The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to redefine itself and is undergoing a transformational change that will continue to scale up combat capability, says Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, while addressing the Air Force Day parade at Hindon.
“The emerging security scenario mandates a greater need to have a strong Air Force to fight across domains. Our vision for this decade is to continue to comprehensively scale up our combat capability and be a force to reckon with across the entire sphere of influence,” the IAF Chief said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers support to Kabul for peace talks
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered full support to the Kabul Government in its peace talks with the Taliban, a key figure in Afghan peace talks said Afghanistan and its allies must be prepared for any eventuality after US President Donald Trump said no American troops will be left in Afghanistan by Christmas.
“In November, part of the withdrawal will be completed. That’s what we are aware of. And, some numbers will be left beyond that,” said Abdullah Abdullah, chairman, Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, while clearly indicating that Trump’s announcement has caught all stakeholders by surprise.
Earlier in the day, Abdullah Abdullah met Modi who reaffirmed India’s long-term commitment to further deepening the ties between India and Afghanistan. The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral and regional interest. Abdullah Abdullah briefed the PM on the Afghan peace process and ongoing talks in Doha.
The Afghan leader admitted that the peace process was going much slower than envisaged but said patience was needed because this was the first time that people who had been in the battlefield against each other for 30 years were not sitting across the table.
88वां वायुसेना दिवस । वायुसेना प्रमुख आर. के. एस. भदौरिया का आगमन एवं स्वागत:8th Anniversary of Indian Air Force Day
She is not able to sleep. It has been five days since her son spoke to her for a brief two minutes. It was a long-distance call put through by the Army exchange operator. Before her instructions to her son could finish, the call was abruptly cut. It has been like that since he got deployed on the China border, since mid-June. The calls were erratic and brief, mostly at the mercy of the operator. Gone are the days when she could pour her heart out to her only son through mobile phone calls and give him all possible instructions, mostly aiming at his well-being, safety and security, eating timely and of course her favourite topic of making up his mind to get married.
The son, like a true fauji, does not talk about ‘what is happening there’. She tries to gather information from TV channels and social media but seeing the shoddy display of jingoism, war cries, and sabre-rattling by anchors shuts it off, cursing them that maybe none of their near and dear ones is in the Army and deployed on the border. Her husband advises her not to watch TV and not to believe what appears on Facebook and WhatsApp. Any news about ‘meeting’ on the border with the Chinese is keenly read, watched, and heard by her. ‘Their mothers must be equally worried,’ she muses about enemy troops.
She had been an Army wife and suffered long separations from her husband in the prime of her life. Those days there were no mobile phones and letters were the only means of communication. By the time a letter reached her husband and elicited a reply, a lot would get changed. Some minor problems could get mitigated or she could overcome single-handedly. In the absence of her husband, she miraculously played the double role of father and mother for her kids. Quite naturally, they did not want their son to join the Army and suffer long separations from his family. But fate decided otherwise. The son won’t listen and he followed in the footsteps of his father and forefathers; went to the IMA and joined his father’s battalion. Though proud of her son’s achievement, she cannot help being over-worried about his well-being. Her husband, at times, feels irritated and tells her that she wasn’t even half as much worried about him as she worries about her son. She tells him that he does not know about a mother’s heart.
Her son has given a civil number of his unit Adjutant, away from his location, to be used in exceptional cases. She insists on using that number but the old man is reluctant. He doesn’t want to ‘interfere’ in unit routine, and also does not want to sound ‘too worried’. ‘It is warlike,’ he tells her, ‘leave it to God. Everything will be fine.’ He assures her but she insists. Seeing her restlessness, he gives in. Almost apologetically, he calls the Adjutant and enquires about his son. The officer assures him all is well. Thanking him, he disconnects the call. Mother, having heard everything, is happy and thanks God. ‘I can now sleep peacefully,’ she says.
IAF will evolve, ready to safeguard India’s sovereignty and interests: Bhadauria
Ghaziabad, October 8, 2020: On the occasion of Indian Air Force Day, 2020 Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Thursday assured the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard India’s sovereignty and interests in all circumstances.
“I want to assure the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and interests in all circumstances,” said Bhadauria at Hindon airbase.
“As we enter the 89th year, the IAF is undergoing a transformational change. We are entering an era which will redefine where we employ aerospace power and conduct integrated multi-domain operations,” he added.
Bhadauria further stated that this year has indeed been an unprecedented one. As COVID-19 spread across the globe, our nation’s response was firm.
“The tenacity and resolve of our air warriors ensured that IAF continued to retain its capability to undertake full-scale operations throughout this period,” said IAF Chief.
“I commend all air warriors for quick response in the recent standoff on the northern frontiers when we deployed our combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality and provided proactive support to all requirements of deployment and sustenance for Indian Army,” he added.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh attended the 88th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad.
Bhadauria inspected the 88th Indian Air Force Day parade here.
Nishan Toli being led by Squadron Leader Shivangi Rajawat marched at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad on the occasion.
Two Chinook helicopters also took part in the flypast to mark 88th Indian Air Force Day here.
CRPF jawan killed by terrorists cremated, CM offers kin Rs 1 crore, govt job
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan pays tribute to the mortal remains of CRPF jawan Dhirendra Tripathi.(PTI Photo)
The mortal remains of CRPF jawan Dhirendra Tripathi who died in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama on October 5 was consigned to flames with full state honours at his native village Padiya in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district on Wednesday, as per government officials.
Prior to the cremation, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan paid tributes to Tripathi after reaching the village and announced a ‘shraddha nidhi’ of Rs one crore and a government job to a family member.
“Shraddha Nidhi of Rs 1 crore will be provided to the family of martyr Tripathi, the true son of Bharat Mata. He cannot be brought back but the state government stands with his family. Any one member of the family will be given a government job as per the wish of late Tripathi’s wife or family. A school or an institution and a road of the village will be named after the martyr. His statue will also be installed in a government school or at any other appropriate place,” Chouhan said.
A state government statement also referred to the circumstances of Tripathi’s death.
“CRPF jawan Dhirendra Tripathi was at the front during operational duty at around 5pm two days back. At about the same time, an Indian Army jawan was seriously injured in a cowardly attack by terrorists. Dhirendra Tripathi was martyred in this attack. The attack was carried out when the jawans were successfully finishing their duty and coming back to the camp. Apart from Tripathi, Shailendra Pratap Singh of Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh was also martyred in the attack. Three other soldiers were seriously injured in this incident.”
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President Kovind, PM Modi lead nation in wishing IAF on foundation day
IAF Day 2020: Defence minister Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah also extended their wishes to the force. IAF Day celebrations are taking place at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
IAF Day celebrations at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, UP (ANI)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is observing its 88th foundation day on Thursday. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and others took to Twitter to wish India’s air warriors.
Here are some top political reactions on 88th IAF Day:
President Ram Nath Kovind: On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force. The nation remains indebted to the contribution of the IAF in securing our skies and assisting civil authorities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu: I extend my warmest greetings to all Air Force personnel on the 88th Air Force Day. Our Air Warriors are known for their professionalism, excellence and courage. They have made the country proud in war and peace. May they touch the sky with glory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Many congratulations to all the brave warriors of the Indian Air Force on Air Force Day. You not only keep the skies of the country safe, but also play a leading role in the service of humanity in times of disaster. Your courage, valour and dedication to protect Mother India is inspiring everyone.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh: The nation is proud of its men and women in blue and salutes the prowess of the IAF as it stands today ready to face challenges and deter adversaries. We remain committed to enhancement of IAF’s combat compatibility through modernisation and indigenisation.
Home minister Amit Shah: Greetings on Indian Air Force Day! From safeguarding our skies to assisting in all odds, our brave Air Force personnel have served the nation with utmost courage and determination. Modi govt is doing everything possible to keep our mighty air warriors roaring loud in the skies.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath: Best wishes to all the airmen on “Indian Air Force Day”. The entire nation is proud of your unforgettable duty from the wartime to the peacetime.
US ambassador to India Ken Juster: Congratulations to @IAF_MCC on their 88th anniversary. Defence cooperation is a cornerstone of the US-India relationship, as we work together to secure a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
French envoy extends best wishes to IAF on 88th Air Force Day
French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain on Thursday extended best wishes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 88th Air Force Day.
In a tweet, Lenain mentioned that from Ouragan/Toofani in the 1950s to Mirage2000 and now Rafale, France has always partnered with the IAF.
“Congratulations @IAF_MCC on 88th Air Force Day2020! From Ouragan/Toofani in the 1950s to Mirage2000 and now Rafale, France has always partnered with the Indian Air Force!” he tweeted.
Earlier this year, India received five of the 36 rafale fighter jets from France, as part of a 2016 deal worth Rs 60,000 crores. It was the largest-ever defence deal signed by India.
On the Air Force Day 2020, President Ram Nath Kovind, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have also extended their wishes.
The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule. It was given the prefix “Royal” by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War. The prefix was later dropped in 1950 when India became a republic.
IAF has a history of dangerous evacuations. Here’s my story — from Chandigarh to Ladakh
Casualty evacuation from remote places in the Himalayas not connected even by rail or road is an important part of the lives of those serving in the Indian Air Force. I remember an incident from 2008 that highlights the importance of casualty evacuation.
It was winter and heavy snowfall had almost stopped normal life in the northern region. Heavy shelling by Pakistan had injured many of our soldiers. I received an emergency evacuation message in Chandigarh. We promptly activated the stand-by crew. However, when I studied the weather at Thoise in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley, from where the casualties were to be airlifted, I realised it was marginal and the crew may not be able to execute the mission.
The weather indicated that clouds were covering the entire region of Leh and Thoise. In hilly regions, one has to keep the ground in contact and keep clear of hills. Descend on instruments is a big no. I was the most experienced and the senior-most pilot in the Squadron, so I decided to attempt a landing.
The weather was such that in normal circumstances, one would not have even attempted a landing and instead waited for a clear day. But it was a matter of life and death for about 8 to 10 soldiers. We took off within half an hour from Chandigarh. The weather en-route, until Leh, was negotiable. We decided to go overhead to assess the weather for landing as we approached Thoise. We could not see the ground at all, not even through a few very clear patches.
Staying above hills in Thoise was a safe option, so we circled around and waited for a clearance to descend through the opening in the clouds, because the task of casualty evacuation was of immense importance. Thanks to our luck, we got a small break in the cloud through which we could see the airfield. Adapting all precautionary measures and keeping ground in contact, we descended and landed at Thoise. I kept the engine running.
The patients were brought to the aircraft and boarded without switching off the engine. The aim was not to waste any time on the ground because the weather was not helping our cause. With the aircraft door closing, I quickly taxied out. The doctor briefed me about the soldiers. All young men aged between 19-20 years with splinter injuries in the head and other body parts. I was to exercise caution about correct pressure maintenance in the aircraft for their comfort, even though they were heavily sedated. In head injury cases, these precautions are necessary.
The aircraft was ready for take-off but the weather played spoilsport once again. There was no break in clouding for our climb. I waited on the runway for 10 minutes without any success. Fuel was just about sufficient for the return journey to Chandigarh. I taxied back to the dispersal, where the doctor again came to the cockpit and told me something surprising.
The moment the soldiers had boarded the aircraft, even in their half-conscious state, they were sure that they were being airlifted to Chandigarh. The very thought of being airlifted to a better hospital showed a marked improvement in their overall health as indicated by their stabilised blood pressure. They were unaware that we had taxied back and not taken off yet — for them, the knowledge that they were in safe hands was clear now.
God showed some mercy and we got an opening. We took off for Chandigarh. When we reached there, we found ambulances were ready to ferry the patients to the Command Hospital. Next morning, I could not resist a visit to the hospital to see how the soldiers were doing. I met them all one by one and was happy to see them recovering. I did not disclose that it was my aircraft that had brought them here. For them, it did not matter: the very sound of An-32 had comforted them and their will power did the rest. Such incidents give one immense satisfaction about task accomplishment. It is the biggest award for your routine job and encourages one to move on with newfound enthusiasm.
AVM Suryakant Chafekar was the Commanding Officer of the 48 Squadron and retired from the Indian Air Force in 2017. Views are personal.
Ready for Ladakh winter, Army also preparing summer strategy, eyes more troop deployment
Ready for Ladakh winter, Army also preparing summer strategy, eyes more troop deployment
File photo of Army Chief General M.M. Naravane at Leh to review security situation and operational preparedness along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh | Photo: Twitter/@adgpi
New Delhi: The Army has started drawing up a summer strategy in Ladakh, and is looking at greater permanent deployment of troops in the area with no immediate resolution in sight to the ongoing tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), ThePrint has learnt.
“The talks are on between both sides but China is sticking to its position that we should withdraw from the southern banks of Pangong Tso. We are of the view that disengagement should happen from all locations concerned simultaneously,” said a government source.
“We are prepared for the winter if China wants to stay, and we are also working out the summer strategy,” the source added.
Top government sources said Indian forces will at no point carry out any reduction in current troop deployment in forward areas unless China agrees to do the same. Any Chinese move, they added, will be subject to a proper verification process that will have to be decided by both sides.
This is so because at some points where the two armies are locked in a stand-off, the Indians need more time to reach the location than the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which has better road connectivity and the advantage of plains on their side, the sources said.
“We can’t afford a situation where we pull back, only for the Chinese to come back and occupy the positions. In some locations, we need more time to reach the positions where we are on than the Chinese who, can reach in a shorter time,” the source said.
At many locations along the LAC, the troops of the two countries are just a few hundred metres apart.
With no easing of tensions at the border despite multiple rounds of dialogue, India and China are already set for a heavy deployment in the forward areas of Ladakh through the region’s bitter winter, where the temperatures can drop to -35°C. Forward deployment through the Ladakh winter will be a first for both India and China.
The 7th round of corps commander-level talks is scheduled for 12 October, but the military is not pinning high hopes on it, as before. This is the first round of talks since China raked up the 1959 claim line as the LAC last month.
Talking about the plan ahead, government sources said the Chinese have come prepared to stay during the winter.
Giving details about the Indian preparations, the sources added that the Army has made all arrangements for the winter, with “some smaller issues left to be tied up”.
“Clothing, heated tents, food and other rations have all been taken care of. There might be some small challenges here and there, but then the Army will take care of it as days pass,” the aforementioned source said.
Referring to plans for increased deployment through the summer, or the “LoC-isation” of the LAC, another source said, “This increase does not mean creation of new division or anything but in terms of more battalions or a brigade more along with their equipment.”
Sources said there has been a renewed focus on increasing our capabilities along the LAC because of the aggression shown by the Chinese since May.
“We are determined to push ahead with the infrastructure activity. If anything, we have only sped up the process. Along with it, the Army in Ladakh is being provided with everything that they are demanding,” said a third source. “A spate of emergency procurement is being done which would have otherwise taken time.”
