SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Heartiest Congratulations to you on the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force. As the Chief of the Air Staff, how do you perceive this great-long journey of our Air Force since its inception?
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): From its modest beginning with four Westland Wapiti aircraft in 1932, the IAF has grown by leaps and bounds to become the fourth largest Air Force in the world. Since its inception, IAF has emerged as a crucial instrument of military power to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. From its baptism by fire in 1947-48 to executing a well calibrated punitive strike in 2019, it is a saga, the entire country is proud of.
IAF is equally proud to be at the forefront in nation building. Be it evacuation of Indian diaspora from conflict zones outside the country or timely aid to civil power in HADR operations, IAF has always taken the lead. Evacuation of Indians from Sudan as part of Operation Kaveri, is one such unique achievement of the IAF, which makes me proud of my dedicated air warriors and asserts IAF’s dedication to the nation.
The theme for this year’s Air Force Day is “Airpower beyond Boundaries”. In our quest for global outreach, we carried out eight exercises this year with various Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) across the globe. In addition, we also conducted six exercises in India and more are in the pipeline.
SP’s: There is a saying that never under-estimate your enemy who may otherwise appear to be smaller, on the face of it. Could you kindly elaborate on the key factors?
Denne historien er fra Issue 9, 2023-utgaven av SP’s Aviation.
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Denne historien er fra Issue 9, 2023-utgaven av SP’s Aviation.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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KLM: THE WORLD'S OLDEST AIRLINE STILL GOING STRONG!
In 1930, KLM began scheduled passenger service between Amsterdam and Jakarta. The Fokker F.XII plane took 10 days to reach, including 81 hours of flying time. It was the world's longest scheduled flight before the Second World War.
SPICEJET'S $90 MILLION DEAL WITH CANADIAN Q400 PLANES
SpiceJet has successfully resolved a significant dispute with Bombardier over a fleet of Q400 turboprop planes in the form of a $90 million settlement, marking the end of a prolonged legal battle that also has broader implications for the Indian aviation sector
TAPPING THE UNCHARTED WATERS
Seaplane services are expected to transform regional connectivity in India, boost tourism, create jobs, and foster economic development, particularly in hard-to-reach coastal and inland regions
FLIGHT PLAN FOR NAVIGATING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT FINANCING
The business aircraft financing market has witnessed significant growth post-pandemic, driven by increased demand for private and chartered flights
TRUMP'S VICTORY: WHAT WILL IT UNFOLD FOR INDIA
For India, one of the most significant aspects of Trump's return will be his approach to China. There is a possibility that Trump will continue to view India through a transactional lens, prioritising trade deficits and economic returns. The role which the US plays as the global tech powerhouse is the model for future growth which cuts across economy to security. In all potential, there are mostly positive signs, rather another defining era for Indo-US relations could unfold if indicators are right. The convergence of mutual interest for both democracies is too obvious.
ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024
The first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise was a significant building block towards holistic capability in global space operations
INDIA'S GSAT-20 SATELLITE LAUNCHED
Symbolising growing technology, growth & collaboration, this mission highlights India's dedication to leveraging space technology for societal progress, expanding its role in commercial space ventures while underscoring the potential for India's heavy-lift launch vehicles to capture future opportunities
A LEGACY OF PRECISION, POWER, AND POISE IN THE SKIES
With a vision for comfort, excellence and sustainable aviation, Dassault's Falcon family embodies the peak of technological and environmental advancements
INDIA'S RICHEST BUYS BBJ
Private jets play a strategic role in allowing business magnates like Ambani to optimise time management, particularly critical given his global business commitments and a packed travel schedule.
PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES AIRCRAFT COMPLEX FOR MANUFACTURING OF C295 AIRCRAFT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024.
