CHIEF OF AIR FORCE
INDIA bloc march: EC says no party requested meeting till 4 pm
The Commission said it learnt through the media that during the march of certain political parties towards the commission headquarters, some MPs wanted to meet the poll panel along with their delegation.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed new Chief of Air Force, replacing Amar Preet Singh
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh after a long and distinguished career. Dixit has flown various aircraft and logged over 3,500 hours of flying. He is recognized for promoting indigenous aircraft projects, particularly the LCA Tejas. Air Marshal Dixit is expected to further advance the government's Aatmanirbharta initiative.
School Assembly News Headlines, October 7, 2026: Check national, international, business, sports updates and thought of the day
School assemblies are set to provide essential updates on both national and international matters significant to students. Highlights include India's Vice President pushing for a broader sharing of ancient wisdom. In sports, Jannik Sinner's unfortunate knee issues will sideline him for the remainder of the year. Additionally, Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as the head coach for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2027.
Nigeria air force lowers plane crash toll to 25, civilians among victims
The Nigerian Air Force reported that its plane crash had 25 fatalities, with no survivors found. This incident occurred during a routine mission from Benin city to Lagos and affected several civilian family members. President Bola Tinubu declared a three-day mourning period for the victims. Investigations have been ordered by military officials into the tragic event. It marks one of Nigeria's deadliest air disasters in recent history.
Lockheed Martin to expand production in India, if it wins transport aircraft bid
Lockheed Martin is planning to enhance its production capabilities in India based on a tender for 60 medium transport aircraft. This procurement is valued at USD 10.5 billion, attracting several Indian firms as partners. Lockheed Martin's proposal includes 12 flyaway aircraft and 48 to be manufactured in India. The company aims to upgrade the existing C-130J fleet of the Indian Air Force.
IAF Chief Marshal A P Singh hails Smit Machchha's bravery
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Saturday praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery after the flydubai pilot was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar helped save the aircraft carrying 174 people, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
"We possess necessary capabilities": IAF Chief AP Singh on countering Chinese 5th-gen aircraft challenge, urges push for AMCA
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh addressed concerns about Pakistan potentially acquiring Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. He emphasized that India possesses the capabilities to respond effectively to such threats. Historical context suggests that advanced platforms alone do not guarantee success for Pakistan against India.
India may finalise 114 Rafale fighter jet deal with France by current financial year: IAF chief
India is planning to finalize a significant multi-role fighter aircraft deal by the end of this financial year. The proposed acquisition involves purchasing 114 Rafale fighter jets to enhance the Indian Air Force's capabilities. Current negotiations are focused on price and other important issues related to the procurement. The Chief of Air Staff emphasized the need for increased air power and self-reliance in manufacturing capabilities.
IAF chief hints at foreign fifth-gen fighter option if AMCA is delayed, cites Russia's Su-57 offer
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has indicated that India could examine foreign fifth-generation fighter options if the indigenous AMCA programme is delayed. Russia has offered its Su-57 fighter, although Singh said no decision has been taken. The IAF is also seeking to expand its fighter fleet as squadron strength remains below the authorised level.
Kashi all set to host 3-day IAF air show; PM Modi may come
Kashi is preparing to host an Indian Air Force air show from October 24 to 26 this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are expected to attend the event. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reviewed preparations and arrangements for spectators. Officials are focused on ensuring crowd management and emergency arrangements across Varanasi.
Indian Air Force to get separate drone force? IAF chief AP Singh reveals what the force plans
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has ruled out creating a separate drone force, saying unmanned systems and loitering munitions should remain integrated with the Indian Air Force’s existing weapons and platforms. He described drones as an “evolutionary” capability for the force and said their numbers, types and operational use are being expanded.
Flydubai flight lands in Saudi Arabia after fight in cockpit; injured pilot hospitalised
A flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced an emergency situation over Saudi Arabia. The aircraft sent emergency codes indicating possible hijacking, prompting a quick response from Israeli Air Force jets. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, convened to address the unfolding events. The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where further clarification of the situation is expected.
Five suspects bailed after suspected RAF Fairford plot as UK police face questions
The U.K. counterterrorism police released five suspects arrested near a U.S. air force base in England. Investigations revealed no explosives were found in the vans associated with the suspects. Concerns were raised about the suspects' potential links to foreign actors, including Iran and Russia. Local residents expressed fear and confusion following the incident and subsequent evacuation orders. Authorities have stated that the suspects remain under investigation with stringent conditions.
UK counter-terror police lead probe into Air Force base explosives threat, 5 arrested
Five men were arrested for suspected terrorism at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following an incident involving suspicious vehicles. The UK counter-terror police are currently leading the investigation into these apprehensions. A major incident was declared, prompting an evacuation of approximately 85 local households as a precautionary measure. Emergency services, including the Army's Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit, responded swiftly to ensure community safety.
Pakistan's first Hangor-class submarine conducts maiden live weapon firing
In a historic moment, Pakistan Navy's PNS/M HANGOR, the first of its Hangor-class submarines, conducted its first successful live weapon firing exercise in the Arabian Sea, launching an anti-ship cruise missile. This operation was observed by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, who emphasized its significance for strategic regional security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Navy's achievement, highlighting the importance of military preparedness in addressing ongoing security threats.
She left IAF after 10 years to support family, then lost husband in MiG-21 crash; Supreme Court backs her reinstatement
After leaving the Indian Air Force in 2013 to support her family, Squadron Leader Priyanka Saxena sought a return to service after her husband, an IAF fighter pilot, was killed in a MiG-21 crash in 2021. The Supreme Court has now ordered her reinstatement, allowing her to resume service after one year of refresher training while counting her earlier decade of service.
US stealth fighter F-35 among global air assets to headline Exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur
The Indian Air Force announced that seven foreign nations—including the US, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the UAE—will participate in the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12. Marking its first participation in the multilateral air exercise, the US multi-role stealth fighter F-35 will feature alongside India's Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and Tejas aircraft in joint tactical maneuvers aimed at enhancing global interoperability.
US F-35 jets likely to join India’s Tarang Shakti air exercise in Jodhpur
India’s second edition of Tarang Shakti, its premier multinational air exercise, will be held at Jodhpur’s Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12. The US Air Force’s fifth-generation F-35 fighter is likely to participate, which would mark its debut in Tarang Shakti, though the IAF has not officially confirmed the aircraft’s participation. The exercise will bring multiple foreign air forces together for joint tactical manoeuvres, with India’s frontline platforms also expected to take part.
India, Japan air chiefs attend 'Exercise Veer Guardian-2026' at Jodhpur Air Force Station
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita visited Jodhpur's Air Force Station on Sunday to witness the ongoing Veer Guardian-2026 drills. India fields Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale jets, while Japan brings F-2As, marking its first fighter deployment to India. Running through September 22, the exercise aims to boost interoperability and deepen Indo-Japan defence ties.
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