IAF DAY 2026
Varanasi to witness IAF's 'Wings Over Ganges' aerial display on October 25
Varanasi is preparing to host the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026 at Namo Ghat on October 25. The event will feature various aircraft, including frontline fighters like SU-30MKI and Rafale, showcasing aerial prowess. It aims to inspire youth by introducing them to aviation and career opportunities in the Indian Air Force. Organisers emphasise the importance of training, technology, and operational preparedness behind the aerial performances.
‘I didn't know women couldn't fly fighters’: How Bhawana Kanth went from childhood dream to becoming IAF’s first woman fighter pilot
Bhawana Kanth's journey from chasing aircraft as a child to becoming the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to qualify as a Fighter Combat Leader reflects a decade of milestones in military aviation. From joining India's first batch of women fighter pilots in 2016 to completing advanced combat training at TACDE in 2026, Kanth spoke to CNBC-TV18 about the childhood dream, policy change and daily training that shaped her career.
Air Force Day 2026: Check IAF anniversary theme, date, venue, tickets, schedule and history
Air Force Day 2026 marks 94 years of the Indian Air Force, with this year’s celebrations centred on the theme “Infallible, Impervious and Precise”. The anniversary falls on October 8, while the Central Air Command is set to organise a public aerial display in Varanasi on October 22, 24 and 25. Check the history, theme and key details of the celebrations.
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Indian Air Force turns 94 today, Kashi gets ready for aerial show
The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 94th anniversary on 8 October with upcoming aerial displays. The Central Air Command will host displays in Varanasi from 22 to 25 October, with a VIP stand at Namo Ghat. Citizens will have designated public viewing areas to witness the event. Detailed information regarding traffic arrangements and safety instructions will be posted through official channels.
Bharat Dynamics shares rise 2% in a weak market after bagging Rs 811 crore order from Ministry of Defence
Bharat Dynamics shares gained 2% after the Defence Ministry awarded an Rs 810.79-crore contract for 160 SAT-SAAW weapons and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force, adding to the company’s order visibility amid rising defence spending.
India, Japan Air Force Chiefs fly the Tejas during Exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026' in Jodhpur
Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defence Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew Tejas aircraft from Air Force Station Jodhpur during Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 on Sunday. The bilateral drill features frontline fighter aircraft from both countries, including Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale jets from India and F-2A fighters from Japan, with the exercise aimed at strengthening interoperability and defence cooperation.
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.
IAF chief led ‘Eagle One’ Tejas formation flight as Japan air chief flew twin-seater during Veer Guardian 2026
In a significant demonstration of military collaboration, the Indian Air Force Chief led a Tejas formation flight with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief Masahiro Morita as a passenger. This sortie underscored the increasing interoperability and professionalism between the two nations' air forces, showcasing India's indigenous defense aviation capabilities and reinforcing defense ties through operational understanding.
Dronathon 2026: IAF demonstrates multi-mode system designed to facilitate drones' management in airspace
The Indian Air Force recently showcased the Vayu UTtaM drone management system at Pokhran. This innovative system provides crucial support in managing drones and detecting rogue aircraft within congested airspace. At Dronathon 2026, various domestic unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies were highlighted, alongside the unveiling of the IAF UAS Roadmap aimed at guiding the industry towards achieving self-reliance in unmanned systems.
IAF's mega drone event kicks off at Pokharan range in Rajasthan
The Dronathon 2026, hosted by the Indian Air Force, kicked off in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This innovative three-day event showcases state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies, where local manufacturers present their cutting-edge advancements. The initiative aims to bolster the Air Force's capabilities in the unmanned arena and foster collaboration with industry players for homegrown solutions.
Rajnath Singh hails India-Japan defence ties as Japanese fighter jets arrive for Exercise Veer Guardian
Japan's fighter jets have touched down in Jodhpur to participate in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 for a joint air defense drill designed to bolster cooperation between the two nations. This exercise will see the deployment of top-notch aircraft, including Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale, sharpening their combat capabilities and enhancing interoperability. The drills are set to conclude on September 22, 2026, marking a new era of defense collaboration.
India ramps up Nepal flood relief with 8th aid flight, specialised tunnel team and forensic experts
India has intensified its humanitarian assistance to Nepal in the wake of devastating flash floods, delivering over 130 tons of relief material and deploying 54 expert personnel to support search, rescue, and forensic operations.
Gaganyaan astronaut explains why AI sovereignty is crucial for national cybersecurity
Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, a Gaganyaan astronaut, underscored the necessity of AI sovereignty for bolstering national cybersecurity. He remarked that upcoming conflicts will significantly merge the digital and physical domains. Nair praised India's technological achievements highlighted by the Chandrayaan-3 mission's success. He called for the responsible use of AI to enhance citizens' well-being, pointing out Kerala's remarkable capacity to address both national and international tech needs.
From Op Sindoor to flying NEET papers & Ram Mandir: How the Indian Air Force became a go-to force in times of crisis
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, a veteran of the Indian Air Force, takes charge as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust after a distinguished 43-year career in the IAF. His service included critical assignments, including the secure transportation of sensitive NEET-UG examination papers across the country. His experience in major operations, including Operation Sindoor, brings extensive leadership, strategic and crisis-management expertise to his new role at the Ram Mandir Trust.
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.
Indian and Australian Navies discuss enhancing operational interoperability, capability-building cooperation
The Indian and Australian navies held discussions in Sydney during the 17th Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks from August 11-12 to boost maritime cooperation and interoperability. This follows the Indian Air Force's participation alongside 21 nations in Exercise Pitch Black 26 and PM Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Australia in July.
India, Africa powerful force for global progress: Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Africa as a priority partner. He stated Africa's due place is essential for a multipolar world order. The minister expressed India's commitment to strengthening ties with the African Union. He looked forward to reconvening the deferred India-Africa Forum Summit. Human resource development remains central to this vital engagement.
CBI arrests two more in Chandranath Rath murder case, brothers sent to 7-day custody
The CBI has arrested two brothers, Sagar Sonkar and Sahib Sonkar, in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The duo has been remanded to seven days' CBI custody as investigators probe alleged links between one accused and a rival political party.
Known for their jaw-dropping manoeuvres in skies, IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team turns 30
From its debut in 1996, it has been part of over 800 breathtaking displays across India and abroad, including marquee events in the country - Aero India and Air Force Day.
Indian Army eyes tech-driven future at key biannual Army Commanders’ Conference 2026
Indian Army commanders met to review border security and enhance combat strength. They focused on future readiness, designating 2026 as the year for networking and data centricity. The conference also explored drone technology and indigenous defense production. Lessons from Operation Sindoor guided discussions on operational capabilities. Senior government officials attended the deliberations.
India hosts military adventure event, 7 other nations participate
The Indian Army hosted the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 in the Eastern Himalayas, featuring 12 teams from seven nations. The event tested soldiers' physical and mental fortitude through challenging terrain-based duathlon and triathlon competitions, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding.
Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Jaguar to take part in IAF’s Exercise Vayushakti-26, see photo
The Indian Air Force will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 on February 27, 2026, at Pokhran to showcase its operational prowess, including long-range strikes and multi-domain capabilities. The drill will highlight rapid response, national security contributions, and humanitarian support, featuring a large deployment of aircraft and advanced weaponry to demonstrate the IAF's strength and deterrence.
AFCAT 1 admit card 2026 released at afcat.cdac.in; check steps to download, exam pattern, important instructions and more
The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026 for Group 'A' Gazetted Officer posts. The online examination is scheduled for January 31, 2026, with candidates needing to download their admit cards from afcat.cdac.in. The exam will cover General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning, with a duration of two hours.
Production of 40 C295 transport aircraft in India will be 'game-changer': Indian envoy to Spain
The production of 40 Airbus C295 aircraft in India will create a world-class aerospace ecosystem, according to Indian Ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik. The first C295 aircraft was received by the Indian Air Force this week, with the remaining 40 to be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems. The project aims to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing transport fleet and stimulate the development of a thriving aerospace industry in the country. The C295 is a versatile aircraft used for tactical transport, airdrops, and medical evacuation.
Beginning of a new era, says IAF chief as he receives first C295 military transport aircraft
India has received its first C295 military transport aircraft, marking the beginning of a new era as the nation plans to manufacture 40 of these planes domestically. The first aircraft was delivered in Spain, while the remaining 40 will be made in India, with production sites at Hyderabad and Vadodara.
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