Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster. 
 
India has already evacuated over 600 citizens from Wuhan which is the epicentre of the virus. China had reportedly denied permission to the aircraft last week. 
 
On February 17, India had announced that it will send its largest IAF plane to bring back all nationals from Wuhan. 
 
Meanwhile, China on Wednesday reported 52 new coronavirus deaths taking the death toll to 2,715. All the deaths were reported in Hubei province which is the epicentre of the virus. The virus which originated in Wuhan has now spread to various parts of China with 78,000 infected. 
 
The virus has now spread to several countries including in West Asia and Europe. 
 
In South Korea, the death toll from the virus rose to 11 on Wednesday, as the country's total number of infections rose to 1,146.

Indian Air Force(IAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft is on a medical mission to Wuhan in China as the coronavirus continues to spread nationwide. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak - Another person dies in France as death toll rises in Iran "We are carrying about 15 tonnes of medical equipment.

Indian Air Force(IAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft is on a medical mission to Wuhan in China as the coronavirus continues to spread nationwide. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak - Another person dies in France as death toll rises in Iran "We are carrying about 15 tonnes of medical equipment. On our way back, we shall be carrying Indians and citizens of friendly neighbourhood countries," IAF's Group Captain AK Patnaik told ANI. There were reports earlier that China was reportedly delaying granting clearance to Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster. India has already evacuated over 600 citizens from Wuhan which is the epicentre of the virus. China had reportedly denied permission to the aircraft last week. On February 17, India had announced that it will send its largest IAF plane to bring back all nationals from Wuhan. Meanwhile, China on Wednesday reported 52 new coronavirus deaths taking the death toll to 2,715. All the deaths were reported in Hubei province which is the epicentre of the virus. The virus which originated in Wuhan has now spread to various parts of China with 78,000 infected. The virus has now spread to several countries including in West Asia and Europe. In South Korea, the death toll from the virus rose to 11 on Wednesday, as the country's total number of infections rose to 1,146.

Coronavirus outbreak: Indian Air Force to send C-17 Globemaster aircraft to Wuhan

China reportedly delaying granting clearance to Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster plane carrying relief supplies to China which will also bring back the remaining Indian nationals from Wuhan.

Sources have told WION that china is deliberately delaying granting clearance to the flight which will carry out evacuations in Wuhan.

India, which has already evacuated over 600 of its citizens from Wuhan, has been ready to send another flight to rescue its remaining nationals from the coronavirus epicentre.

While Beijing maintains that there is no delay, it has not yet given any official reason for the wait. The Indian flight was scheduled to leave for China on Friday, but couldn't due to the lack of permission.

Unlike the last time in which operations were carried out by civilian jets, this time around, India has sent a military aircraft.

February 17, New Delhi announced that it will send the IAF's largest plane to bring back all its nationals from Wuhan. The plane will also be carrying medical supplies.

Other nations including France are carrying out rescue operations in Wuhan.

The wait comes even as China said that it attached high importance to the lives and health of all foreign nationals in the country.

China reportedly delaying granting clearance to Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster plane carrying relief supplies to China which will also bring back the remaining Indian nationals from Wuhan.

China reportedly delaying granting clearance to Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster plane carrying relief supplies to China which will also bring back the remaining Indian nationals from Wuhan. Sources have told WION that china is deliberately delaying granting clearance to the flight which will carry out evacuations in Wuhan. India, which has already evacuated over 600 of its citizens from Wuhan, has been ready to send another flight to rescue its remaining nationals from the coronavirus epicentre. While Beijing maintains that there is no delay, it has not yet given any official reason for the wait. The Indian flight was scheduled to leave for China on Friday, but couldn't due to the lack of permission. Unlike the last time in which operations were carried out by civilian jets, this time around, India has sent a military aircraft. February 17, New Delhi announced that it will send the IAF's largest plane to bring back all its nationals from Wuhan. The plane will also be carrying medical supplies. Other nations including France are carrying out rescue operations in Wuhan. The wait comes even as China said that it attached high importance to the lives and health of all foreign nationals in the country.

Coronavirus: China delays India's Wuhan evacuation plan, say sources 

After playing a wrestler in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/movie-review-panga-review-kangana-ranauts-film-is-a-heartwarming-ode-to-mothers-276263">'Panga', </a>Kangana Ranaut is all set to play a fighter pilot in upcoming film 'Tejas'.&nbsp;The makers unveiled the first look of her character on Twitter on Monday. Dressed in flying gear, Kangana can be seen holding her helmet and sports classic aviator sunglasses with hair tied in a bun. She poses with a fighter jet in the background. 
&nbsp; 
The Indian Air Force was the first of the country`s defence forces to induct women into combat roles in 2016. The film takes inspiration from this landmark event.

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Soaring high into the sky! 
Presenting the first look of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KanganaRanaut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KanganaRanaut</a> as an Air force Pilot in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tejas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tejas</a>. ✈️<a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KanganaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RonnieScrewvala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonnieScrewvala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SarveshMewara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SarveshMewara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nonabains?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nonabains</a> <a href="https://t.co/vZzpD8pllw">pic.twitter.com/vZzpD8pllw</a>
— RSVP Movies (@RSVPMovies) <a href="https://twitter.com/RSVPMovies/status/1229247870097936385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kangana, in a statement, said she felt honoured to play the character of a fighter pilot. "Very often the sacrifices made by our brave women in uniform go unnoticed by the nation. `Tejas` is a film where I have the honour of playing the role of one such Air Force pilot who puts country before self. I hope we instil a sense of patriotism and pride in the youth of today with this film. I am looking forward to the journey with Sarvesh and Ronnie on this one." 
 
The film will be produced by Ronnie Screwvala under the banner RSVP who last year produced 'Uri: The Surgical Strike'. Expressing his excitement for the project Ronnie stated, "We made an army-centric/army-based film with `Uri: The Surgical Strike`. `Tejas` is our dedication to the brave fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force, who always put the country first. We are excited and honoured to share this brave story with viewers and hope it inspires many more women to join the Air Force." 
 
&nbsp;The debutant director and writer of `Tejas`, Sarvesh Mewara said, "When your debut film has Ronnie Screwvala as the producer and Kangana Ranaut as the lead actor, going all out to chase your dreams feels worth it." 
 
`Tejas` is set to go on floors this summer and release will hit the theatres in April 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

After playing a wrestler in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's 'Panga', Kangana Ranaut is all set to play a fighter pilot in upcoming film 'Tejas'. The makers unveiled the first look of her character on Twitter on Monday.

After playing a wrestler in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's 'Panga', Kangana Ranaut is all set to play a fighter pilot in upcoming film 'Tejas'. The makers unveiled the first look of her character on Twitter on Monday. Dressed in flying gear, Kangana can be seen holding her helmet and sports classic aviator sunglasses with hair tied in a bun. She poses with a fighter jet in the background. The Indian Air Force was the first of the country`s defence forces to induct women into combat roles in 2016. The film takes inspiration from this landmark event. Soaring high into the sky! Presenting the first look of #KanganaRanaut as an Air force Pilot in #Tejas. ✈️@KanganaTeam @RonnieScrewvala #SarveshMewara @nonabains pic.twitter.com/vZzpD8pllw — RSVP Movies (@RSVPMovies) February 17, 2020 × Kangana, in a statement, said she felt honoured to play the character of a fighter pilot. "Very often the sacrifices made by our brave women in uniform go unnoticed by the nation. `Tejas` is a film where I have the honour of playing the role of one such Air Force pilot who puts country before self. I hope we instil a sense of patriotism and pride in the youth of today with this film. I am looking forward to the journey with Sarvesh and Ronnie on this one." The film will be produced by Ronnie Screwvala under the banner RSVP who last year produced 'Uri: The Surgical Strike'. Expressing his excitement for the project Ronnie stated, "We made an army-centric/army-based film with `Uri: The Surgical Strike`. `Tejas` is our dedication to the brave fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force, who always put the country first. We are excited and honoured to share this brave story with viewers and hope it inspires many more women to join the Air Force." The debutant director and writer of `Tejas`, Sarvesh Mewara said, "When your debut film has Ronnie Screwvala as the producer and Kangana Ranaut as the lead actor, going all out to chase your dreams feels worth it." `Tejas` is set to go on floors this summer and release will hit the theatres in April 2021. (With inputs from ANI)

'Tejas' first look: Kangana Ranaut looks impressive as a fighter pilot 

The Indian Air Force needs to "reorient and retrain" itself to a changed paradigm of war, former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday.

He also said the Rafale fighter aircraft and S400 missile defence system will help restore technological asymmetry in India's favour.

"Though the Indian Air Force has trained itself to fight a full-scale conventional war in a joint campaign with sister services, it has to reorient and retrain itself to the changed paradigm. It must plan and address capability voids in due course of time," the former Air Chief Marshal said.

He was speaking on the topic 'IAF In The Changed Security Paradigm' at the fifth Flying Officer Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon PVC annual memorial lecture organised here by the Gujarat chapter of the Air Force Association.

Speaking on likely scenarios of the future, the IAF chief (retd) Dhanoa said, "We come to realise that sub-conventional conflict over terrorist attack on one of our installations and personnel has the highest probability of occurrence because it can happen anytime and anywhere. This is something for which we need to be prepared 24/7."

"A skirmish or a localised conflict like Kargil due to a terrorist attack that has gone awry like Uri and Pulwama is within the realm of possibility of our western neighbour," he said.

The former IAF chief added that there was a need to "re-prioritise our expenditure based on this changed paradigm".

"Hence spending on the integrated perimeter security system of our bases is more important than bemoaning not having a full authorised centre required for a two-front war," he said.

The former IAF chief also said, "With the induction of Rafale and S-400, the technological asymmetry will once again be restored in our favour. Even if there is going to be a paradigm shift in the way they are going to fight the next war, there is a need to have a technological superiority so that our deterrence remains effective and we can maintain the peace".

He underlined the needs for a "full-spectrum capability", as the enemy keeps modernising, and to address some of the "capability voids".

Stressing that cyber and space were two new domains which have to be defended strongly, the former ACM said, "The way we have a network-enabled force, there are so many systems riding on our communication network, and very shortly deployment of operational data link, we will become a network force."

"Cyber will have to be defended very strongly. Second is space, initially used only for telecommunication...Add a new dimension which has changed the paradigm," he added.

Former IAF chief Dhanoa said the surgical strike carried out in retaliation to the attack on the Uri base has signalled a paradigm shift in the way Indian government would respond to terrorist attacks involving mass casualties.

"A surgical strike was authorised, and Balakot strike was approved by the government to send a political message to Pakistan that such attacks will incur a heavy price.

"Pakistan government got the message that the new government will respond militarily to major terrorist attacks on its soil....This happened because of decisive national leadership in place, backed by the fact that should it escalate, we are ready for it at short notice. After all, it was a joint battle, and government cannot battle without all the three services being ready," he said.

Regarding the Balakot strike, the former IAF chief said going after a "non-military target" was "a very wise decision".

"The operational capability and our intelligence capability cannot be compromised to just try and win the perception battle in the media. But both the Pakistani establishment and (terror group) Jaish-e-Mohammed got the message," he said.

The former IAF chief further said that there were no major terror attacks between February and June 2019 till the conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls because the Army, Navy and Air Force were "forward-deployed to give a punitive response at very short notice."

He added that the attack on a terror camp in Pakistan was meant to give a message to that country's establishment, and "not to the Pakistani public, or an effort to win a propaganda battle with the Pakistani and international media".

"Had it been so, we would have used different weapons and different modes of attacks for which presently Pakistan has no counter," he added.

Lt General PM Hariz (retd) and Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar (retd) also delivered speeches on the occasion.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force needs to "reorient and retrain" itself to a changed paradigm of war, former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday. He also said the Rafale fighter aircraft and S400 missile defence system will help restore technological asymmetry in India's favour.

The Indian Air Force needs to "reorient and retrain" itself to a changed paradigm of war, former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday. He also said the Rafale fighter aircraft and S400 missile defence system will help restore technological asymmetry in India's favour. "Though the Indian Air Force has trained itself to fight a full-scale conventional war in a joint campaign with sister services, it has to reorient and retrain itself to the changed paradigm. It must plan and address capability voids in due course of time," the former Air Chief Marshal said. He was speaking on the topic 'IAF In The Changed Security Paradigm' at the fifth Flying Officer Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon PVC annual memorial lecture organised here by the Gujarat chapter of the Air Force Association. Speaking on likely scenarios of the future, the IAF chief (retd) Dhanoa said, "We come to realise that sub-conventional conflict over terrorist attack on one of our installations and personnel has the highest probability of occurrence because it can happen anytime and anywhere. This is something for which we need to be prepared 24/7." "A skirmish or a localised conflict like Kargil due to a terrorist attack that has gone awry like Uri and Pulwama is within the realm of possibility of our western neighbour," he said. The former IAF chief added that there was a need to "re-prioritise our expenditure based on this changed paradigm". "Hence spending on the integrated perimeter security system of our bases is more important than bemoaning not having a full authorised centre required for a two-front war," he said. The former IAF chief also said, "With the induction of Rafale and S-400, the technological asymmetry will once again be restored in our favour. Even if there is going to be a paradigm shift in the way they are going to fight the next war, there is a need to have a technological superiority so that our deterrence remains effective and we can maintain the peace". He underlined the needs for a "full-spectrum capability", as the enemy keeps modernising, and to address some of the "capability voids". Stressing that cyber and space were two new domains which have to be defended strongly, the former ACM said, "The way we have a network-enabled force, there are so many systems riding on our communication network, and very shortly deployment of operational data link, we will become a network force." "Cyber will have to be defended very strongly. Second is space, initially used only for telecommunication...Add a new dimension which has changed the paradigm," he added. Former IAF chief Dhanoa said the surgical strike carried out in retaliation to the attack on the Uri base has signalled a paradigm shift in the way Indian government would respond to terrorist attacks involving mass casualties. "A surgical strike was authorised, and Balakot strike was approved by the government to send a political message to Pakistan that such attacks will incur a heavy price. "Pakistan government got the message that the new government will respond militarily to major terrorist attacks on its soil....This happened because of decisive national leadership in place, backed by the fact that should it escalate, we are ready for it at short notice. After all, it was a joint battle, and government cannot battle without all the three services being ready," he said. Regarding the Balakot strike, the former IAF chief said going after a "non-military target" was "a very wise decision". "The operational capability and our intelligence capability cannot be compromised to just try and win the perception battle in the media. But both the Pakistani establishment and (terror group) Jaish-e-Mohammed got the message," he said. The former IAF chief further said that there were no major terror attacks between February and June 2019 till the conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls because the Army, Navy and Air Force were "forward-deployed to give a punitive response at very short notice." He added that the attack on a terror camp in Pakistan was meant to give a message to that country's establishment, and "not to the Pakistani public, or an effort to win a propaganda battle with the Pakistani and international media". "Had it been so, we would have used different weapons and different modes of attacks for which presently Pakistan has no counter," he added. Lt General PM Hariz (retd) and Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar (retd) also delivered speeches on the occasion.

IAF has to reorient, retrain to changed war paradigm: Dhanoa

The BJP government cleared the work which had been stalled for more than three decades leading to the inclusion of Rafale aircraft in the fleet of Indian Air Force (IAF), said Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-narendra-modis-prime-ministership-will-evolve-over-the-next-five-years-232915">Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday.

"For over 30 years not a single next-generation fighter plane was added to IAF's fleet. Our aging aircrafts used to meet with accidents, fighter pilots kept getting martyred but the people responsible for getting the new planes had no concern," Modi said at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/10-jamia-students-asked-to-leave-ncc-camp-for-keeping-beard-27736">National Cadet Corps</a> (NCC) rally at Cariappa grounds in New Delhi.

"Should we have let that continue? Should we have allowed the Air Force to get weakened? No. We cleared the work which was stalled for more than 30 years and today I am happy that India has got the next-generation fighter plane Rafale and it will fly in the country's skies soon," Modi added.

Modi further said that the Centre had not only approved the purchase of adequate bulletproof jackets for its own soldiers, but it is now moving ahead to export such jackets to the other countries too.

Asserting that his government had also played a big role in increasing synergy by the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Modi said, "For many years, discussions were being held to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff to increase synergy and coordination between the three wings of the Armed Forces. But nobody took a decision on it."

"The creation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-announce-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-today-269990">Department of Military Affairs</a>, CDS and the appointments to them was also done by us. We worked with the thought that it was time to deliver," he added.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had presented awards to the best cadets. Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rajnath-singh-arrives-in-moscow-for-three-day-visit-to-boost-defence-ties-with-russia-260035">Rajnath Singh</a>, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, and the three wing-chiefs were also present at the rally.

Cadets from Bhutan, Russia, and Nepal were also present at the event held today.

The BJP government cleared the work which had been stalled for more than three decades leading to the inclusion of Rafale aircraft in the fleet of Indian Air Force (IAF), said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The BJP government cleared the work which had been stalled for more than three decades leading to the inclusion of Rafale aircraft in the fleet of Indian Air Force (IAF), said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. "For over 30 years not a single next-generation fighter plane was added to IAF's fleet. Our aging aircrafts used to meet with accidents, fighter pilots kept getting martyred but the people responsible for getting the new planes had no concern," Modi said at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) rally at Cariappa grounds in New Delhi. "Should we have let that continue? Should we have allowed the Air Force to get weakened? No. We cleared the work which was stalled for more than 30 years and today I am happy that India has got the next-generation fighter plane Rafale and it will fly in the country's skies soon," Modi added. Modi further said that the Centre had not only approved the purchase of adequate bulletproof jackets for its own soldiers, but it is now moving ahead to export such jackets to the other countries too. Asserting that his government had also played a big role in increasing synergy by the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Modi said, "For many years, discussions were being held to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff to increase synergy and coordination between the three wings of the Armed Forces. But nobody took a decision on it." "The creation of the Department of Military Affairs, CDS and the appointments to them was also done by us. We worked with the thought that it was time to deliver," he added. Earlier, the Prime Minister had presented awards to the best cadets. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, and the three wing-chiefs were also present at the rally. Cadets from Bhutan, Russia, and Nepal were also present at the event held today.

Our government cleared the stalled purchase of Rafale aircraft for IAF: Narendra Modi

Today, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has inducted its first Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron at the Thanjavur airbase in Tamil Nadu. This will help India to counter China's dominance in the I.O.R. Besides, this will have ramifications for Sri Lanka too.

Gravitas: Sukhoi-30MKI Fighters, Sri Lanka & India's I.O.R. Strategy

The Indian Air Force(IAF) inducted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-inducts-sukhoi-mki30-tipped-with-brahmos-missile-at-thanjavur-in-south-india-275469">Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft at the Thanjavur Air Force </a>base in Tamil Nadu, thus making it the first Sukhoi squadron in southern India.&nbsp;

The Sukhoi aircraft are termed as air-superiority fighters and are equipped to carry the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that has been jointly developed by India and Russia. The squadron is expected to play a crucial in guarding the all-important Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the southern peninsula.

The Sukhoi aircraft that has been inducted into the resurrected '222 Tiger Sharks' squadron which was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute as it rolled down the tarmac.

The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief RKS Bhaduria and several other senior officials from the Defence establishment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-china-how-iafs-sukhoi-fighters-with-brahmos-cruise-missiles-can-shift-balance-in-indian-ocean-region-275502">In pics | Eye on China: How IAF's Sukhoi fighters with BrahMos cruise missiles can shift balance in Indian Ocean Region</a>

Speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Staff General&nbsp;Bipin Rawat said that the resurrection of the Tiger Sharks squadron highlights the integration and jointness that are to be the future of the Indian Armed Forces.

"Being equipped with the BrahMos this aircraft will become a game-changer for our armed forces and extensively enhances the security of our maritime domain. The squadron can perform tasks in support of land forces, in protecting vulnerable areas and any other assigned task besides operating in close conjunction with our Navy and Army. Happy targeting in the years ahead and I'm confident that you will earn laurels", General&nbsp;Rawat elaborated.

Lauding the joint efforts of various defence manufacturers and partners Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadurai said, "after the surface-to-surface BrahMos, we discussed an air-launched version, but it was challenging and thought of as impossible, as a missile of the size and weight 2.5 tons had not been integrated into an Air Force platform. But our dedicated teams of BAPL, DRDO and HAL have made it possible indigenously."&nbsp;

Urging the new squadron to serve the nation he said that the long wait in resurrecting the Tiger Sharks was worth it as they have the latest aircraft and latest weapon. He stated that the squadron has to operationalize fast and take up all roles expected - air defence of the southern peninsula and critical national assets in this area of responsibility, besides the maritime role support for Navy and offensive or defensive role for the southern peninsula.

"True to your name you must be lethal at first bite. Bite every time and every mission you get airborne and ensure you are lethal", he added.&nbsp;

Sharing his perspective with WION, on the Thanjavur base and the technical challenges that India overcame to integrate the Brahmos and Sukhoi, Dr A. Sivathanu Pillai, Founder and CEO of BrahMos Aerospace said, "The BrahMos missile has two capabilities - air to ship, air to land. When the need arises to use it against ships, the peninsula will be the main region and when it comes to hitting ground targets, it can be the border areas and land-based adversaries. The squadron in Thanjavur is a part of the strategy to spread the delivery platform and weapons in different places"

"As it is, the Sukhoi is not meant for carrying BrahMos, as its total weapons load has to be around 5.5tons, of which the Brahmos alone is 2.5 tons. We made several modifications including stiffening of the structure to ensure that the missile can be carried in the underbelly of the aircraft, as opposed to the wings, for smaller missiles and bombs", Dr Pillai added.&nbsp;

WION spoke to Retd. Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia to understand the important role that the "Tiger Sharks"&nbsp;are meant to play.&nbsp;

He said, "The Su-30 MKI, has a range of 3000kms when augmented with mid-air-refuelling. A 3000km arc would mean that we can cover right up to Madagascar and perform Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) roles. Our Sukhois are equipped with good radars and avionics that can detect targets on land and sea. Using the BrahMos it can engage aircraft carriers and other warships with its standoff range of 290kms. With its onboard Electronic Countermeasures(ECM) and self protections devices, the Sukhois at Thanjavur add immense combat potential to the Indian Forces and definitely gives us the edge in Indian Ocean Region".

The Indian Air Force(IAF) inducted Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft at the Thanjavur Air Force base in Tamil Nadu, thus making it the first Sukhoi squadron in southern India.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) inducted Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft at the Thanjavur Air Force base in Tamil Nadu, thus making it the first Sukhoi squadron in southern India. The Sukhoi aircraft are termed as air-superiority fighters and are equipped to carry the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that has been jointly developed by India and Russia. The squadron is expected to play a crucial in guarding the all-important Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the southern peninsula. The Sukhoi aircraft that has been inducted into the resurrected '222 Tiger Sharks' squadron which was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute as it rolled down the tarmac. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief RKS Bhaduria and several other senior officials from the Defence establishment. In pics | Eye on China: How IAF's Sukhoi fighters with BrahMos cruise missiles can shift balance in Indian Ocean Region Speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said that the resurrection of the Tiger Sharks squadron highlights the integration and jointness that are to be the future of the Indian Armed Forces. "Being equipped with the BrahMos this aircraft will become a game-changer for our armed forces and extensively enhances the security of our maritime domain. The squadron can perform tasks in support of land forces, in protecting vulnerable areas and any other assigned task besides operating in close conjunction with our Navy and Army. Happy targeting in the years ahead and I'm confident that you will earn laurels", General Rawat elaborated. Lauding the joint efforts of various defence manufacturers and partners Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadurai said, "after the surface-to-surface BrahMos, we discussed an air-launched version, but it was challenging and thought of as impossible, as a missile of the size and weight 2.5 tons had not been integrated into an Air Force platform. But our dedicated teams of BAPL, DRDO and HAL have made it possible indigenously." Urging the new squadron to serve the nation he said that the long wait in resurrecting the Tiger Sharks was worth it as they have the latest aircraft and latest weapon. He stated that the squadron has to operationalize fast and take up all roles expected - air defence of the southern peninsula and critical national assets in this area of responsibility, besides the maritime role support for Navy and offensive or defensive role for the southern peninsula. "True to your name you must be lethal at first bite. Bite every time and every mission you get airborne and ensure you are lethal", he added. Sharing his perspective with WION, on the Thanjavur base and the technical challenges that India overcame to integrate the Brahmos and Sukhoi, Dr A. Sivathanu Pillai, Founder and CEO of BrahMos Aerospace said, "The BrahMos missile has two capabilities - air to ship, air to land. When the need arises to use it against ships, the peninsula will be the main region and when it comes to hitting ground targets, it can be the border areas and land-based adversaries. The squadron in Thanjavur is a part of the strategy to spread the delivery platform and weapons in different places" "As it is, the Sukhoi is not meant for carrying BrahMos, as its total weapons load has to be around 5.5tons, of which the Brahmos alone is 2.5 tons. We made several modifications including stiffening of the structure to ensure that the missile can be carried in the underbelly of the aircraft, as opposed to the wings, for smaller missiles and bombs", Dr Pillai added. WION spoke to Retd. Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia to understand the important role that the "Tiger Sharks" are meant to play. He said, "The Su-30 MKI, has a range of 3000kms when augmented with mid-air-refuelling. A 3000km arc would mean that we can cover right up to Madagascar and perform Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) roles. Our Sukhois are equipped with good radars and avionics that can detect targets on land and sea. Using the BrahMos it can engage aircraft carriers and other warships with its standoff range of 290kms. With its onboard Electronic Countermeasures(ECM) and self protections devices, the Sukhois at Thanjavur add immense combat potential to the Indian Forces and definitely gives us the edge in Indian Ocean Region".

Brahmos-armed Sukhois in strategic location Thanjavur; CDS Bipin Rawat says 'happy targeting'

Eye on China: How IAF's Sukhoi fighters with BrahMos cruise missiles can shift balance in Indian Ocean Region

Indian Air Force (IAF) bids farewell to its swing-wing MiG-27 fighter jets that played a key stellar role in the 1999 Kargil War. The MiG-27 fighter jets have the backbone of the IAF's ground-attack fleet for several years, but the fighter plane flew for the last time on December 27. #Kargil #MiG27 #IAF #WION

IAF bids farewell to MIG-27, took it's last flight yesterday

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