Indian Air Force

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as 29th Chief of the Air Staff
06
Oct
By Theviralmail
Defense

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as 29th Chief of the Air Staff

NEW DELHI — The Government of India has officially named Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he will assume the rank of Air Chief Marshal when he takes over the leadership of the Indian Air Force on the afternoon of October 31, 2026. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who superannuates from office on the same day after a distinguished tenure at the helm of the IAF. Four Decades of Military Excellence Born on December 9, 1966,…
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Tejas Mk-1A engine supply bottleneck begins to ease, 12 more GE engines expected by year-end
29
Sep
By Theviralmail
Defense, , ,

Tejas Mk-1A engine supply bottleneck begins to ease, 12 more GE engines expected by year-end

The engine supply bottleneck that has held up the Indian Air Force’s LCA Tejas Mk-1A programme is showing signs of easing, with MoD now confirming that India is expected to receive 12 more GE Aerospace F404 engines by the end of this year. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) currently has 27 Tejas Mk-1A airframes ready, with 10 engines received so far. The remaining airframes have been flown using available test/reserve engines, while work continues on the final integration and validation of the aircraft. According to top officials of the MoD, GE Aerospace has committed to supplying four engines a month, which…
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HAL Pushes Back on IAF Concerns: Ready for Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries?
05
Feb
By Theviralmail
Defense, ,

HAL Pushes Back on IAF Concerns: Ready for Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently highlighted progress on its Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets via social media. They asserted that five aircraft are prepared post-weapons trials. HAL urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) for swift induction. This comes amid ongoing debates over production timelines and quality. HAL aims to ramp up output to 24 jets annually to address IAF shortages. The official HAL account (@HALHQBLR) emphasized the jets' completion of missile firings. It also highlighted the bomb releases. This positions them for handover in the current fiscal year. The progress comes despite past delays tied to engine supplies and certifications. These…
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Future of Indian Defence: Innovations for 2026
01
Jan
By Theviralmail
Defense, , , ,

Future of Indian Defence: Innovations for 2026

India’s defence forces are entering 2026 with one of their most ambitious modernisation phases. This phase is driven by big-ticket inductions and indigenous platforms. There is also a sharper focus on multi-domain warfare. Each arm, from the Army to the Air Force, is set to plug critical gaps. The Navy and BSF will also boost deterrence on both land and maritime frontiers. ​ 2026: The Big Picture The 2025–26 defence budget includes a higher capital outlay. It also contains a strong ‘Make in India’ thrust. These factors are pushing indigenous fighters, missiles, warships, and surveillance systems into frontline service. Key…
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Putin Visits India: New S-400 Air Defence Deals to fast track
01
Dec
By Theviralmail
Defense, , ,

Putin Visits India: New S-400 Air Defence Deals to fast track

India’s air defence capability may receive a fresh upgrade. Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to arrive in New Delhi. Moscow indicates its readiness to offer two to three additional S-400 air defence regiments to the Indian Air Force. The proposal is expected to be a key topic in the high-level discussions during his visit. This will reinforce defence cooperation as a central pillar of India–Russia ties. Sources said Russia’s defence firm Rostec has already initiated preliminary talks for a new S-400 contract. It has assured New Delhi that future deliveries will strictly adhere to the committed timeline. This adherence is…
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Farewell to The MiG-21: India’s Trusted Warbird for Over Six Decades
26
Sep
By Theviralmail
Defense, ,

Farewell to The MiG-21: India’s Trusted Warbird for Over Six Decades

MiG-21 (Mikoyam-Gurevich) is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft. Designed by the Soviet Union it is set to retire after 62 years of service for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It played a crucial role in the 1965 and 1971 wars. It was also significant in the 1999 Kargil war, 2019 Balakot Strikes, and 2025 Operation Sindoor. The Grand Farewell The decommissioning ceremony was held at Chandigarh Air Force station from where the first flight took place in 1963. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was invited as the chief guest. He described MiG-21 as a mighty machine and a national…
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Big Boost to Indian Air Defence HAL to Deliver 97 Advanced LCA Mk1A Aircraft
25
Sep
By Theviralmail
Defense, ,

Big Boost to Indian Air Defence HAL to Deliver 97 Advanced LCA Mk1A Aircraft

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The contract is for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A. This includes 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters. The contract also includes associated equipment for the Indian Air Force. The cost is over Rs. 62,370 crore (excluding taxes) on September 25, 2025. The delivery of these aircraft would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years. The aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64%. There will be 67 additional items incorporated. These are over and above the previous…
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L&T and BEL Join Forces for the Indian Air Force’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Program
24
Sep
By Theviralmail
Defense, , ,

L&T and BEL Join Forces for the Indian Air Force’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Program

Mumbai: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are now strategic partners. They aim to support the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme of the Indian Air Force. The consortium will participate in the Expression of Interest notice issued by the Government of India’s (GoI) Aeronautical Development Agency. They will submit a response in the coming weeks.  The partnership will leverage L&T’s expertise in developing strategic defence and aerospace platforms. BEL brings its experience in defence electronics and systems. Together, they will jointly contribute to India’s 5th-generation fighter aircraft.  The collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s defence…
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Swift IAF Response: Helicopter Rescue Missions in Jammu
27
Aug
By Theviralmail
Defense, , ,

Swift IAF Response: Helicopter Rescue Missions in Jammu

The Indian Air Force continues to demonstrate its commitment to national service. It launches extensive relief and rescue missions. These efforts respond to the rising water levels and devastating floods. The floods are caused by incessant rains in the Jammu region and northern Punjab. Rapid Deployment of IAF Assets Helicopter Fleet in Action: Five Mi-17 helicopters and one Chinook helicopter were promptly pressed into service from nearby bases in the Northern Sector, ensuring maximum rescue capability and operational reach. Additional helicopters remain on standby to join the rescue efforts. Also read: Kishtwar Cloudburst Sparks Flash Flood, Bodies Recovered, Yatra Suspended…
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Vir Chakra Conferred on Nine IAF Pilots for Operation Sindoor Success
15
Aug
By Nikki
Defense, Nation, ,

Vir Chakra Conferred on Nine IAF Pilots for Operation Sindoor Success

Ahead of India's 79th Independence Day, government honoured armed forces heroes with gallantry awards. Nine Indian Air Force pilots hit Muridke and Bahawalpur targets during Operation Sindoor. They will receive the Vir Chakra, India's third highest wartime gallantry award. Names of the nine IAF officials have been confirmed. They include Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Group Captain Manish Arora, and Group Captain Animesh Patni. Other officials include Group Captain Kunal Kalra and Wing Commander Joy Chandra. Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar and Sidhnat Singh are part of the group. Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik and Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh Thakur are part…
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