MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (INDIAN AIR FORCE) - YEAR END REVIEW 2023

 INDIAN AIR FORCE

 

‘Aatmanirbharta’

 

The following measures have been instituted to support indigenisation of spares and systems:

 

• Positive Indigenisation List: In pursuance of India’s endeavor for self-reliance, Ministry of Defence is promulgating ‘Positive Indigenisation Lists’ at periodic intervals. The fifth PIL was released in October with 98 items, out of which 13 pertain to IAF.
• Srijan Defence Web Portal: A list of 630 spares has been uploaded on www.srijandefence.gov.in website towards seeking feasibility for indigenous development. 78 companies have shown interest so far.
• Inter Governmental Agreement: An IGA was signed in September between India & Russia for enabling manufacture of Russian Origin Spares in India. A series of JVs have been signed by Indian companies towards fructification of the same.
• Industry Outreach: To bring together the users from the IAF and the Indian Defence industry representatives to discuss, identify and understand problem areas, Industry Outreach was planned by undertaking visits to IAF bases. Two Industry Outreach events were conducted at Air Force Station Bareilly and Air Force Station Pune in September and October respectively. The station authorities organized the visit, providing guided tours to various sections within the Station. Industry representatives were given the chance to engage in discussions and Q&A sessions with Air Force experts in their respective fields, facilitating knowledge exchange and networking.
• Space Industry Outreach: Of the total 29 DefSpace challenges pertaining to IAF (12 iDEX and 17 Make challenges), High Power Steering Committee (HPSC) meeting for 12 iDEX has been concluded. iDEX winners for eight DefSpace Challenges and one open challenge were announced in October. Selection of winners for the four iDEX DefSpace challenges is under progress at DIO. Feasibility study for the Make I and II DefSpace challenges are under progress. PDC for completion of Feasibility Study for all Make challenges is 31 Dec 23.
• Signing of MoUs: IAF entered into 21 MoUs with Academia, Educational Institutes and DRDO labs for cooperation and promotion of R&D in areas of mutual interest.
• Indigenisation of CU of LLLWR: To achieve self-reliance in the maintenance and upkeep of the IAF’s Low Level Light Weight Radars, a contract for design and development of three critical components was signed with BEL. The high altitude field trial of one such component was completed successfully. The case for procurement of these is now under progress.
• Indigenisation of Parachutes: Almost 90-95% of pilot parachutes and brake parachutes in use by IAF have been indigenised by ADRDE within a timeframe of two years.
• Indigenous ‘Miniature Detonating Cord’: The firing trials of the indigenous Miniature Detonating Cord (MDC) for the Hawk Aircraft Canopy Severance System were successfully completed in November. Airworthiness clearance for use on fleet is under progress. The effort will mitigate delays in supplies of imported MDC.
• Modification of Electric Operating Fire Extinguisher Cartridges: The modification was successfully completed through OF, Khamaria and AQAW(A), Khamaria to address quality issues of earlier design. The modified carts were inducted in service in July.
• Development of Unexploded Ordnance Handling Robot: Project on development of UXOR for disposal of UXOs with the technique of water cutting jet was pursued with R&DE (Engg), Pune. Three prototypes had been developed based on approved ASQRs. Procurement of UXOR was taken up through FTP route. Contract has been signed with Hi-Tech Robotics Systemz Ltd, Gurugram for UXORs in September.

• MRSAM: Five Firing Units and one training centre of MRSAM system have been commissioned in IAF in this year. System has been successfully deployed.
• Project SAMAR: IAF has successfully indigenised the prototype of ground based platform for firing Air-to-Air missile under project SAMAR. Fabrication of SAMAR Firing Units (FUs) have been successfully completed this year. SAMAR FUs were delivered to field units and firing is planned in Dec 23.
• Self-Reliance Plans: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has resulted in inability to send major aggregates like the aero-engines, critical avionics and specialist wpns abroad for Repairs and Overhaul. To mitigate the situation, 44 shortlisted projects pertaining to Russian Fighter, Transport and Helicopters are being progressed through OCPP under the following categories:
  1. Life Extension.
  2. Development and execution of ROH technologies for Airframes, Electro-Mechanical rotables, avionics, EW systems of AN 32, Mi Series helicopters.
  3. Repair and refurbishment of Russian ALMs and Russian aero engines and avionics.
  4. Replacement of avionic aggregates.
  5. A comprehensive self-reliance plan to engage the Defence Industrial Corridors at Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu has been chalked out. Regular interaction has been established with UPEIDA and feasibility to identify the domain specialists, academia and MSMEs/Industry partners is being explored. A meeting with Tier-I industries of TIDCO was conducted in September at Chennai to highlight the indigenisation projects under OCPP with the IAF team led by AOM. The industries were appraised in detail on the indigenisation requirements of IAF. The team visited Research Park at IIT Chennai on 13 Sep 23 and interacted with the potential Industry partners who could take on the task.

 

New Acquisitions and Trials

 

• A-321 aircraft: Pre-owned Airbus A-321 were acquired by DRDO from Air India for AEW&C role. They are available for utilisation by IAF before they are modified. Aircraft and aircrew were made operational at the earliest and IAF has commenced the Courier operations since May 2023. The A-321 scheduled flights to Srinagar, Guwahati and Bagdogra have augmented IA movement plan and the courier ops from Kolkata, Chennai and Port Blair has benefitted the ANC AoR.  MoU for handling by Air India at all IAF and Non IAF bases has been signed.
• C-295 aircraft: First C-295 MW ac arrived in India on 20 Sep 23 and was inducted into the IAF on 25 Sep 23. The ageing Avro ac would be replaced by C-295 MW aircraft. With the delivery of remaining ac from May 24 onwards, the first unit is likely to be functional by end of year 2024. The induction of C-295 fleet will boost IAF’s airlift capability and increase the versatility of ground forces.
• LCA Mk1 Twin Seater Delivery: Delivery of Twin Seaters, LCA Mk1 IOC and FOC contracts have commenced.   PM flew in SPT-1 with Gp Capt D Mandal on 25 Nov 23. He was the first PM to fly a fighter aircraft.
• HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft: HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft used for training of ab-initio pilots. The aircraft is indigenously designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The contract for supply of HTT-40 was signed on 06 Mar 2023.  As per contract, deliveries of the aircraft will start from Sep 2025.
• Dornier-228 Aircraft: Dornier-228 is light weight transport Aircraft utilized by IAF for communication, route transport and casualty evacuation. It is manufactured locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A contract for supply of Dornier-228 Aircraft and associated equipment was signed on 10 Mar 2023.
• Digital Receiver-118 (DR-118) RWR for Su-30 MKI aircraft: A contract for Digital Receiver-118 (DR-118) RWR for Su-30 ac along with associated equipment has been signed with M/s BEL, BC on 23 Mar 23.
• VVIP Ops by B-777 ac: IAF took over independent VVIP operations on B-777 ac wef 31 Mar 23. As a milestone achievement, IAF undertook nonstop flight from Delhi to New York with full cockpit complement by IAF and further on to Washington and Cairo. In addition to the aircrew, ground handling, catering uplift and engineering support services were also independently handled by IAF.
• Para Trials & Ops: ADRDE is developing HDS for C-130J and C-17 aircraft under Technology Demonstration mode. Post CEMILAC certification and fitment trials, out of total eight trials sorties approved for HDS (12 Ft Platform), seventh HDS trial was conducted on 17 Oct 23 at Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR). Trial was successful and load landed safely at the designated landing point.
• ADR & CRCC Trials from C-17 ac: Flight trials for Single/Twin ADR (Air Droppable Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) and CRRC (Combat Rubberised Raiding Craft) were successfully completed on C-17 ac in the month of Sep 23, in coordination with Indian Navy and ISRO (Toroidal Buoy Equipment).
• Akash Missile System: Three squadrons of Akash missile system, employing advanced Rajendra Mk-II radars has been commissioned in the last one year. Additional Akash Sqns are likely to be inducted by Dec 23.
• HERON MKII: Heron Mk II RPA has been inducted and operationalised in Indian Air Force. The system is capable of undertaking SATCOM based operations along with advanced sensors and avionics suite. The payload is more capable and can locate targets in depth in enemy territory. The induction has boosted the IAF’s capability to undertake ISR missions beyond Line of sight ranges at higher altitude of operations.
• Bison (MiG 21 Upgrade) Drawdown Plan: The drawdown plan has been approved and re-equipping of one operational squadron having this ac, with Su-30 MKI has commenced. Re-equipping of one more squadron with the ingenious Tejas LCA MK-IA, has been announced.
• Integration of Weapons: The New Generation Close Combat Missile was fired for the first time this year. Long Range SCALP missiles were also fired and validated. Apache Attack Heptrs also carried out successful firing of Stinger Msl against an airborne slow moving target. IAF is working towards induction of indigenous Astra entire long range BVR missile, which is likely to commence shortly.
• Long Range Mission: Long Range Missions were undertaken deep into the IOR. These missions were flown along multiple axes to cover the IAF’s area of interest to control the sea and dominate the air space.

 

Training and Exercises

 

The IAF continued to train hard this year exercising not only with sister services for enhancing jointness, but also with Air Forces of friendly foreign countries. Listed below are a few:

 

• Ex Veer Guardian-23: Held in the period 12-27 Jan 23, this was the first air exercise between India and Japan.
• Ex PASSEX with France: On 29 Jan 23, the IAF conducted ‘Ex PASSEX’ with French fighter aircraft sailing onboard the aircraft carrier ‘Charles De Gaulle’ in the IOR.
• Ex Desert Flag-8 in UAE: IAF participated in ‘Ex Desert Flag-8’ in Al-Dhafra, UAE from 24 Feb-20 Mar 23. This was the first ever participation by the Tejas in an international air exercise.
• Ex Cobra Warrior-23: IAF participated in multinational Air Exercise ‘Ex Cobra Warrior-23’ in UK from 06-24 Mar 23. This exercise saw IAF aircraft staging through Saudi Arabia for the first time.
• Ex Cope India-23: The USAF and the IAF participated in ‘Ex Cope India-23’ at AFS Kalaikunda (fighters) and Panagarh (transport aircraft) from 10-21 Apr 23. The Japan Air & Self Defence Force participated with one observer.
• Ex Orion-23: IAF participated in multinational exercise ‘Ex Orion-23’ in France from 17 Apr - 05 May 23. The exercise saw the IAF’s Rafale aircraft ferrying directly from France to India.
• Ex INIOCHOS-23: IAF participated in a multinational exercise ‘Ex Iniochos-23’ in Greece from 24 Apr - 05 May 23. This was the first Air Exercise between India and Greece.
• Ex Bright Star-23.   IAF took part in Ex Bright Star-23 with Egypt from 27 Aug -16 Sep 23. The IAF’s MiG-29 fighters ferried directly from India to Egypt.

 

Integrated Exercises and Joint Training

 

The following training exercises were conducted with sister services, aimed at increasing joint capabilities:-

• Ex Kranti Mahotsav from 08 May 23 to 10 May 23 with 01 MLH.
• Exercise Ex Chakra Drishti-23 from 10 May 23 to 12 May 23 with Fighter, RPA and AEW&C.
• IAF participated in EWT of 33 Armd, 16 Rapid, 6(I) Armd Bde and 47          Engr Bde from 08 May 23 to 27 May 23 wherein IAF’s Helicopters operated       along with IA.
• Exercise Western Command Theatre Spl Ops validation from 10 May to 25           May 23 and Helicopters along with Transport aircraft. It also witnessed     RPA and fighter operations.
• Exercise 2 Corps EWT on 23 – 24 May 23 with Su-30MKI.
• Exercise Long range Maritime strike over Western seaboard on 02 Jun 23 with fighters, transport and AWACS.
• IN carried out MiG-29K detachment at AFS Naliya from 22 Jul to 16 Aug 23 along with IAF.

 

IAF has also facilitated joint exercises through the ambit of Yojna plan which
synergises joint training with sister services. These were aimed a practicing/ review of Air Strategy and Conops in joint environment. Options of joint application of aerospace power were practiced in these exercises. Few exercises carried out by IAF jointly with sister services are as given below:-

 

Ser No	Exercise	Duration
	Ex Tropex	22-24 Feb 23
	Ex Sanyukat Shakti Vinaash	07-11 Aug 23
	Ex Madad NSL	18-19 Sep 23
	EFORI	29 Sep-06 Oct 23
	WFORI	02-13 Oct 23
	Ex Maroon Strikes	20-21 Oct 23
	Ex Dakshin Avlokan	21-22 Oct 23
	Ex Sanyukta Sankalp	28 Oct -03 Nov 23
	Ex Tri Shakti Praharar	13-18 Nov 23

 

 

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

• International HADR Ops.

1. Op Dost - HADR at Turkiye and Syria: The Middle East nation of Turkiye and adjoining Syria were struck by a catastrophic earthquake on the morning of 06 Feb 23. The IAF was immediately alerted and a prompt aid and assistance was launched under ‘Operation Dost’. The first C-17 aircraft got airborne from Hindan for Adana, Turkiye at the midnight of 07 Feb 23. Subsequently, four more C-17 aircraft followed suite, while one C-130J aircraft was tasked with 5.8 tons of medical load to Damascus, Syria. The operations continued with the final de-induction on 20 Feb 23. The IAF transport fleet flew 28 sorties (188 hrs) and carried 307 T of load, of which 278 T load was airlifted for Turkey and 29 T for Syria.
2. Op Kaveri - HADR at Sudan: The break out of hostilities between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Sudan had resulted in stranding of approximately 4000 Indian nationals and PIOs. On extremely short notice, IAF air operations towards evacuation of Indian diaspora commenced on 19 Apr 23. C-130J and C-17 were tasked for the ops with Garud SF teams onboard, in the event of special ops if required. Initial rescue missions were flown from Jeddah to Port Sudan. Subsequently, on 27 Apr 23, in a daring night operation, IAF ac rescued 121 Indians from a small airstrip at Wadi Seyidna airport. While the crew used Electro Optical- Infra Red to evade obstructions and inimical forces, ERO (Engine Running Ops) plan was carried out when Garud commandos operated on ground. The total flying effort by the IAF was 22 sorties (115 hrs), airlifting 2100 passengers from Sudan to Jeddah and 915 passengers from Jeddah to India, in addition to 58 Tonnes of critical load.
3. Op Ajay (Israel – Hamas Conflict): Towards Op Ajay, first IAF C-17 aircraft was launched on 22 Oct 23 in support of Palestinian citizens affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. IAF C-17 airlifted 6.5 T of medical relief items and 32 T of disaster relief material including essential life-saving medicines, surgical items, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities and water purification tablets among other necessary items. The medical relief was delivered at Al-Arish, Egypt to the Red Crescent, for onward distribution in Gaza.
4. HADR Ops - Nepal: On 03 Nov 23, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, resulting in heavy loss of life and property. Relief aid was planned to be inducted close to the affected areas in Nepal, resulting in operations on short runway airfields like Nepalganj. IAF C-130J ac inducted NDRF relief equipment and HLL medicinal payload at Nepalganj on 05-06 Nov 23. As a first responder, essential medical cum hygiene supplies, tents, and other relief materials were provided for earthquake affected families. The IAF C-130J aircraft undertook day/ night operations at Nepalganj, and flew 02 sorties (07:55 hrs), airlifting 21 T of relief load.

 

• Domestic HADR Ops.

 

1. HADR Ops - UT of Ladakh: In Feb 23, IAF heptrs served as a vital link in the UT of Ladakh when the roads saw a heavy blockage due to snow activity. Heptrs sprang into operations on 15 Feb 23 for airlift of stranded passengers from Zanskar to Leh. The task was carried out by Chinook and MI-17 1V heptrs wherein 200 Passengers were airlifted.
2. Disaster Relief Ops (Forest Fire) at Goa: On 08 Mar 23 Govt of Goa requested IAF to provide aid towards dousing forest fires at far flung areas in the state. Mi-17 V5 Heptrs deployed for the task undertook massive ops. In 20 sorties, the heptrs dispensed 1, 40,000 litres of water by 14 Mar 23.
3. Disaster Relief Ops (Forest Fire) at Tamil Nadu: On 15 Apr 23, Govt of Tamil Nadu requested IAF effort towards dousing forest fire in Madukkarai range of Coimbatore (Tamilnadu).  MI-17 V5 Heptr deployed for the ops dispensed 22, 450 litres of water on 16 Apr 23.
4. Disaster Relief Ops (Flood Relief) at Himachal Pradesh: In response to damages caused by monsoon triggered cloud bursts, flash floods and landslides in Himachal, IAF deployed Mi-17 V5 and Cheetal heptrs. Rescue ops were carried out in Chandratall and Samundar Tapu Axis. IAF inserted disaster relief crew and air dropped ration, medicines and essential supplies. IAF also flew the CM of Himachal and inter-ministerial teams for reccee and assessment of the scale of disaster. The relief operations which started on 11 Jul 23 continued till 30 Sep 23. 68 T of relief material and 1355 citizens were airlifted in 275 sorties (138 hrs).
5. Disaster Relief Ops (Flood Relief) at Ambala: In the second week of Jul 23, several villages around Ambala (Punjab) were affected by severe floods. From 14 to 17 Jul 23, one Mi-17 heptr was tasked towards disaster relief operation, which carried out airdrop of critical sustenance ration to the affected citizens. 10 sorties were flown airlifting 10 T of relief material and 14 personnel.
6. Disaster Relief Ops (Flood Relief) at Yavatmal: On 22 Jul 23, one MI-17 V5 heptr was launched from Raipur, which undertook five sorties towards rescue of villagers marooned in Yavatmal village of Maharashtra.
7. Disaster Relief Ops (Flood Relief) at Telangana: From 27 to 30 Jul 23, two Chetak heptrs were deployed at Warangal for flood relief operations. While the heptrs rescued seven personnel, 25 sorties (22 hrs) were flown towards the ops.
8. Disaster Relief Ops (Flood Relief) at Sikkim: Several districts of Sikkim were severely affected by the flash floods on 04 Oct 23. HADR operation centre was set up at Bagdogra. Heptrs were positioned as per the requirement projected by the State Govt. IAF deployed heptrs from almost all the fleets, including Chinook to undertake the disaster relief. The IAF heptrs undertook 287 sorties (125 hrs), airlifting 205 T of load. 3027 personnel were evacuated by the heptrs, which included foreign nationals from Thailand, Belgium, Russia, Bangladesh and America.
9. Tunnel Rescue Ops at Uttarakhand: A portion of the under construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand collapsed on 12 Nov 23 trapping 41 construction workers. On 15 Nov 23, IAF deployed three C-130J ac to airlift 27.5 tonnes of critical heavy equipment, rescue loads and rescue experts to Dharasu ALG that was not in use since 2013. Between 17 and27 Nov 23, heavy Augur machinery from Indore, DRDO robots from Pune and drill bit and metal wire load from Mumbai were airlifted to Dehradun. On 29 Nov 23, Chinook helicopter airlifted all 41 rescued workers to AIIMS Rishikesh. The tasks were successfully carried out with minimal notice utilising C-130, C-17, Dornier, AN-32 and Chinook. The IAF aircraft operated over 79 hours lifting 104 T of load.

 

Nation Building & Internal Security

 

• Manipur situation: On the directions from MoD, IAF deployed its transport and helicopter assets towards airlift and deployment of CRPF, BSF, Indian Army and Assam rifles teams with load from Hindan, Ranchi, Kolkata, Agartala, Kumbhigram, Guwahati and Mohanbari to Imphal to assist in containing the situation in Manipur. The ops by IAF which started on 23 May 23 continued till 25 Sep 23. 10,120 troops and 652 T of relief material were airlifted in 605 sorties (399 hrs).
• Haryana situation: IAF deployed C-130, C-17 and IL-76 aircraft for airlift and deployment of CRPF and RAF troops to contain the situation in Nuh, Haryana. Overnight operations (18 sorties/18:30 hrs) achieved airlift and deployment of 824 troops (with 58 T load) from Jammu, Prayagraj and Hindan.
• G-20 Task: IAF helicopters were extensively utilised for various operational tasks towards G-20 summit in September. The assets were utilised for ORP duties, DIADC duty, CASEVAC / Emergency response and NSG tasks.
• Elections-Chhattisgarh: IAF was tasked to provide air effort to the election officials during the Chhattisgarh assembly elections held in November. IAF Mi-17 helicopters carried out 404 sorties amounting to 194 hrs of air effort. 1,707 personnel and 15 T of load including polling parties and EVMs were airlifted.
• PM Kedarnath Redevelopment Project: Since 31 Oct 22, IAF has tasked one Chinook helicopter on regular operations towards “PM Kedarnath redevelopment project”. Till 31 Mar 23, under slung operations could result in airlift of 575 Ton of load against the initial projected load of 500 T. As on 12 Nov 23, 866 T has been airlifted towards the project.
• RLV Trials: IAF provided its helicopters to progress the scientific cause of ISRO. Chinook heptr flew 25 sorties towards ISRO RLV trials at Chitradurga for testing of load in under slung mode on 02 Apr 23.

 

Agnipath Scheme

 

IAF has successfully implemented the Agnipath Scheme and has been in the forefront in digitisation of the Agniveervayu related data. First batch of 2888 Agniveervayu comprising 2743 Agniveervayu and 145 Agniveervayu (Non Combatants) have completed specialised training and are posted to various AF bases. The second and third batch will pass out and report to units in Feb & Aug 24 respectively.  

 

iDEX DISC and OC (Open Challenge)

 

Two DISC editions and two OC editions were launched in 2023.  DISC 9 was launched by   Raksha Mantri during Aero India 2023. This DISC edition was pertaining to Cyber Security. Four proposals were shortlisted in this edition by IAF. The tenth edition of DISC was launched by   Raksha Mantri on 04 Oct 23 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 12 DISC challenges and 02 Prime Challenges were launched by IAF in tenth edition. Open Challenges from startups were shared with IAF in form of OC 8.0 and OC 9.0. Three proposals were shortlisted under OC 8.0 and shortlisting of proposals by User Dtes is currently underway for OC 9.0 and DISC 10. 

 

Aero India 23

 

The 14th edition of Aero India 23 was held at AFS Yelahanka from 13 to 17 Feb 23. AF was tasked with provision of venue, conduct of Flying Display, Static Display, Security, Disaster Management within the Station, Medical Services and the fire prevention measures in coordination with State Govt. Fly past by 13 formations of IAF and indigenous aircraft (except P-81) flown by IAF, IA, ICG and IN was the signature event on the inaugural day. The multi directional fly-past added to the visual appeal and thrill of the event. Flying display was conducted only once during the business days and twice during public days.

 

Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 

 

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, a drone exhibition-cum-display event, jointly organized by the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India (DFI) was inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri, at Air Force Station Hindon on 25 Sep 23. It was a two day event featuring over 75 drone start-ups from across the country that showcased the capabilities of the Indian drone industry through a series of aerial static demonstrations. The event is a key milestone in the Govt of India initiatives to make India a major drone hub by the year 2030. The drones featured can be employed in a variety of military and civil applications. By co-hosting this event, the IAF seeks to bolster the drone ecosphere in the country.

 

First Woman Commanding Officer of Combat Sqn

 

Gp Capt Shaliza Dhami, a helicopter pilot became the first woman from flying branch to command a combat unit in the IAF, on 27 Mar 23. She is also the first woman QFI in flying branch. She has a flying experience of over 2800 hours with 1935 hours on Chetak heptr.

 

Women Empowerment

 

As a step towards women empowerment, IAF for the first time has inducted women in other ranks as Women Agniveervayu. At present, 154 Women Agniveervayu are undergoing training at ATS Belagavi. 300 Women candidates are planned to be inducted as Agniveervayu in Intake 02/2023 batch.

 

Air Force Day 2023

 

Air Force Day Parade which was traditionally held at AF Stn Hindan was conducted this year at AF Stn Prayagraj. The event was open for civilian population in order to show case IAF might and motivate the youth of India (including prospective Agniveers) to join the IAF, a flight consisting of AgniveerVayu Women participated in the Air Force Day Parade 2023. The parade was commanded by
Gp Capt Shaliza Dhami. The following events were conducted a part of Air Force Day 2023:-

 

• Aerial Display at Bhopal (over Bhojtal lake) on 30 Sep 23.
• Air Force Day Parade held at AF Station Prayagraj.
• Aerial Display at OD Fort, Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj.

 

A new IAF Ensign was unveiled by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian tricolour and the RAF roundels with the IAF tricolour roundel in the lower right canton. The new ensign better reflects the current values of the IAF by the inclusion of the IAF Crest in the top right corner of the Ensign, towards the fly side. The IAF Crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion on the top with the words “सत्यमेव जयते” in Devanagari below it. Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, enclosed by a ring in light blue colour with the words “भारतीय वायु सेना”. The motto of the IAF “नभ: स्पृशं दीप्तम्” is inscribed below the Himalayan Eagle in Devanagari.  The IAF motto has been taken from Verse 24, Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita and means “Radiant Thou Touchest Heaven” or in other words “Touching the sky with Glory”.

 

Bastille Day Parade

 

Indian Air Force marching contingent participated during Bastille Day Parade 2023 at Paris on 14 Jul 23 as part of Tri Services contingent. The IAF marching contingent was commanded by Sqn Ldr Sindhu Vijay Kumar Reddy. The parade was witnessed by the   Prime Minister of India, who was the chief guest for the event. IAF was also part of the flypast during the Bastille day over Paris, with three Rafale aircraft of 101 Sqn. This opportunity was also utilised by IAF to exhibit and practice its strategic reach capability, with the Rafales flying non-stop from India to France, with multiple mid-air refuelling, including utilising AAR ac of friendly foreign nations, hence concomitantly displaying the IAFs joint Ops capability with forces of these nations and operationalisation of various logistics agreements.

 

Dubai Air Show

 

IAF contingent comprising of 5 Sarang (ALH MK I) aircraft and 3 Tejas (LCA MK-I) aircraft participated in the Dubai Air Show from 13 to 17 Nov 23.

 

Special Campaign 3.0 

 

Directions were received from GOI to conduct Special Campaign 3.0 for Swachhata in Govt Offices and disposal of pending matters from 02 to 31 Oct 23 on the lines of Special Campaign 1.0 & 2.0 held in 2021 & 2022. As per the feedback received from all Commands HQs through Special Campaign 3.0 pan IAF, 1712.09 tonnes of scrap was disposed-off. 

 

Har Ghar Tiranga

 

The campaign was undertaken as part of Independence Day celebration from 13 to 15 Aug 23. The enthusiastic participation by air warriors and their families reflected the spirit of nationhood and commitment of taking our nation forward

 

Inclusion of Millets in Scale of Ration

 

Millets (Bajra/ Jowar/ Ragi) has been included as part substitute in the scale of ration in line with the vision of International Year of Millets.

 

Digitisation

• Dedication of e-MMS: In line with the Government’s initiatives for digital transformation, IAF has migrated to digital workflows for recording of maintenance activities through e-Maintenance Management System. All maintenance activities of the IAF have been declared paperless by the Raksha Mantri in February during Aero India 2023. The IAF is also progressing cases for implementing e-MMS for nine fleets from the Indian Army, Navy & Coast Guard.
• Digitisation of THD-1955 Radar: THD-1955 radar has been the main stay AD Radar in IAF since 1976. To meet the operational commitment, the THD-1955 radar fleet is planned to be utilised in service till 2035. Presently, due to ageing of the fleet, obsolescence and depleting vendor supports, THD-1955 radar fleet is facing significant challenges towards its maintenance and sustenance for operations. To address these issue, BEL has come up with a proposal to digitise the Receiver and Transmitter cabinets along with upgrade of IFF systems of radar.
• Bio-jet Fuel Trials on Do-228 Aircraft: Post successful completion of ground run and test flight, RCMA (Kanpur) accorded FCN for Biojet fuel trials on
  21 Sep 23. The first sortie for two hrs with 10% blended fuel on one engine was successfully flown on 22 Sep 23. Two sorties with 10% blended fuel on both engines was flown for four hrs on 26 Sep 23. Third sortie was flown on 27 Sep 23. The trials on Do-228 aircraft using 10:90 admixtures of Bio-jet fuel with ATF were successfully completed at 5 BRD on 28 Sep 23. Additional 6,000 Ltrs of Bio-jet fuel is under procurement which would be used in next phase of trials.
• Development of Airfield at Nyoma, Ladakh: To enhance the operational reach of IAF in the Northern Sector, Government sanction to develop a new Air Base at a cost of ₹219.39 Crore was accorded in March 2023. e-Shilanyas of the airfield was performed by   RM on 12 Sep 23 from Jammu. Construction of runway is in progress and the works services are planned to be completed by April 2025.
• Real Time Aircraft Tracking System (RTATS).   The feasibility of RTATS with the help of equipment provided by ISRO, using Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellites is reaching fructification. Series modification on AN-32 will start soon. While trials on MLH are underway later to be followed by AVRO & Do-228 in due course.

PIB  (Release ID: 1989502)