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IAF, RSAF hold joint air drill in Bengal

The JMT will comprise two phases. For the first three-odd weeks, the IAF and RSAF will practice separately…reports Asian Lite News

The latest edition of SINDEX, a bilateral exercise between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF), got underway at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Bengal on Monday.

“This is the 12th edition of the Joint Military Training (JMT) between the two forces. The RSAF is participating with its largest contingent till date,” a senior Ministry of Defence (MoD) official said.

The JMT will comprise two phases. For the first three-odd weeks, the IAF and RSAF will practice separately. The bilateral phase of the Exercise will start from November 13 and continue till November 21.

While the RSAF has sent F-16 and F-15 squadrons, accompanied by G-550 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) and C-130 transport aircraft, the IAF is participating in the JMT with Rafales, Mirage 2000 ITIs, Su-30 MKIs, Tejas, Mig-29s and Jaguars, it was confirmed by the MoD.

AFS Kalaikunda offers a great opportunity for forces like the RSAF to practice. The air base, with the latest facilities, offers an air-to-air firing range over the Bay of Bengal apart from a designated air-to-ground one at Dudhkundi, barely a few km away.

The skies above Kalaikunda are also generally free of commercial air traffic, allowing combat aircraft a free run during practice sessions and exercises. Even then, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to ensure that commercial pilots stay away.

“It is expected that the bilateral phase will generate intense collaboration between the two forces, as they engage in advanced air combat simulations, joint mission planning and debriefing sessions. The bilateral phase aims to enhance interoperability, sharpen combat readiness and promote exchange of knowledge between the two Air Forces,” the MoD official added.

He said that during the bilateral phase, Red and Blue Teams are formed. “Each team comprises aircraft and personnel from both the Air Forces. While the Red Teams are the ‘attackers’ and assigned certain targets, the Blue Teams play the role of ‘defenders’,” he said.

He added that while the aircraft do not carry live munitions, ‘kills’ are simulated and recorded.

“In 2022, during a similar Exercise, an RSAF F-16 had buzzed Kolkata. It may have been a member of a Red Team that managed to escape the ‘defenders’ and reach its target,” the official said.

He added that the RSAF has returned to India so soon after its participation in Ex Tarang Shakti is an indication of the strong military ties between the two nations.

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IAF showcases formidable display of firepower at Pokhran

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The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, graced the occasion as the chief guest….reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Air Force (IAD) on Saturday displayed its combat firepower in ‘Exercise Vayushakti 2024’ at Pokhran Range near Jaisalmer. A range of the country’s enviable air assets, including Rafale fighters, LCH Prachand Chinook and Apache demonstrated their capabilities for the first time during the exercise.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The exercise, a day and night event, started with three Chetak helicopters trooping the National Flag and the Air Force ensign, flying past the grandstand with the National Anthem playing in the background.

It was followed by the first appearance of Rafale fighters in an exercise of this kind. The mean machines performed a Sonic Boom and later successfully engaged an aerial target with a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.

The Apache attack helicopter also demonstrated its firepower at this event for the first time by engaging targets with air-to-ground guided missiles while Mi-17 helicopters engaged ground targets with rockets.

In another first, IAF Chinook helicopters demonstrated rapid deployment of combat assets by airlifting the Indian Army’s M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in an underslung mode, enabling prompt destruction of simulated enemy targets on the ground.

The indigenous Air Defence Systems, Akash and SAMAR missile systems were also showcased, destroying multiple aerial targets.

Two Jaguar aircraft flying at low levels followed the Rafales, taking high-fidelity reconnaissance images of the area.

This year’s theme of the Vayushakti was, ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky’, as 120 aircraft displayed the lAF’s offensive capabilities by day as well as by night.

Fighters of the Indian Air Force that participated in the exercise included the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and Hawk. The fighters from the IAF fleet attacked and destroyed simulated enemy targets on the ground and in the air with deadly precision.

The indigenously built Tejas aircraft also showcased its swing-role capability and destroyed an aerial target with a missile, followed by the engagement of a ground target with bombs.

lAF also displayed a long-range unmanned drone, which destroyed a simulated enemy radar site with pinpoint accuracy.

Combat support operations by transport aircraft included a containerised Delivery System drop by a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft and an assault landing by a C-130J carrying IAF Special Forces, Garuds

The joint operations included the IAF and Indian Army’s weaponized version of the Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-IV, which devastatingly simulated enemy targets using their rockets and swivel guns.

Later, in the evening, the Garud commandos air-dropped by Mi-17 helicopters carried out mock anti-terror or insurgency operations aimed at clearing hideouts.

Night events displayed for the first time the capabilities of the indigenous light combat helicopter ‘Prachand’, wherein it neutralised a designated target with rockets.

It was followed by a Jaguar and Su-30 MKI dropping heavy calibre and area weapons at night, showcasing the strategic bombing capability of the lAF.

The event also included a free-fall drop by the Akashganga team and flare dispensing by C-130J at night. In the spirit of jointness, a tri-service band enthralled the audience with their tunes.

During the display, approximately 50 tonnes of ordnance was dropped in a short span of two hours over an area of two square kilometres.

The event showcased the IAFs offensive lethality and precision targeting capability. (ANI)

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IAF’s Sarang team to display aerial manoeuvres at Singapore Airshow

The event draws aviation enthusiasts, professionals, and military delegations from across the globe…reports Asian Lite News

A team of 71 personnel of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) world-renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team has arrived at Singapore’s Paya Lebar Air Base to participate in the highly anticipated Singapore Air Show 2024.
 
Utilizing the formidable C-17 Globemaster III for transportation, the team’s arrival marks a pivotal moment in the IAF’s continued commitment to demonstrating its capabilities on the global stage.
 
The Sarang Team, celebrated for its precision and breathtaking aerobatic manoeuvres, will be performing with five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), popularly known as ‘Dhruv’, representing India’s indigenous aerospace engineering prowess, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These helicopters, known for their rigid, hinge-less rotors, offer exceptional manoeuvrability, making them perfectly suited for the team’s complex aerial displays.
 
The biennial Singapore Air Show, running from February 20 to 24, 2024, draws aviation enthusiasts, professionals, and military delegations from across the globe. The IAF’s participation further strengthens its diplomatic and defence ties with participating nations.
 
The Sarang Team, established in 2003, has a rich history of international performances, with its debut at the Asian Aerospace Show in Singapore in 2004. Since then, it has captivated audiences worldwide, performing over 1200 displays at more than 385 venues. The progression from a three-helicopter formation to the current five-helicopter team reflects the IAF’s dedication to innovation and excellence in aerial display.
 
The ALH ‘Dhruv’ stands as a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defence technology. The helicopter variants, from the ALH Mk-I used by the Sarang Team to the latest ALH Mk-IV armed version, highlight the evolution and versatility of this aircraft, capable of performing in all weather conditions and fulfilling a variety of military missions.
 
The Singapore Air Show 2024 provides a unique platform for the IAF to showcase its expertise and the advanced capabilities of the ‘Dhruv’ helicopters. It also offers an opportunity for fostering international cooperation and showcasing India’s advancements in aerospace and defence technology on a global scale.
 
As the event unfolds, the Sarang Team is set to leave a lasting impression, embodying the spirit of the IAF and India’s strides in aviation and technological innovation. (India News Network)

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IAF test fires ‘SAMAR’ air defence missile system

The missile system successfully achieved firing trial objectives in different engagement scenarios, they said…reports Asian Lite News

In a major success for its in-house design and development efforts, the Indian Air Force has successfully testfired its SAMAR air defence missile system.

The IAF has developed the Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) air defence missile system by using its old Russian-origin air-to-air missile systems.

“The Indian Air Force has carried out the successful firing trials of its in-house designed and developed SAMAR air defence missile system during exercise AstraShakti-2023 at Air Force Station Suryalanka held recently. The air defence system ‘SAMAR’ (surface-to-air missile for assured retaliation) has been developed by a unit under the IAF’s Maintenance Command,” the IAF officials told ANI.

The missile system participated for the first time in the exercise to test its surface-to-air weapon systems and carry out their operational field trials.

The missile system successfully achieved firing trial objectives in different engagement scenarios, they said.

The system can engage aerial threats with missiles operating at a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach. The SAMAR system consists of a twin-turret launch platform with the capability of launching two missiles in single and salvo mode, depending on the threat scenario, the IAF officials said.

The performance of the missile system has already been witnessed by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal AP Singh.

IAF Maintenance Command chief Air Marshal Vbhas Pande also visited the Siryalanka air base and met with the crew, including officers and men who have worked towards developing this system in-house.

The IAF carried out successful missile firing of the other weapon systems as well and achieved significant success in it.

The Indian Air Force has been working towards the Narendra Modi government’s directives for promoting self-reliance.

The Maintenance Command has also achieved significant success in indigenizing multiple spares and equipment used in fighter jets, transport aircraft, choppers and ground-based weapon systems.

The base repair depots of the force are also working closely with the HAL to improve the serviceability of the Su-30 and MiG-29 jets in the force, along with the others.

The SAMAR air defence system has been developed by the 7 BRD, based in the national capital. (ANI)

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Aatmanirbhar campaign gaining ground, says IAF Chief

On the occasion of Army Day 2022, Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari laid wreaths in the memory of brave hearts at National War Memorial

The focal point of his strategic vision integrates cutting-edge technologies to bolster IAF’s operational capabilities…reports Asian Lite News

Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal, VR Chaudhari said that the Aatmanirbhar campaign is gaining ground and most of the weapons that were imported are going to be made in India and integrated with Indian Air Force aircraft.

“Aatmanirbhar campaign is gaining ground. We are now proud of being able to host a whole lot of weapons…Most of the weapons that were imported are now going to be made in India and integrated with our Indian Air Force aircraft,” Chaudhari said speaking at the General BC Joshi Memorial Lecture 2023 at the Savitribai Phule Pune University.

The Air Chief Marshal said that the Akash missile, the MR-SAM and the S-400 are three different versions of surface-to-air guided weapons.

“When it comes to surface-to-air guided, the Akash missile, the MR-SAM and the S-400 are three different versions of surface-to-air guided weapons. We are also about to procure the close-in weapon systems and the VSHORAD, particularly to counter the threat from drones…,” Chaudhari said.

The Air Chief spoke on “Transformation of IAF into a Contemporary and Future Ready Aerospace Force”. Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) articulated the vision of IAF as laid down in the latest edition of IAF’s doctrine (2023) viz; “to be an agile and adaptive Air Force that provides decisive aerospace power in furtherance of our national interests”.

The CAS also brought out that the IAF needs to ‘See First and See the Farthest, Reach First and Reach the Fastest, Hit First and Hit the Hardest. He also brought out IAF’s contribution to nation building highlighting the sterling role played by IAF towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief during national calamities and evacuation of Indian diaspora from conflict zones.

The focal point of his strategic vision integrates cutting-edge technologies to bolster IAF’s operational capabilities.

The Air Chief highlighted the importance of acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and platforms to ensure air superiority in the region including airborne and unmanned platforms. sensors, communication and electronic warfare systems.

The CAS also highlighted the significance of well-trained personnel and brought out the complexities of a technology-driven battle space. Investment in innovation and disruptive training programs with a focus on technology infusion for skill development will prove to be decisive in future multi-domain operations.  (ANI)

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IAF Chief: Indigenization Soars as 100th Year Approaches

VR Chaudhari added that the highly technology-driven fields of aviation and aeronautics may find it challenging to comprehend the significant changes that could occur over the next 25 years….reports Asian Lite News

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said on Sunday that “as we march into the 100th year of the Indian Air Force”, the level of indigenization will grow by leaps and bounds.

Addressing the conference commemorating 75 years of the Aeronautical Society of India, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said, “The industry definitely plays a very vital role, and we, as the customers of most of the products of the Indian industry, are quite confident of the leaps and strides that have been taken in the indigenization of a huge number of products in the country.”

“We’re quite confident that as we march into the 100th year of the Indian Air Force, which will be 10 years from today, and the 100th year of independence, 25 years from today, I’m sure we will see the level of indigenization really grow by leaps and bounds,” he said.

He further said that this technologically intensive business of aviation and, aeronautics 25-year period may rather too long for us to fathom the changes that can happen in this period.

“The jump in technology capability when it comes to users like us, where we need to reduce the decision-making cycles, where we need to reduce the Sensor to Shooter times. This leap of technology from 4G to 5G, means a lot to us. We can only fathom what 6G will bring to the table,” he added.

Earlier on November 18, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the inaugural session of a two-day International Conference-cum-Exhibition on ‘Aerospace and Aviation in 2047’, organised by the Aeronautical Society of India to commemorate its 75th anniversary.

In her address, President Murmu said that though the country has made long strides, there also remain many challenges. The aerospace sector has been undergoing a transformative phase by bracing up for speed and runway-independent technologies for defence purposes, air mobility and transportation.

She noted that there is a need for upskilling and reskilling of human resources in the Aerospace sector to tackle these issues in the future.

The AeSI was established in 1948 with the Prime Minister as Patron-in-chief to promote aerospace and aviation in the country. The objective of the society is to promote the advancement and nationwide diffusion of the knowledge of aeronautical sciences and aircraft engineering among various streams including industry, academia and research laboratories.

The society is represented by distinguished aerospace professionals from research organisations, aerospace industries and academia. Former Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy is its present President and Chairman, ISRO S Somanath is the President-Elect. (ANI)

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Second IAF aircraft carrying emergency aid for Gaza departs

India has condemned the attack in Israel on October 7. We have laid emphasis on exercising restraint, dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi said in his address…reports Asian Lite News

A second Indian Air Force (IAF) C17 aircraft, carrying 32 tonnes of aid for civilians in Gaza caught up in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, on Sunday departed for the El-Arish Airport in Egypt.

Taking to his official handle on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishanker reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to extend humanitarian assistance to Gazans, posting, “We continue to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Second @IAF_MCC C17 aircraft carrying 32 tonnes of aid departs for the El-Arish Airport in Egypt.”

Earlier, India sent 38 tonnes of humanitarian relief for civilians caught up in the ongoing ground offensive by the Israeli forces in the Strip.

The aid package comprised fluids and painkillers. The disaster relief material, weighing approximately 32 tonnes, also included tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, basic sanitary utilities, and water purification tablets, among other items.

Taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi posted after India shipped emergency aid for Gazans earlier, “India sends humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine! An IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine departs for El-Arish airport in Egypt. The material includes essential life-saving medicines, surgical items, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, and water purification tablets, among other necessary items.”

The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said recently that India was planning to send more humanitarian assistance to the affected civilians in the region.

He said India has always stressed the need to avoid civilian casualties in the ongoing military operations in Gaza.

“This is not about one specific facility,” Bagchi said, adding, “India has always underlined the need for civilian casualties to be avoided, for humanitarian law to be observed, and to encourage any effort to provide humanitarian relief to those caught in the conflict.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his opening address at the Voice of Global South Summit on Friday, said new challenges are emerging from the events in West Asia.

He reiterated India’s condemnation of the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7 while underlining that New Delhi has also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.

PM Modi said, “For global prosperity, sabka saath and sabka vikas is parmount. We all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region.”

“India has condemned the attack in Israel on October 7. We have laid emphasis on exercising restraint, dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi said in his address.

He added that India has also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.

“We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. After talking to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, we have also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine,” PM Modi added.

“This is the time when the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good,” he stated further.

The ongoing military operations in Gaza is in response to the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, which left over 1,400 dead. Over 2,500 crossed over into Israel from the Gaza Strip, unleashing mayhem on civilians.

They later sneaked back into Gaza with over 200 hostages, the majority of whom are believed to be civilians.

Israel has stated that its objective behind the Gaza offensive is to target Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties. (ANI)

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IAF fighter squadron jettisons MiG-21s for Sukhoi-30 MKIs

The formal induction of the new aircraft was marked by a ceremony at Air Force Station Uttarlai on 30 October…reports Asian Lite News

The Number 4 Squadron known as “Oorials” of the Indian Air Force (IAF) based at Air Force Station Uttarlai (Barmer), Rajasthan is converting from the MiG-21 to the Su-30 MKI, marking a watershed moment in the history of the squadron which was operating the MiG-21 since 1966.

The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter in service of the IAF and was inducted in 1963 and has participated in all major conflicts since then. This change signifies the unwavering commitment of the Indian Air Force to modernise and at the same time protect the skies of the nation.

The formal induction of the new aircraft was marked by a ceremony at Air Force Station Uttarlai on 30 October. The ceremony featured a combined flypast by the MiG-21 and Su-30 MKI, which marked the last MiG-21 sortie for the squadron.

The ceremony was witnessed by the various military and civilian dignitaries in attendance. The conversion of this squadron to Su-30 MKI implies that the IAF now operates only two squadrons of the MiG-21. The IAF remains committed to phasing out the MiG-21 aircraft by the year 2025. (ANI)

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IAF activates three S-400 missile units on China, Pak border

Russia shoots down Ukrainian helicopter with S-400 missiles.(photo:IN)

The Russian side has not been very clear about the final delivery timelines as they are also busy with the conflict with Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News

With the Air Force having already operationalised three of its S-400 air defence missile squadrons along borders with China and Pakistan, Indian and Russian officials are set to meet soon to discuss the final delivery schedule for the remaining two squadrons.

India had signed an over Rs 35,000 crore contract with the Russian side in 2018-19 for five squadrons of the S-400 missiles of which three have already arrived in the country but delivery of the remaining two was hindered due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“The three squadrons have already been operationalised in important sectors. While one unit is looking at both China and Pakistan, one each has been earmarked for China and Pakistan fronts,” defence sources told ANI.

The Russian and Indian officials would be soon meeting again to discuss the final delivery schedule of the remaining two missile squadrons, sources said.

The Russian side has not been very clear about the final delivery timelines as they are also busy with the conflict with Ukraine.

Sources further mentioned that some reports suggested that the squadrons manufactured for the Indian Air Force were used by the Russians for their own utilization but nothing is confirmed and India is also focused only on getting its own systems.

Meanwhile, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface to Air Missile system under Project Kusha after the development project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The Indian Air Force is working with the DRDO to squeeze the delivery schedule of the LR-SAM.

The three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) defence system would be able to strike down enemy aircraft and missiles at around 400 Km ranges.

The system would be ably complemented by the existing air defence systems, including the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) of the three services and is already operational. (ANI)

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IAF Tests Long-Range Air-Launched BrahMos Missile

India has been working towards developing a very long-range version of the air-launched BrahMos cruise missiles which would be able to hit…reports Asian Lite News

In a major success for the indigenous weapon systems, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has carried out a successful restoration of the air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in the Bay of Bengal.

The BrahMos air-launched version missile was testfired from a Su-30MKI fighter jet which has the capability to launch the BrahMos cruise missiles that can hit enemy targets at long ranges.

“The BrahMos air-launched missile was fired from a Su-30MKI fighter jet in the last few days. The aircraft had taken off with the missile from an air base in the southern peninsula and travelled over 1,500 Km to successfully strike a target from a longer range than before,” defence officials told ANI.

The missile was the longer-range version of the supersonic weapon system which has been one of the unique weapons possessed by India in partnership with the Russian industry.

India has been working towards developing a very long-range version of the air-launched BrahMos cruise missiles which would be able to hit

The Indian Air Force had recently carried out two trials of the land attack missile system and the results were very good as missiles hit bull’s eye in the user trials, the sources said.

India is also exporting the missiles to friendly foreign countries including the Philippines which would be using them in the coastal battery role.

The BrahMos Aerospace corporation is also looking at exporting the missiles to more countries and helping achieve the export targets set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (By Ajit K Dubey/ANI)

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