EASTERN AIR COMMAND
INS Trishul concludes Alexandria port call after PASSEX with Egyptian Navy
INS Trishul, an Indian Navy guided missile frigate, wrapped up a three-day Alexandria visit on September 17, having first held a PASSEX with Egypt's ENS Bernees involving joint manoeuvres and communication drills. Ambassador Suresh K Reddy met the crew, who also honoured Indian soldiers killed in the World Wars at Chatby War Memorial. The visit reinforced naval cooperation between the two countries.
Operation Epic Fury: IG report reveals $33B war costs, loss of multiple F-15E Strike Eagles, and diplomatic strain
Months of bombing and missile attacks on Iran are yet to yield any substantive gains to the US. While President Donald Trump has on several occasions claimed that the American military is winning the war, Iran has time and again bounced back to hit US bases in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic chokepoint, hitting the crude trade and world economy.
French military jets launch 40-day global flight to project power, strengthen alliances
Four French fighter jets are undertaking a significant global flight exercise. This extensive journey spans forty thousand kilometers across three continents. The exercise aims to strengthen international partnerships and demonstrate military capabilities. It highlights France's commitment to freedom of navigation and global law. The mission involves extensive cooperation with strategic allies along the route.
North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward sea after rivals' military drill it sees as provocation
Amid joint military exercises by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday. South Korean defense officials reported that the missiles launched from the eastern coastal area of Wonsan traveled around 250 kilometers. The United States assessed that the missile tests pose no immediate threat to its national security or that of its allies.
New problem shaping up for the oil market as Hormuz remains shut
Houthi forces have seized Perim Island, threatening the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait shipping lane. This development occurs as the Strait of Hormuz faces severe disruptions, impacting global oil flows. Saudi Arabia increasingly relies on the Red Sea route, which is now at risk from these advances. Higher oil and diesel prices reflect the growing strain on the global energy system.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands to go nuclear? BARC plans small reactors amid China’s growing Indian Ocean presence
India is exploring Small Modular Reactors for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as BARC scientists inspect potential sites across all three districts from September 4 to 8. The proposal comes amid major infrastructure plans, including the Great Nicobar transhipment terminal, airport and deep-water ports. The islands’ strategic location, INS Baaz and growing defence infrastructure add significance to the proposed energy expansion.
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Who is Jeetendra Mishra? Retired Air Marshal, Kargil veteran & Operation Sindoor hero selected as Ram temple trust’s CEO
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra will lead the Ram Mandir trust as its first chief executive officer (CEO). He was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his distinguished service during Operation Sindoor. Mishra brings decades of military experience in strategic planning, operations and coordination to his new administrative role. The trust also appointed three new trustees at a recent meeting in Ayodhya.

Russia submits proposal in response to Indian tender for 5 more S-400 'Sudarshan' units
Russia has submitted a proposal for five more S-400 air defence squadrons. India is processing this significant defense acquisition estimated at over fifty thousand crore rupees. Deliveries for these new systems are expected to commence approximately three years after the deal is signed. India has already received four S-400 squadrons from a previous contract.

Russia bombards 9 Ukrainian cities overnight, calling the strikes 'massive'
Russia launched extensive missile and drone attacks across Ukraine overnight and into Thursday. These strikes targeted military facilities and infrastructure, causing civilian damage. Ukraine is facing shortages of air defense missiles needed to counter Russian attacks. Ukrainian forces retaliated by targeting Russian command posts and online retailers. Both nations continue to inflict mutual destruction as the conflict persists.

After six months of Iran war, US goals have shifted. The Strait of Hormuz is now a top concern
Six months after its start, the US war with Iran shows no clear end in sight. Original objectives have shifted, and some key goals remain unfulfilled. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, has been largely closed since the war began. While US forces achieved tactical successes, Iran's nuclear program and proxy groups are still concerns.

Pentagon weighs scaling back US military presence across Persian Gulf: Report
The Pentagon is assessing options to reduce its military presence in the Persian Gulf. Extensive damage from the Iran conflict has prompted this re-evaluation of regional security. Officials are considering repositioning forces further west to minimize exposure to strikes. This potential drawdown carries significant implications for Gulf partners who rely on US security. The war's cost and infrastructure damage present a choice about future base restoration.

New rung on Iran's escalation ladder: A smart tactic or NATO war?
Iran reportedly considers attacking US military sites in Europe as a warning. This strategy aims to deter Washington from escalating its conflict with Tehran. Such actions could expose US forces and logistics across a wider geography. European nations might question hosting American troops due to retaliation risks. Iran seeks to make escalation politically and militarily more expensive for the US.

Indonesia quake leaves 12,800 displaced as survivors camp outdoors and wait for aid
Thousands displaced by a powerful earthquake in eastern Indonesia await much-needed aid. Many residents slept outside for a second night, fearing aftershocks and damaged homes. Local residents expressed frustration with a perceived lag in government assistance and supplies. The Indonesian Air Force is airlifting emergency aid, including food and water. Rescuers continue searching the affected area for any potential victims.

Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad’s fall: From 24 years in power to death sentence
Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule ended in December 2024 after rebel forces advanced. He fled to Moscow, concluding over five decades of family rule in Syria. A Damascus court sentenced him to death in absentia for various crimes. His rule was defined by a civil war which began in 2011. Hundreds of thousands died, cities were flattened, and many fled the country.

Saudi Arabia says it struck Iran-backed groups in Iraq with US coordination
US Iran war news: Saudi Arabia and U.S. CENTCOM conducted targeted strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq. These groups were blamed for recent drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Saudi forces intercepted several drones launched from Iraq in the preceding days. Iran denied any involvement in attacks targeting Saudi interests. Iraqi authorities have launched an investigation into the drone attacks.

IAF Chief AP Singh emphasises the need for a unified approach to fight emerging threats during his visit to Shillong
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh addressed commanders at Eastern Air Command headquarters in Shillong. He stressed a unified strategy against emerging threats. Singh emphasized the crucial role of EAC in securing northern and eastern borders. The conference focused on enhancing operational capabilities and coordination. Air Force Stations received trophies for excellence in operations, maintenance, and administration.

CDS attends tri-service Table Top Exercise PRAYOG
"General Anil Chauhan #CDS attended a tri-service Table Top Exercise 'PRAYOG' at Eastern Air Command on 19 Oct 23. "Various scenarios & required preparations for a joint response during criticality in the Eastern Theatre were deliberated between all services. #OperationalSynergy," the HQ IDS posted.

IAF chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri emphasises on high operational preparedness
The Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri urged all commanders to continue with their efforts to provide a safe operational flying environment. He reviewed the operational preparedness of the Eastern Command and expressed satisfaction on its major achievements.

IAF begins mega air exercise in Northeastern region
"Eastern Air Command has commenced its annual Command level exercise Ex- POORVI AKASH today. Conducted after a gap of two years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ex will involve activation of the Command's assets for routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises," the IAF's Eastern Air Command tweeted.

S P Dharkar new chief of IAF Eastern Air Command
Air Marshal S P Dharkar on Saturday took charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command, officials said. Dharkar, the former Director General of the Defence Space Agency, succeeds Air Marshal D K Patnaik, who superannuated on Friday.

Tri- services eastern commanders–in-chief conference held at Eastern Air Command headquarters
A defence spokesperson stated that the conference provided an excellent opportunity for the Commanders to exchange notes on the peculiarities of operations in their respective domains, identify each other’s’ strengths and arrive at mutually agreeable solutions to enhance inter-operability and synergy between the three services.

Top officers of Army, Navy, Air Force meet to review preparedness in East
"The commanders exchanged notes on the peculiarities of operations in their respective domains, identify each other's strengths and arrive at mutually agreeable solutions to enhance interoperability and synergy between the three services," the spokesperson said.

Eastern Air Command chief reviews operational preparedness at two IAF stations
Eastern Air Command chief Air Marshal DK Patnaik reviewed the current operational preparedness of the base and also interacted with the personnel.

Air Marshal DK Patnaik takes charge as head of Eastern Air Command
Patnaik was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 8, 1984. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College and College of Air Warfare.

Chief of Air Staff expressed satisfaction over infra build-up in east: Defence official
"He expressed satisfaction at the build-up and strengthening of capability and infrastructure at various stations including Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in the eastern sector," the official said.

Indian Air Force chief attends commanders' conference of Eastern Air Command in Shillong
Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in eastern India have borders with China. India and China have been locked in a bitter border standoff since May last year in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained ties.

IAF formally inducts Rafale aircraft into 101 Squadron of Eastern Air Command
Addressing the personnel at the air force station, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said the induction of the Rafale jets at Hasimara was carefully planned, keeping in mind the importance of strengthening the IAF's capability in the eastern sector.

Air Marshal Amit Dev takes over as AOC-n-C of Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command
An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, Air Marshal Amit Dev was commissioned into the fighter stream of IAF in December 1982 as a fighter pilot and has built a distinguished career spanning nearly 38 years.
IAF chief NAK Browne reviews issues pertaining to operational needs in NE
Air Force chief NAK Browne reviewed various issues and aspects pertaining to operational needs in northeast during a two-day commander's conference of Eastern Air Command, which begins today.
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