IAF Basks In Post-Balakot Limelight
SP’s Aviation|October 2019
The IAF Chief expressed commitment to the ‘Make in India’ agenda with the acknowledgement that “to achieve true strategic autonomy, we need to focus on indigenous design and manufacturing”
Vishal Thapar
IAF Basks In Post-Balakot Limelight

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Celebrated Its Post-Balakot emergence as a cross-border counter-insurgency strike force and the premier instrument of hard national power in a no war no peace scenario at its 87th Raising Day Parade and Flypast at the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of Delhi.

In over three decades of the unrelenting proxy war against India, the IAF was kept on the margins, restricted to passive air maintenance for ground troops waging largely defensive operations. The February 26 airstrike on the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist training camp at Balakot in Pakistan changed all that, and the IAF has grabbed the opportunity with alacrity and intent to deliver the coup de gras.

The new Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria shared the elation of his force but was quick to acknowledge that this turning point also places exceptional responsibility and expectation on the IAF to dominate the escalation ladder.

“The strategic relevance of this (the Balakot strike) is the resolve of the political leadership to punish the perpetrators of terrorism and the capability of IAF to execute a strike inside Pakistan. This has been a major shift in the Govt’s way of handling terrorist attacks. We must always be ready to respond to any contingency. To ensure operational success in all future operations, we need a high serviceability of combat equipment and exceptional training standards,” he stated in his written message for Air Force Day.

Bu hikaye SP’s Aviation dergisinin October 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye SP’s Aviation dergisinin October 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

SP’S AVIATION DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
CZECH REPUBLIC ORDERS TWO EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM MULTI-MISSION AIRCRAFT
SP’s Aviation

CZECH REPUBLIC ORDERS TWO EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM MULTI-MISSION AIRCRAFT

The Czech Republic becomes the fourth NATO member to acquire the C-390 Millennium

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 9, 2024
LOCKHEED CONSTELLATION: "CALL ME CONNIE!"
SP’s Aviation

LOCKHEED CONSTELLATION: "CALL ME CONNIE!"

In October 1961 the IAF's No. 6 Squadron \"Dragons\" added nine retired Air-India International Super Constellations to its fleet. Seven of these were modified for Maritime Reconnaissance. Two Super Connies served as freighters or troop carriers.

time-read
3 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA
SP’s Aviation

INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA

General Atomics Predator Drones represents a pivotal asset for India's defence capabilities, particularly in enhancing ISR and strike capabilities

time-read
4 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
"WE FORESEE POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS ACROSS DEFENCE, COMMERCIAL AVIATION AND EXECUTIVE JETS BUSINESSES GIVEN THE ADVANCE AEROSPACE ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES IN INDIA."
SP’s Aviation

"WE FORESEE POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS ACROSS DEFENCE, COMMERCIAL AVIATION AND EXECUTIVE JETS BUSINESSES GIVEN THE ADVANCE AEROSPACE ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES IN INDIA."

In an exclusive interaction, Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Defense & Security speaks with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, on a range of subjects concerning their increased global footprint, especially on expanding their partnership with India

time-read
6 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
SHOWCASING POWER OF COLLABORATION
SP’s Aviation

SHOWCASING POWER OF COLLABORATION

Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening operational capabilities, also demonstrated India's growing stature in global military and defence production

time-read
7 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
INDIA'S QUEST FOR INDIGENOUS JET ENGINE REMAINS AT THE THRESHOLD
SP’s Aviation

INDIA'S QUEST FOR INDIGENOUS JET ENGINE REMAINS AT THE THRESHOLD

While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the reports to impose penalties on GE over the delays of the F404 jet engine, India's quest for the indigenous jet engine remains at the threshold in search of its IPs and tech

time-read
4 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
LCA MKIA DELAYED, MRFA ON SLOW MODE - IMPLICATIONS FOR IAF
SP’s Aviation

LCA MKIA DELAYED, MRFA ON SLOW MODE - IMPLICATIONS FOR IAF

The IAF is currently operating at around 30 squadrons, well below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons, and defence analysts recommend 50 squadrons to handle a two-front conflict

time-read
6 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
A BOLDER APPROACH TOWARDS BUILDING CAPABILITY INDIGENOUSLY - AIR CHIEF MARSHAL A.P. SINGH
SP’s Aviation

A BOLDER APPROACH TOWARDS BUILDING CAPABILITY INDIGENOUSLY - AIR CHIEF MARSHAL A.P. SINGH

The annual press day by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's strategic vision for modernisation and self-reliance

time-read
5 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
'IAF AIMS TO BE AN AGILE AND ADAPTABLE AIR FORCE'
SP’s Aviation

'IAF AIMS TO BE AN AGILE AND ADAPTABLE AIR FORCE'

On the occasion of the 92nd IAF Day, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Aviation spoke extensively to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on a range of subjects concerning the Indian Air Force

time-read
4 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024
KEY ELEMENTS OF SAF (SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL)
SP’s Aviation

KEY ELEMENTS OF SAF (SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL)

With SAF being constantly pushed as a panacea, a reality check is essential. The journey to achieve net zero by 2050 will in truth be long, arduous and terribly expensive. Success is by no means assured without urgent measures.

time-read
9 dak  |
Issue 9, 2024