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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that it will soon begin delivering the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft to the Indian Air Force after resolving technical challenges, addressing concerns raised by IAF Chief AP Singh.

HAL assures timely LCA Tejas deliveries to IAF after resolving technical issues

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that it will soon begin delivering the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft to the Indian Air Force after resolving technical challenges, addressing concerns raised by IAF Chief AP Singh.

Maker of Light Combat Aircraft &lsquo;Tejas,&rsquo; Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday (February 11, 2025) assured it will soon start delivering the airplane to the Indian Air Force with the technical difficulties now being resolved, amid reports of concerns raised by IAF chief AP Singh in this connection.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director D. K. Sunil said, &ldquo;the delay is not simply attributable to just I would say laziness on part of the industry.&rdquo;
&ldquo;There have been technical issues which have got sorted out. The concern of the Air Chief is understandable,&rdquo; he told reporters in Bengaluru at the Aero India 2025 event.
According to him, meetings have been held at different levels and HAL, a central PSU would soon be delivering the aircraft.
&ldquo;We have now promised that we will have all the structures ready. We have conveyed this. We have had multiple meetings at different levels. We have conveyed this. We are building this. And once the engines are available, this will start rolling out. I think the concern is well understood. There is no doubt on that and as a team, all of us are focused...we will start delivering the aircraft,&rdquo; he added.
Sunil&rsquo;s response came amid reports of Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal AP Singh expressing some concerns over the alleged delay in delivery of Tejas to the IAF in a purported video.

Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, selected as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4, will become India's second astronaut in space. 

 Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla named pilot for NASA's Axiom Mission 4 to ISS

Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, selected as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4, will become India's second astronaut in space.&nbsp;

Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer recently selected as the 'Prime' astronaut for the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Gaganyaan mission, has now been named the pilot for Axiom Mission 4, scheduled for Spring 2025.&nbsp;
The Ax-4 mission will be led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Meet the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ax4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ax4</a> crew. 🇺🇸 Commander Peggy Whitson 🇮🇳 Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> 🇵🇱 Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of ESA/<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Poland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Poland</a> 🇭🇺 Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hungary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hungary</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jjx8ERGqFf">pic.twitter.com/Jjx8ERGqFf</a>
&mdash; Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space/status/1884983916127264867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Shukla will be joined by mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. This mission marks a significant milestone as it will be the first government-sponsored human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary in over 40 years.
Shubhanshu Shukla will become India's second astronaut in space since 1984. His journey began in June 2006 when he was commissioned into the IAF's fighter wing.&nbsp;
As a seasoned combat leader and test pilot, Shukla has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours across various aircraft types, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.&nbsp;
His rise to the rank of Group Captain in March 2024 reflects his extraordinary contributions to the IAF. In 2019, Shukla received a transformative call from ISRO and embarked on intense training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow, preparing him for future space missions.
On February 27, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced Shukla as one of the astronauts undergoing intensive training for India's first-ever human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2025.&nbsp;
By August 2024, Shukla had been selected as the 'Prime' astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as his backup astronaut.&nbsp;
The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate India's human spaceflight capabilities, with a crew of three astronauts orbiting at 400 km for three days before safely returning to Earth, landing in Indian sea waters.
India&rsquo;s space sector has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, especially with successful missions like Chandrayaan-3&rsquo;s lunar landing and the Aditya L1 Solar Mission. ISRO&rsquo;s Gaganyaan program has also been making significant progress, as has the agency&rsquo;s work on reusable launch vehicles, expanding satellite portfolios, and a commitment to building an Indian space station by 2035.&nbsp;
On January 29, 2024, ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F15 carrying the NVS-02 satellite, marking the 100th launch from India&rsquo;s spaceport at Sriharikota.

The Indian Air Force added that a Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident.

Indian Air Force aircraft crashes near Rajasthan's Jaisalmer

The Indian Air Force added that a Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident.

An aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on April 25.
In a statement, the Indian Air Force said that it was a remotely operated aircraft which met with an accident during a routine training sortie.
No damage to any personnel or property was reported.
"One remotely Piloted Aircraft of the Indian Air Force met with an accident near Jaisalmer today during a routine training sortie. No damage to any personnel or property has been reported. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident," said the Indian Air Force.

A military aircraft crashed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, during an operational training sortie.

IAF aircraft crashes in Jaisalmer desert sector in Rajasthan

A military aircraft crashed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan,&nbsp;during an operational training sortie.

A Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Tuesday during an operational training sortie, the IAF said.
The pilot ejected safely, it said.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
"A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer today during an operational training sortie. The pilot ejected safely," the IAF said in a brief statement.&nbsp;

The IAF fleet included 29 fighter jets, seven transport aircraft, nine helicopters and one heritage plane.

Indian pilots bewitch spectators with midair acrobatics on Republic Day

 The IAF fleet included 29 fighter jets, seven transport aircraft, nine helicopters and one heritage plane. 

The IAF fleet included 29 fighter jets, seven transport aircraft, nine helicopters and one heritage plane.

The sky above Kartavya Path became a zone of fervent activity when 54 aircraft, including three from the French Air and Space Force, gave a fly past in a grand salute, during the 75th Republic Day ceremony that took place here on Friday.
Captivating the spectators, the contingent flew past with a booming sound and went on to perform several midair acrobatics.
The pilots began with the 'Prachand' formation comprising one LCH in lead with two Apache Helicopters and Two ALH Mk-IV in echelon flying in five aircraft 'Arrow Formation.' It was followed by the 'Tangail' formation comprising one Dakota in lead with two Dornier aircrafts in echelon flying in 'Vic' formation.
The 'Arjan' formation comprised one C-295 aircraft in lead with two C-130J aircrafts in echelon flying in 'Vic' formation. The 'Netra' formation comprised one AEW&amp;C aircraft and two X Su-30 aircraft in echelon flying in 'Vic' formation.
The 'Varuna' formation comprised one p-8i aircraft and two X Su-30 aircrafts in echelon flying in 'vic' formation. A C-17 aircraft with two Su-30 ac in echelon (streaming fuel) flying past in 'Vic' formation displayed the 'Bheem' formation.
The performance was followed by four X Tejas aircrafts flying past in 'Diamond' formation.
Next was the Amrit formation of six Jaguar aircrafts flying past over the water channel north of Kartvya Path in 'Arrow-head' formation.
The 'Vajraang' formation consisted of six Rafale aircrafts flying in 'Marut' formation.
The last leg of the fly past exhilarated viewers as three Su-30 Mk-I aircrafts in 'Trishul' formation flew at 900 kmph over water channel north of Kartavya Path along with the IAF Marching Contingent. Approaching the dais, the formation pulled up outwards for Trishul manoeuvre.
Next was, one Rafale aircraft flying at 900 kmph behind Trishul formation over the north water channel. Approaching the dais, the aircraft pulled up for Vertical Charlie and carried out multiple turns.
Earlier, the band and marching contingent of France was accompanied overhead by two Rafale fighter jets and one Airbus A330 Multi Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) flying in triangle formation.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/fashion-and-beauty/75th-republic-day-pm-narendra-modi-wears-white-kurta-pyjama-bandhani-turban-know-more-about-the-print-1706247339091"> 75th Republic Day: PM Narendra Modi wears white kurta-pyjama, bandhani turban, know more about the print</a>

Large-scale search-and-rescue operations could not locate any missing personnel or the wreckage of the plane then.

Debris of Indian Air Force plane missing since 2016 found

Large-scale search-and-rescue operations could not locate any missing personnel or the wreckage of the plane then.

The wreckage of a transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been located at the depth of around 3.4 km in the Bay of Bengal, nearly seven-and-a-half years after the plane with 29 personnel on board went missing.
The defence ministry said a scrutiny of the images captured by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) deployed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology recently found to be conforming that the wreckage located 310 km off the Chennai coast is of an An-32 aircraft.
"The search images were scrutinised and found to be conforming with an An-32 aircraft. This discovery at the probable crash site, with no other recorded history of any other missing aircraft report in the same area, points to the debris as possibly belonging to the crashed IAF An-32," the ministry said in a statement.
The An-32 aircraft with registration number K-2743 of the IAF had gone missing over the Bay of Bengal on July 22, 2016 during a mission.
Twenty-nine personnel were on board the aircraft.
Large-scale search-and-rescue operations involving aircraft and ships could not locate any missing personnel or the wreckage of the plane since it went missing.
The National Institute of Ocean Technology, which functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, had recently deployed an AUV with deep-sea exploration capability at the last known location of the missing An-32 aircraft.
"This search was conducted at a depth of 3,400 metres using multiple payloads, including a multi-beam SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging), synthetic aperture SONAR and high-resolution photography," the defence ministry said.
"Analysis of search images had indicated the presence of debris of a crashed aircraft on the sea bed approximately 140 nautical miles (3.10 km) from the Chennai coast," it said.

Two Indian Air Force pilots, including an instructor and a cadet, were killed after their aircraft crashed in Telangana.

2 Indian Air Force pilots killed as training aircraft crashes in Telangana

Two Indian Air Force pilots, including an instructor and a cadet, were killed after their aircraft crashed in Telangana.

Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed when their Pilatus trainer aircraft crashed at 8:55 am on 4th December.
The incident occurred during a training session at Air Force Academy in Telangana.
According to officials, the deceased pilots include an instructor and one cadet.
The Indian Air Force said that the Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie.
It added that there was no damage to any civil life or property. A inquiry has been ordered.
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The Indian Air Force scrambled Rafale fighter jets after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the Imphal airport.

Indian Air Force scrambles Rafale jets after suspected UFO spotted near Imphal

The Indian Air Force scrambled Rafale fighter jets after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the Imphal airport.

The Indian Air Force scrambled two of its Rafale fighter jets after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the Imphal airport on November 19.&nbsp;
The suspected UFO sighting happened around 2:30 pm after which a few commercial flights were affected.&nbsp;
"Soon after information about the UFO near the Imphal airport was received, a Rafale fighter aircraft from a nearby airbase was scrambled to go and search for the UFO," defence sources told ANI.
"The aircraft equipped with advanced sensors carried out low-level flying over the suspected area to look for the UFO but it did not find anything there," they said, adding that after the first aircraft returned, one more Rafale fighter was sent for the search but the UFO was not seen around the area.
"The agencies concerned are trying to find out the details of the UFO as there are videos of the UFO over the Imphal airport," they said.
(With ANI inputs)

The air show by Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic team is expected to last 10 minutes before the grand finale on Sunday.

Indian Air Force to enthrall audience with air show ahead of Cricket World Cup final

In a captivating prelude to the Cricket World Cup Final,  the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force is set to dazzle spectators with a mesmerizing air show in Ahmedabad.

#CWC23Final #WorldCupFinal

<h2>The air show by Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic team is expected to last 10 minutes before the grand finale on Sunday.</h2>

In a captivating prelude to the Cricket World Cup Final scheduled for November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to dazzle spectators with a mesmerizing air show. The Defence PRO for Gujarat revealed that the aerial spectacle, lasting ten minutes, will precede the much-anticipated final match.
Conveying the announcement, the Defence PRO mentioned that rehearsals for the air show are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The performance by the Surya Kiran team is expected to enhance the overall fan experience during the buildup to the crucial cricket encounter.
India has already secured a spot in the ODI World Cup final after a decisive victory over New Zealand on Wednesday. The anticipation for the final match is running high, and the addition of the Surya Kiran air show promises to make the event even more memorable.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is renowned for its impressive displays, typically featuring nine aircraft. The team has showcased its aerobatic prowess through numerous air shows across the country. Among the signature elements of their demonstration are loop manoeuvres in victory formation, barrel roll manoeuvres, and formations depicting various shapes in the expansive sky.

An officer of the Indian Air Force has surrendered after being accused of sexually assaulting a teenager in June

Indian Air Force officer accused of sexually assaulting 13-year-old girl surrenders

An officer of the Indian Air Force has surrendered after being accused of sexually assaulting a teenager in June

A 54-year-old Indian Air Force officer accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl surrendered in Bhubaneswar on October 30.&nbsp;
According to the Times of India, the alleged incident happened in June when the officer was home on leave.
The accused family had hosted a party at their home on June 23. The survivor's family were friends with the accused's wife and were invited to the party. According to the police, the girl's mother arrived to the party early and the officer offered to pick up the daughter. The accused allegedly sexually assaulted the teenage girl when he found her alone at home.&nbsp;
The mother of the girl filed a complaint on June 28 following which the accused man fled.&nbsp;
The police said that he didn't answer their summons and couldn't be found anywhere till he surrendered.&nbsp;
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The Indian Air Force inducted its first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft on Monday. Defence Minister Rajanth Singh handed over the C-295 to IAF

Watch: Indian Air Force inducts C-295, Rajnath Singh takes aircraft tour

The Indian Air Force inducted its first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft on Monday. Defence Minister Rajanth Singh handed over the C-295 to IAF

The first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force on Monday, boosting its logistics capabilities.
The induction ceremony took place at the Hindan Air Force Station in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He later took part in a 'Sarva Dharma Pooja' that was performed in the hangar to mark the occasion.
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari along with senior officials of the IAF as well as of Airbus attended the induction ceremony.
The first C-295 aircraft was inducted into Squadron No. 11 of the IAF. It is one of the oldest squadrons of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is currently based at Vadodara Air Force Station.
The aircraft was unveiled at the hangar after two sliding screens, bearing '11 SQN: Pioneers of C-295 MW', 'Rhinos: The Trailblazers of C-295 MW', and image of the newly-inducted aircraft, moved sideways. One-horned rhino is the emblem of Sqn. No. 11.
The IAF chief had on September 13 received the first of the 56 C-295 transport aircraft two years after India sealed a Rs 21,935-crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to procure the jets to replace its ageing Avro-748 fleet.
The aircraft had landed in Vadodara on September 20, days after it was handed over to the IAF in the southern Spanish city of Seville.
Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in fly-away condition from its final assembly line in Seville by 2025 and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.
The production of components of these aircraft has already started in the Main Constituent Assembly facility in Hyderabad. These parts will be shipped to the Final Assembly Line in Vadodara which is expected to be operational by November 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the manufacturing facility for C-295 planes in Vadodara in October last year. It will be the first military aircraft to be manufactured in India by a private consortium.
The IAF is procuring the C-295 aircraft to replace its fleet of ageing Avro-748 planes that entered the service over six decades ago.
The C-295 is known to be a superior aircraft used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and for logistic operations to locations that are not accessible to current heavier aircraft. The aircraft can airdrop paratroops and loads, and also be used for casualty or medical evacuation.
The aircraft is capable of performing special missions as well as disaster response and maritime patrol duties.

The Airbus Defence and Space handed over the first of many C-295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force on Wednesday.

Indian Air Force receives first of 56 C-295 aircraft from Spain

The Airbus Defence and Space handed over the first of many C-295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force on Wednesday took the delivery of its first C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space, with Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari attending the handing over ceremony at Seville in Spain, HT reported quoting official sources.&nbsp;
A total of 56 such aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by 2031, as per India&rsquo;s ₹21,935-crore deal.
The C-295 planes are considered to be designed for tactical transport, surveillance and airborne firefighting. It is capable of carrying a 9 tonne of payload and cruising at 480kmph.
The aircraft will travel to the Hindon Airbase, where it will officially be inducted into the air force.
In October last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the manufacturing facility for 295 planes in Vadodara.
It will be the first military aircraft to be manufactured in India by a private consortium, news agency PTI reported.
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The global C295 programme comprises a total of 280 orders from 39 operators, making it an unmatched aircraft in its weight and mission class, the plane maker said.
(With PTI inputs)

The IAF on Sunday inducted new four strike-capable Heron Mark 2 drones at a forward air base in the northern sector.

IAF inducts new drones at forward air base in northern sector

The IAF on Sunday inducted new four strike-capable Heron Mark 2 drones at a forward air base in the northern sector.

The Indian Air Force has inducted its latest Heron Mark 2 drones, which have strike capability and can carry out surveillance along the borders with both China and Pakistan in a single sortie itself.
The four new Heron Mark-2 drones, which can be equipped with long-range missiles and other weapons systems, have been deployed at a forward air base in the northern sector, ANI reported.
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"This is an emergency exercise performed by IAF to check the quality and strength of the airstrip so that emergency jets could easily land and go on the airstrip," said the DM.

Watch: Indian Air Force fighter jets land on Purvanchal Expressway

"This is an emergency exercise performed by IAF to check the quality and strength of the airstrip so that emergency jets could easily land and go on the airstrip," said the DM.

The Indian Air Force fighter jet and transport aircraft performed an emergency exercise on the Purvanchal expressway airstrip on Saturday.
Speaking to ANI, District Magistrate Sultanpur Jasjeet Kaur said, "Around 10 jets and aircraft performed a touch-and-go exercise on the airstrip in which one AN32 (Transport aircraft) completely landed on the airstrip."
She said that the Mirage fighter jet, Jaguar jet and Antonov AN32 were part of the exercise.
"Today's IAF emergency exercise was performed in the presence of senior IAF officials and ground staff. Mirage fighter jet, Jaguar jet and Antonov AN32 were part of today's exercise," said Jasjeet Kaur
She further said Sukhoi was also part of today's exercise but due to bad weather conditions in Bareilly, it couldn't make for today's event as it was scheduled from Bareilly.
For today's event, an area of 5 kilometres of Purvanchal expressway near Sultanpur was under repair since June 11, all the dividers were removed from the area of the airstrip for the safe and secure landing-and-go of aircraft.
The first IAF exercise on the Purvanchal expressway was performed on November 16, 2021, just before the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.&nbsp;

The precautionary landing took place in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, as per reports

IAF chopper's crash landing: Apache attack helicopter faces trouble during training

The chopper made a precautionary landing in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh.

An attack helicopter of the Indian Air Force made a crash landing on May 29, 2023.
The pilot of the Apache chopper noticed a technical fault, and made a precautionary landing, as per reports. The incident took place in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh.
There were no fatalities or injuries, and the crew was safe. The chopper was on routine operational training.

Currently, the Indian Air Force has 3 MiG-21 squadrons with around 50 jets after a Srinagar based unit was retired in September 2022.

MiG-21 grounded: why are the Indian Air Force jets called 'flying coffins'

The Russian MiG-21s are India’s longest serving fighters jets with the first one being inducted in 1963. 

Currently, the Indian Air Force has 3 MiG-21 squadrons with around 50 jets after a Srinagar based unit was retired in September 2022.

The Russian MiG-21s are India&rsquo;s longest serving fighter jets with the first one being inducted in 1963. Over the years, the jet has infamously been dubbed the 'flying coffin' or the 'widow maker'
According to an India Today report, over 400 MiG-21 aircraft have crashed in last 60 years killing 200 pilots and 60 civilians.
2 pilots died when a MiG-21 trainer jet crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer in July 2022. In 2021, 5 MiG-21 Bisons crashed killing 3 pilots.
An Indian Express report states that more than 170 pilots have lost their lives in MiG-21 crashes according to Defence Ministry data and more than 20 crashes have been reported since 2010. The report further adds that 38 MiG-21s crashed between 2003 and 2013.
An India Today report quoted experts as saying that MiGs are single-engine aircraft which means the chance of a plane crash increases when a bird collides with it or the engine fails. It added that the number of Mig-21 crashes are also high because they form the bulk of the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s inventory.
The report also says that delays in induction of new fighter jets has led to the Indian Air Force keeping the MiG-21s in service for longer inspite of completing their retirement period in mid-1990s.&nbsp;
Currently, the Indian Air Force has 3 MiG-21 squadrons with around 50 jets after a Srinagar based unit was retired in September 2022. The air force plans to retire the entire Soviet-origin aircraft fleet by 2025.&nbsp;

The air force's MiG-21 fleet is in the process of being phased out since 2022. 

Air Force grounds entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets: reports

Air Force grounds entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets: reports
MiG-21 grounded pending probe into crash over Rajasthan: reports
An Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashed on May 8

The air force's MiG-21 fleet is in the process of being phased out since 2022.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has temporarily grounded its fleet of around 50 MiG-21 fighter aircraft following the crash of one of the jets in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh nearly two weeks ago, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.
Three persons were killed after the MiG-21 aircraft crashed into a house in Hanumangarh shortly after it took off for a routine training sortie from the Air Force Station at Suratgarh on May 8.
The people cited above said all the MiG-21 aircraft are currently undergoing technical evaluation and checks, adding they will be allowed to fly only after clearance by the teams concerned carrying out the scrutiny.
The crash of the jet had again put the spotlight on the ageing fleet of Soviet-origin aircraft which were involved in around 400 accidents since their first induction in the early 1960s.
The MiG-21s used to be the mainstay of the IAF for a long period of time. After the first induction, the IAF procured over 870 MiG-21 fighters to boost its overall combat prowess.
However, the aircraft has a very poor safety record. According to official data, MiG-21s were involved in 400 crashes in the last six decades.
At present, the IAF has three MiG-21 squadrons with a total of around 50 aircraft, according to officials.
The IAF last year finalised a timeline of three years to phase out the remaining MiG-21 fighter squadrons.
The IAF also plans to start the phasing out of the three squadrons of Mig-29 fighter jets in the next five years.
As part of the IAF's modernisation plan, the defence ministry in February 2021 sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 83 Tejas jets.
The IAF has already procured 36 Rafale jets to enhance its combat capabilities.
It is also in the process of acquiring 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft.

Three civilian women died, while three other people were injured, as per reports.

IAF fighter jet crash: death toll rises in Rajasthan village where MiG-21 fell

Three civilian women died, while three other people were injured, as per reports.

Hours after an Indian Air Force fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan, the death toll due to the mishap rose on May 8, 2023.
Three civilian women died, while three other people were injured, as per reports.
A MiG-21 aircraft crashed in Hanumangarh, and the pilot survived with some injuries after ejecting safely.
The fighter jet had taken off from Suratgarh airbase. Police said that the pilot tried to prevent casualties by crash-landing the plane on the outskirts of the village.

The MiG-21 was on a routine training sortie, and an inquiry has been ordered into why it crashed.

IAF fighter jet crash: 2 civilians killed; MiG-21 pilot ejects safely in Rajasthan

The MiG-21 was on a routine training sortie, and an inquiry has been ordered into why it crashed.

An Indian Air Force fighter jet crashed in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan on May 8, 2023.
At least two civilian women died, while one man was injured as the MiG-21 aircraft crashed on their house, police said.
The Air Force said that the pilot ejected safely, and only sustained minor injuries.
The MiG-21 was on a routine training sortie, and an inquiry has been ordered into why it crashed.
&nbsp;

Women from the IAF have received awards in the past for devotion to service but this is the first time that a gallantry award has been conferred on a woman officer

Wing Commander Deepika Misra becomes first Indian Air Force lady officer to get gallantry award

Wing Commander Deepika Misra on Thursday became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to be presented a gallantry award.

Women from the IAF have received awards in the past for devotion to service but this is the first time that a gallantry award has been conferred on a woman officer

Wing Commander Deepika Misra on Thursday became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to be presented a gallantry award.
According to an IAF spokesperson, Misra, a helicopter pilot who hails from Rajasthan, was conferred a Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for an act of "exceptional courage" displayed during a flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh.
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari presented the Yudh Seva Medal and other awards to several officers and air warriors at an Investiture Ceremony held at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park
While two IAF officers were awarded Yudh Seva Medal, 13 officers and air warriors received Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 13 officers Vayu Sena Medal and 30 Vishisht Seva Medal, the spokesperson said.
A total of 58 persons, 57 from the IAF and one from the Army received the awards, he said.
Talking about Wing Commander Misra, he said she is the first woman officer of the Indian Air Force to get a gallantry award in the history of the IAF.
For devotion to service, women from the IAF have received awards in the past, but this is the first time that a gallantry award has been conferred on a woman officer of the IAF, he added.
According to information shared by the IAF, Misra was "detailed to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in response to flash floods" in northern Madhya Pradesh in August 2021.
The rescue operation that included low hover pick-ups and winching lasted for an exhaustive eight days and she saved lives of 47 people, including women and children.
Her efforts of bravery and courage not only saved precious lives in a natural calamity but also instilled a sense of safety amongst the common populace in the flood-affected area, officials added.&nbsp;

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