IAF VVIP helicopter deal: Army Brigadier under scanner

Did Indian Brigadier solicit Italian arms kickbacks for chopper deal
Headlines Today has an exclusive information that a brigadier and two businessmen have been named in an Italian chargesheet.
Italian prosecutors, who have been investigating a series of corruption charges against Finmeccanica, tapped the phone of alleged middleman Guido Haschke as part of the probe into the deal. The prosecutors informed the court that they found strong clues that a part of the commission paid was routed through Mauritius and Tunisia.
Defence Minister clueless about backdoor dealings in MOD
“AgustaWestland is believed to have paid the mediators a commission of 41 million euros which later became 51 million,” the report says, adding that Lorenzo Borgogni, a former senior employee of the company claimed that two agents were hired to push the India deal. “In particular, Borgogni talked about international commercial operations and especially about the supply of 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland International Ltd. to the Indian government thanks to the mediation of Guido Ralph Haschke and Christian Michel. Indian law does not allow any compensation for mediators,” the report says. Incidentally, when the helicopter deal probe was first reported in March this year, Defence Minister A K Antony had informed Parliament that “no specific probe is being conducted about India-related transactions” by Rome.
Three Indians named in VVIP chopper bribery scam
Comment: Nothing will come out of the Investigations in India. Like all scams this too will be suitably buried, whereas the Italians like the USA will put the culprits behind bars.

War Hero's Medal of Honesty

He is a hero in life too
R. Krishna Kumar: The Hindu: 01 July 2012

Epitome of integrity:Despite being in need of money, retired Air Force Corporal Charles Williams wants to return the excess money credited to his pension account.— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM
Mysore: Amid growing scams and corruption and amassing of wealth in improper ways by many, a retired Air Force Corporal has shown the world exemplary honesty will be hard to ignore and one can live with dignity even amidst penury.
Charles Williams, 89, a World War II veteran from Mysore and who is in poor health, wants to return the excess money credited to his pension account.
Williams joined the Royal Air Force in pre-Independent India. Aftera six-week pre-induction training, he was posted at Agra. Within days, he was sent to Burma where he saw action against Japanese.
“Though in the RAF, our unit saw a lot of ground battle and we dug in and stayed put in the trenches. We were holed up for weeks without regular supply of food and water. The battle that raged was horrific with soldiers getting maimed and killed in the heavy exchange of fire. But ultimately we prevailed,” recalled Williams, whose father, P.V. Williams, had enrolled with the British Army and took part in World War I.
Speaking to The Hindu at his residence near Bamboo Bazaar here, Williams said that after Independence, he was inducted into the Indian Air Force and was part of the first convoy that landed in Srinagar following the outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan. He opted for voluntary retirement from the IAF in 1959, joined HAL and retired in 1983.
After retirement, he found certain anomaly in his pension and complained that he was being underpaid. “A visit to the local Sainik Welfare and Resettlement Board did not help me much as officials are apathetic to the grievances of ex-servicemen,” Williams said. He approached M.N. Subramani, president, VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust in Mysore.
But calculations showed that the Centralised Pension Processing Centre of State Bank of Mysore, Mangalore, had credited Williams’ account with excess money.
Mr. Subramani said he was being credited with Rs. 300 towards fixed medical allowances for which he was not entitled to. He was credited with Rs. 15,200 in excess with effect from July 2007.
“When this was brought to the notice of Williams, he asked me to inform the bank to recover the amount in 15 equal instalments so as not to put him in financial hardship,” said Mr. Subramani.
What is ironic is that Williams is returning the medical allowance when he needs it the most. He is visually impaired and desperately needs Rs. 1.5 lakh for a heart operation. “When I am not entitled for something, the national exchequer should not be made to bear the burden,” said Williams.
Meanwhile, Mr. Subramani has mailed a letter to SBM, Mangalore, drawing their attention to the anomaly.
War Hero's Medal of Honesty

OROP- Pension improvement an ongoing process

PIB Releases Ministry of Defence 12-December, 2011 14:34 IST
One Rank-One Pension
The gap between past pensioners and their youger equivalents retiring from the armed forces does not necessarily keeps widening with every successive pay commission. Over the years several improvements have been made in pension of past pensioners. The pension of past pensioners have revised in accordance with recommendation of each successive Pay Commission, as accepted by the Government. The Sixth Pay Commission had recommended fitment formula and modified parity for past pensioners, in order to reduce the gaps, which were accepted by the Government.
Pension Improvement is an ongoing process and considerable improvements have been made in the pensions of armed forces personnel. The Group of Ministers (GoM) had in 2005 improved the pensionary benefits of PBORs. On the recommendations of PMO, a Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary in June, 2009 to look into the issue of `One Rank One Pension and other related matters. After considering all aspects of the matter, the Committee keeping in mind the spirit of the demand, suggested several measures to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers, which have been accepted by the Government and orders for implementation of all the recommendations have been issued. These are available at www.pcdapension.nic.in.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM PallamRaju in a written reply to Dr.RajanSushantand others in LokSabha today. PK/NN (Release ID :78436)
One Rank One Pension

CSD Depots in Himachal Pradesh
Government of Himachal Pradesh has requested this Ministry for setting up of a CSD Depot in the State in view of the number of Servicemen, Ex-servicemen and their families residing there.
Land measuring approximately 188kanals had been offered by Himachal Pradesh Government in this regard. However, the same was not found to be suitable, since some of it Included khud/nallah which is prone to flooding during rainy season.
It is not possible at this stage to anticipate the time likely to be taken for setting up the Depot at Una in view of the fact that the Government of Himachal Pradesh is yet to identify another piece of suitable land. Once a suitable alternate land is offered by the State Government the proposal will be considered depending upon availability of budget and manpower.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to ShriVirenderKashyap in LokSabha today. PK/NN (Release ID :78428)

Sadbhavana Schemes of Army
Projects under Sadbhavana scheme executed by the Army in Ladakh relate to infrastructure, community development, Health care, Human Resources Development, Education, Information Technology and National Integration Tour etc. Since 2009-10, the expenditure incurred is as under:-
(Rupees In Crores)/ Year/ Amount Allotted/ Expenditure Incurred
2009-10/ 6.85/ 6.85
2010-11/ 7.00/ 7.00
2011-12/ 7.00/ 3.34 (till date)
These projects are undertaken in consultation / recommendations of village Sarpanches and district administration and are focused to supplement the requirements of the people in remote and inaccessible areas.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to ShriHassan Khan in LokSabha today. PK/NN (Release ID :78425)

Placement of IAF Personnel
A Placement Fair was conducted at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi on 15th & 16th October, 2011 by the Indian Air Force Placement Cell. A total of 2788 air warriors including 2671 airmen (2035 retired and 636 serving) and 117 officers (87 retired and 30 serving) participated in the event. A total of 38 companies participated in the fair.
666 air warriors were shortlisted for placement during the fair. So far 93 confirmed placements have been reported to Indian Air Force Placement Cell.
Such fairs are conducted as per the requirements of the Indian Air Force from time to time.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri A. Ganeshamurthi in LokSabha today. PK/NN (Release ID :78427)

Encroachments and Security of Cantonment Lands

Inquiry into NOC on IAF Land in Srinagar
On receipt of complaint a preliminary enquiry was conducted into the matter related to issuing of No Objection Certificate (NOC) on Air Force’s land in Srinagar. It was found that prima-facie there have been irregularities in the issue ofNOCs which may have wider implications. In order to get the matter thoroughly investigated and fix responsibility the Government have entrusted the enquiry to CBI.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in written reply to ShrimatiHemaMalini in Rajya Sabha today.
PK /NN (Release ID :77400)
Inquiry into NOC on IAF Land in Srinagar

Need to Amend Provision Regarding Permission of C-in-C for Transfer of Property in Cantt Areas
As per Governor General Order No.179 dated 12thSeptember, 1836, whenever a value of house, buildings or property exceeds Rs.5000/-, the sale can be effected only with the prior sanction of the Government.
Representations have been received and matter of raising the limit Rs.5000/¬- is under consideration.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in written reply to Shri AvinashRaiKhanna in Rajya Sabha today. PK /NN
(Release ID :77407)
Need to Amend Provision Regarding Permission of C-in-C for Transfer of Property in Cantt Areas

Pension Pamphlet for IAF Veterans

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 12:57 PM
Subject: Issue of updated pamphlet for IAF Pensioners
Dear Sir,
1. After retirement pensioners/ family pensioners have a lot of issues where they need help and guidance. The primary issue for most of the pensioners is to be sure that they are getting the correct pension from their bank. In addition other issues related with retiring pension, disability pension family pension, ECHS etc. could occupy their mind.
2. This Dte had issued a six page pamphlet for the benefit of IAF pensioners in March 2010. Since then a lot of rules have changed and based on queries received from pensioners an updated pamphlet “Check Your Pension Entitlement” has been released. This pamphlet is user friendly and covers a larger spectrum. It is updated as per Govt. letter received upto 01 August 2011.
3. t is requested that this pamphlet (attached) may be circulated to all the pensioners who are in contact with you.
sd/-
(BBP Sinha)
Air Cmde
CHECK YOUR PENSION ENTITLEMENT

IAF flying MIG Coffins?

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR THE TIMES OF INDIA
To: The Editor The Times of India New Delhi
Sir,
In, and the other of a jet fighter in a foreign country. The heading (page 11) given to the MiG crash pathetically announces: "FLYING COFFINS?". You have been frequently using this ominous description for the MiG aircraft of the IAF. However, the heading (page 21) given to the report on crash of the jet fighter in the foreign country majestically declares: "SPECTACULAR NOSEDIVE"!
What a sublime contrast in presenting two similar events in TOI under your stewardship! The heading used for the IAF MiG jet crash is neither humour nor a clever turn of the phrase nor indeed anything even remotely expressing sympathy or support for the Armed Forces personnel. What is it, then?

A friend here calls it a "cold, calculated affront--highly disgraceful on the part of the reporter who has filed this story and the supervisory(?) staff that has let it pass through." He further adds, somewhat poetically: "It is akin to 'jis thaali mein khaanaa usi mein shaid karnaa ' i.e. 'to p(r)ick holes in the very plate that feeds you."

Three cheers for The Times of India! What rich returns are "Freedom of the Press" bestowed on TOI getting for the readers, security forces and the countrymen! What all we must have done to deserve you, Sir? And, who are your bosses/ masters/ paymasters? We may have to take up with them sometimes.

Meanwhile, please desist from using this "FLYING COFFINS?" nomenclature for Indian Air Force planes in future. You also owe an apology immediately to the Armed Forces for the gross disrespect shown and indignity heaped on the Air Warriors of IAF and the weapons used by them for the defence of the country and its people including you and me.
Warm regards,
Sincerely,
Wing Commander SC Kapoor (retd)
Member Indian Ex Servicemen Movement

IAF officer gets boot for lewd remarks

TNN, Jun 11, 2010, 03.32am IST
NEW DELHI: Even as Army conducts a formal court of inquiry against its engineer-in-chief Lt-Gen A K Nanda after a colonel's wife complained against him, an IAF court martial has ordered a wing commander's dismissal after finding him guilty of "outraging the modesty" of a junior woman officer.

Wing Commander H S Virk, posted in Agra, was tried by the GCM (general court martial) in Bareilly last month, after the woman officer alleged he had passed objectionable comments against her.

While a confirmation of the court-martial sentence by the Allahabad-based Central Air Command chief is awaited, Virk has approached the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), contending he is being kept in "illegal detention" by IAF.

Appearing before the AFT on Virk's behalf, his counsel Rajiv Manglik said the GCM had recommended the wing commander's dismissal but IAF had kept him in confinement even though there was no sentence of imprisonment.

IAF, in turn, contended Virk could not be released as the sentence recommended by the GCM was yet to be confirmed by higher authorities. The AFT, however, directed IAF to release the officer on bail and to send him on leave for two weeks.
IAF officer gets boot for lewd remarks
Col, Lt Col face court martial for Rs 10-crore milk scam: Powder purchased despite adequate stock in store by Vijay Mohan Tribune News Service

Landmark Judgement in favour of Short Service Officers Implemented

16/06/2010
IAF to give permanent commission to women officers. Army still in the back foot mode
New Delhi: NEW DELHI: After winning a three-year-long court battle, women officers of the Air Force will now be accorded permanent commission for which an exercise has been initiated by the IAF.

"Yes, we have already started the process for according permanent commission to women officers in accordance with the Delhi High Court orders," a senior IAF officer told PTI here.

The court orders came in March this year on a petition from 22 IAF and other 30-odd Army women officers, who accused the government of discriminating against them vis-à-vis their male counterparts.

"All the 22 women officers, who had gone to the court, will be given permanent commission," the senior IAF officer said. IAF sources said the force had already issued offer letters to these women officers asking if they would be interested in a permanent commission.

With this offer, women officers would get an opportunity to rise up to the rank of Lieutenant General and retire at the age of 60 along with retirement and other benefits, similar to the IAF men.

Sources said the IAF decision on the High Court order came after India's Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam had advised against an appeal and asked the IAF to go by the court directive.

However, the Army's position on the court orders is still not clear, as they "are still studying the orders" and preparing their response, according to officers in the Army headquarters here.

In their landmark judgement favouring women serving in the defence forces, including those who had retired while the plea was being heard, the division bench of Justices S K Kaul and M P Garg had directed the government to grant permanent commission to them, saying they "deserve better from the government."

However, the court had disallowed the women officer's plea to be allowed in combat roles in the armed forces.

"There are also male officers performing the same task. If the male officers can be granted permanent commission while performing those tasks, there is no reason why equally capable women officers cannot be granted permanent commission. It is not a charity being sought by the women officers but enforcement of their own Constitutional rights," the court had said.

It rejected the plea of the government that Permanent Commission be allowed only for future recruits, a decision taken by the government in 2009, as the benefit could not be accorded retrospectively for serving and retired lady officers who had approached the court.

Women join the armed forces as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) officers and serve for a maximum of 14 years, retiring without any benefits.

SSC men officers are offered Permanent Commission on completion of stipulated 14-year service and rise up to the rank of Lieutenant Generals with retirement at the age of 60, taking home half their last drawn salary as pension.

In 2009, the Defence Ministry had decided to accord permanent commission to women officers in the Education, Legal and Accounts branches in Army, Navy and Air Force.

Earlier, women officers in the medical, nursing and dental services were the ones eligible for Permanent Commission in the armed forces.

They were eligible for SSC service in supporting arms and services such as Ordnance, Signals, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering of the Army, and helicopter and transport aircraft flying, Air Traffic Control, Administration, Meteorological and Logistics branches of the IAF.

Even after the 2009 decision of the Defence Ministry, women officers are still not eligible for recruitment in fighting arms such as the Infantry, Armoured and Engineers in the Army and Fighter Pilot stream in the IAF.

After the High Court orders, women officers in the IAF can now look forward to storm in to the male bastions of the service too. They will yet not be part of fighter pilot stream of the IAF's flying branch.

At present, 2,000-odd women officers serve in the armed forces. They include 1,000-odd in the Army, 780 plus in IAF, and 250 plus in Indian Navy.

Several militaries globally induct women, but only a few allow them to perform active combat roles. Among the nations that are liberal in this regard include Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway and Switzerland.

Britain and Israel allow women to serve in combat arms positions like artillery, but exclude them from infantry. The US allows women in most combat roles, including flying.
Source: PTI
IAF to give permanent commission to women officers

IAF Evacuates Injured Civilians

Friday, May 21, 2010
Today a bus carrying about 35 passengers fell off the road in the Reasi Area of J & K sector resulting in few of the passengers getting killed and seriously injured.

The IAF was quick to respond to the requisitioned air support and promptly launched 02 of its Chetak and 01 Mi-17 aircraft for the timely casualty evacuation operation flying out the injured and dead to Jammu. PJ/KS
IAF Evacuates Injured Civilians

Revisiting Kargil: Finding alibis for failures serves no purpose

Courtesy Indian Defence Review Issue: Vol 25.2 Apr-Jun 2010

Every military operation carries many lessons. The receptive imbibe some while the obstinate simply ignore. To be in a state of denial or finding alibis for mistakes rather than learn from failures can be counter productive. National war is a joint effort, not only by all the wings of the defence services, but equally involves civil administration and the nation at large. In war no single service does favour to another in doing its designated duty as required of it. Any attempt to defend the indefensible invariably leads to irrelevant and specious arguments.
The article ‘Kargil Conflict, Sorry State of Higher Defence Management’ which appeared in the IDR of Oct-Dec 2009 issue highlighted failings at various levels in meeting Pakistani challenge at Kargil. There was hesitation, procrastination, and timidity in the Indian response. There are lessons to be learnt from this operation. Turning a Nelsons Eye will only result in repetition of these in future.

The article ‘Kargil Controversy,’ essentially relied on the writings of the principal actors during the Kargil operations, discussions with those who took part in this operation and personal knowledge of ground etc. Air Marshal RS Bedi (Retd) in his article, ‘Kargil - an IAF perspective,’ in the IDR issue of Jan-Mar 2010, as rebuttal to the above article, is long on arguments but short on facts. He seems to prove the maxim that, ‘in war, truth is the first casualty.’

Air Force in ground support role is a very potent weapon and can turn the tide in battle. The dynamics of a short war does dictate the imperatives of putting greater weight of air effort to support ground battle in all its facets. There is a compelling need for evolving acceptable tactical and strategic concepts for employment of various wings of the defence forces, in the context of a short war and synergizing their combat potential. Regular joint training for smooth functioning and for each service to understand the strengths and limitations of the other two, is essential. However, in the absence of unity of command much of this is likely to remain on paper.
Lt Gen Harwant Singh, former Deputy Chief of Army Staff. He also commanded a corps in J&K.

Extracted: Read the full article
Revisiting Kargil: Finding alibis for failures serves no purpose

GRAVESEND: Indian RAF war hero to publish life story

9:00am Sunday 21st February 2010
Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji joined the RAF in 1940 looking for an adventure. Now aged 91, he tells DAVID MILLS how he became the eyes of the army.

WHEN 22-year-old Mahinder Singh Pujji spotted an Indian newspaper advert calling on pilots to join the RAF in 1940, he eagerly volunteered.

But the Shell Oil refuelling superintendent had not heard much about Hitler, nor did he know much about the war.

Sqn Ldr Pujji always wanted to fly and his dream was realised when he got his pilot licence in 1937 after serving an apprenticeship with Himalayan Airlines.

His employers gladly released him to join the RAF, stating he could have his job back, if he returned alive.

Sqn Ldr Pujji went on to fly 25 different types of aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes and Tomahawks.

He had more than one dice with death and his military achievements led him to meet world leaders such as Winston Churchill, Gandhi, King Farouk of Egypt, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

Sqn Ldr Pujji, who lives in sheltered housing in The Grove, Gravesend, has written a book about his experiences during the war called For King and Another Country, due to be published later this year.

His father, one of the few Indian senior officers in government during the Raj, did not agree with his son’s choice to join the RAF.
Read the full article:
GRAVESEND: Indian RAF war hero to publish life story

IAF celebrates 77th anniversary

Celebrating Air Force Day... by: Amit Tiwari
Published: Thu, 08 Oct 2009 at 10:10 IST
Ghaziabad. The Indian Air Force has been celebrating its 77th anniversary on Thursday. The Air Force Day celebration begun at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad

The Air Force Day celebration of IAF begun with various air display Para Motor and powered Hang Glider performance.

The various aircrafts of IAF displayed stunts during the celebration. The Air Force Day Parade has been marked by fly past of three Mi-17 helicopters in Vic formation trooping the Air Force Ensign at a height of 60 Mtrs and speed of 80 Kmph.

This was followed by a Chakra formation comprising of three Mi-25 and Mi-35 fighter copters. Fighter jets such as Mig 21, Mig 29, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi 30 Mk1 also displayed their might during the full dress rehearsal.

The IAF also displayed the newly inducted Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) for the first time on Thursday.

A spectacular rifle drill by air warriors was also displayed during the celebration.The 28-member rifle drill team's performance with a motto Drill to Thrill was a treat to the eyes. It is worth mentioning here that the IAF was officially established on October 8, 1932.
IAF celebrates 77th Anniversary
IAF Aircraft

CAG raps IAF: UPA trying to drill austerity into the Military

NEW DELHI: At a time when the ruling UPA is trying hard to drill home the message of austerity among its ministers, it seems the government may have to work even harder to convince the services to toe the line. In a stark example of the taxpayer's money being splurged on personal travel, it has come the light that the Indian Air Force spent crores converting eight of its topline aircraft AN-32, meant to carry troops and transport arms and ammunition, for VIP travel. While no VIP travelled in the aircraft, these were used by armed service officers, their wives and defence ministry officials.

Shockingly, these aircraft were converted for use by VIPs- meaning the President, PM and Vice-President- despite IAF already having a fleet for this purpose which was underutilized by as much as 63%. In five years between 2002 and 2007, IAF spent Rs 75 crore operating these modified AN-32s, mainly for personal purposes by Other Entitled Persons (OEPs).

These are the findings of the government's official auditor, Comptroller and Auditor General. The Public Accounts Committee, which also looked into the issue and submitted its report to Parliament during the budget session, has asked IAF to immediately restore all the eight AN-32s for operational purposes and not divert any service aircraft for other use, sources said.

In its report, the PAC said it was "surprised" that these aircraft were used by the presidents of wives' associations of the armed forces, who clearly weren't covered under the category of OEPs.

The committee has sought to know how much was spent on the travel of non-entitled persons in these aircraft. It has also recommended a ministerial probe into the matter and sought a report within three months on the steps taken to prevent such misuse in future.

The CAG audit had revealed that of the 104 AN-32 that the forces had, only 50% were fit for operational use. Yet, the top brass had allowed conversion and modification of its frontline aircraft. IAF had purchased 118 AN-32 between 1984 and 1991. Of these, 14 had crashed over the last few years during operations.

More than 50% of the fleet was grounded for lack of operational capability. Still, IAF modified six AN-32 during 2001-03 for `VIP use'. It had earlier modified two aircraft for VIP use between 1992 and 1999. The modification was not only irregular but lacked justification, the CAG report said.

According to rules, these VIP aircraft are to be used by the President, the Prime Minister and the Vice-President. Senior officers of the defence ministry or the services can use them if it is absolutely important. The conversion was considered unjustified given the fact that IAF already had a fleet of more than 14 aircraft and half-a-dozen choppers for this purpose as part of its Communication Squadron meant only for VIP travel.

The Communication Squadron consists of two Boeings, seven Avros, four executive jets and six helicopters. Despite this huge fleet for three persons, the government acquired three Boeing Business jets at a cost of more than Rs 900 crore in 2008. These aircraft were meant to fly the PM and the President to far off locations and to be used for other domestic flights.

It was found during the audit examination that the existing fleet of the Communication Squadron was utilized by a mere 27% between 1999 and 2007.

A senior defence ministry official said, after the rap from the Public Accounts Committee, IAF has given an assurance that all the modified aircraft had been restored back to operational requirements.

Interestingly, in 2001 the then defence minister, George Fernandes, had asked the then defence secretary to constitute a high-level committee with representatives from armed forces to "look at lavish lifestyle and misuse of service aircraft" by IAF officers and their family members. The orders had come after repeated media reports that some of the senior IAF officials' wives had misused service aircraft to fetch lobsters and pastries from far off locations. However, no such committee was ever formed, a senior defence ministry official told TOI.
Planes for VIPs used by IAF officers, wives

Kargil Conflict: Pakistan Air Force Perspective

Soldiers fly the Tricolour on a peak in Dras after it was recaptured during the Kargil war
Pakistani writings on Kargil conflict have been few; those that did come out were largely irrelevant and in a few cases, were clearly sponsored. The role of the PAF has been discussed off and on, but mostly disparagingly, particularly in some uninformed quarters. Here is an airman’s perspective, focusing on the IAF’s air operations and the PAF’s position.

Come change-over time of the Chief of Air Staff in 2001, President Musharraf struck at PAF’s top leadership in what can only be described as implacable action: he passed over all five Air Marshals and appointed the sixth-in-line who was practically an Air Vice Marshal till a few weeks before. While disregarding of seniority in the appointment of service chiefs has historically been endemic in the country, the practice has been seen as breeding nepotism and partiality, besides leaving a trail of conjecture and gossip in the ranks. Given Air Chief Marshal Mehdi’s rather straight-faced and forthright dealings with a somewhat junior General Musharraf particularly during Kargil conflict, there is good reason to believe that the latter decided to appoint a not-very-senior Air Chief whom he could order around like one of his Corps Commanders. (As it turned out, Air Chief Marshal Mus’haf was as solid as his predecessor and gave no quarter when it came to PAF’s interests.) Whatever the reason of bypassing seniority, it was unfortunate that PAF’s precious corporate experience was thrown out so crassly and several careers destroyed. Lives and honour lost in Kargil is another matter.
M KAISER TUFAIL
Full article click link:
Kargil conflict and Pakistan Air Force

Kaiser Tufail: Brief Biography
I was commissioned as a pilot in 1975 after my training at PAF Academy, Risalpur. Earlier, I completed my schooling from Cadet College, Hasanabdal. I have had the opportunity of flying several classic fighters including F-6 (MiG-19), F-7P (MiG-21 variant), F-7PG (MiG-21 double-delta variant), Mirage-5, Mirage F-1E and the venerable F-16 Fighting Falcon. I commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing and PAF's largest fighter Base at Masroor. When out of the cockpit, I found time to pursue literary activities. 'Great Air Battles of Pakistan Air Force', a book written by me, is a manifestation of my interest in aviation history. I also write for various military journals and newspapers. I retired as an Air Commodore in 2005, after thirty memorable years of service.

Tsunami Andaman 26 Dec 2004: Missing Child of Sgt Ravishankar-IAF

Apurva on the rightDear Sir,
A copy of an earlier email- Spoke to the Sgt who is still looking for his child. He needs organisational support- can any one help to connect him to the service HQ(IAF-AOP/AOA)?
Brigadier PT Gangadharan (Guards)
Veteran

Hi Friends,
I have a very noble cause behind sending this mail to all of you. Please spare some time to read through it. I met a guy named Mr Ravi Shankar on the train when I was returning from Chennai on 26th of December, 2008. I was having a regular chat with him regarding the Army and its rules and regulations and how the forces are admired in our country. He then told me about a shocking tragedy that his family went through and hence I write this mail to seek your help.

He told me that he was posted in CAR-NICOBAR in the year 2004 as a sergeant in the INDIAN AIR-FORCE. On 26th of December that year his family fell victim to the unfortunate Tsunami that struck out on eastern coast. He along with his wife and two children (photo below) were washed in the deadly waters. Reaching out his wife managed to cling onto a tree but his small son (picture inset on the left) had swallowed too much water and passed away in her arms. Ravi also in desperation to swim lost grip of his daughter's (APURVA) hand. She was washed away and was never to be found again, until one day they came to know of her being sighted at a relief camp. On contacting the authorities they came to know that this little girl was abducted from the relief camp and was missing again. Since then Mr Ravi Shankar has been traveling to Chennai every year with a hope to see his daughter. He has been publishing MISSING columns in major daily's in chennai, and he showed me how heavily these newspapers had charged him for a those ad's. One of the major newspapers charged him a whooping amount of 12000 rupees for a 4 X 4 cm ad (that too on the fourth page). Please don't consider this mail a regular chain mail and do care to forward this to your near and dear ones. He requested me to do something to reach out to people who use e-media (internet etc). I myself have posted her picture on my blog and I request people who own there personal blog pages to post this girl's picture there as it could be of significant help. In case any news of any nature is found regarding her (APURVA) please drop in a mail to: reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
Brigadier PTGangadharan (Guards)
Veteran

IAF chief ‘pleased’ with pay panel proposals

Bangalore, November 12
Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major’s comment here today on the “attractiveness” of the sixth pay commission’s recommendations will be a paean to the ears of the central government, which has been rattled by the dissatisfaction expressed by the armed forces over the discriminatory nature of the recommendations.

The Air Chief Marshal today said the panel’s recommendations on pay packets of the IAF personnel were “attractive” and would help in bringing youngsters to the IAF.

The IAF chief, who was here today in connection with a function at the Air Force Technical College, said: “The IAF is an attractive option after the sixth pay commission”. Major was asked by a reporter whether the slump in the aviation industry would be a blessing in disguise for the IAF as it would stop the exodus of IAF pilots to commercial airliners.

“I do not wish ill to any industry”, Major said on the slump in the aviation sector. He added that losing pilots to commercial air operators had never been a problem with the IAF. “The IAF had never been really bothered by this”, he said.

The IAF is at present having a shortfall of 1,352 officers. Against a sanctioned strength of 12,120 officers, it is having a positioned strength 10,768 officers.

Major told reporters that IAF was now going through a stage of massive modernisation. He said during 11th, 12th and 13th plans, a huge amount of technology was going to be brought into the IAF and this would totally change the IAF’s complexion within a few years. With regard to modernisation, Major mentioned introducing new weapons and use of sensors by IAF. The IAF would soon emerge as a major aerospace power, he said.

The IAF chief said he was “very pleased” with the three dimensional Rohini radar developed jointly by DRDO and BEL. The IAF had placed orders for 30 such radars, he said.

Major also revealed that the IAF would shortly acquire 128 new fighter jets. Evaluation of the jets is at an advanced stage, he said.

He replied in the negative when asked whether the police action against an Army officer in the Malegaon blast case would affect the morale of the Army. “The Indian Army is 1.1 million strong. How can one incident affect the morale of the force”, he said.
Shubhadeep Choudhury
Tribune News Service
IAF chief ‘pleased’ with pay panel proposals

Fighting for the nation’s pride

Prime Minister Nehru and Lt Col (later Maj Gen) Rajinder Singh Sparrow take a salute on 7th Nov 1947, during the Kashmir War.
PUNE: Ninety-year-old war hero Lt Col TG Chandwalker (retd) spoke to TOI about how he and his team managed to grab victory for India in some extremely unfavourable conditions during the 1947 war against Pakistan.

Infantry Day itself is celebrated to commemorate the beginning of this war, when Indian troops were hurriedly air dropped into the valley to defend its pride against Pakistani aggression. He led the Bravo Company during a very crucial point.

Explaining the odds against which the Indian Army was fighting, Chandwalker said, “It was right after the partition and the army HQ was still busy dividing equipment between the two nations. The war broke out very suddenly. Just after the agreement of accession was signed on 26 October, 1947, troops were air dropped into the valley. The only aircrafts available were the Dakotas with a capacity to carry 22 men, but due to the looming threat an entire company, ie. about 100 men, had to be accommodated. The officers then were mainly British and had chosen not to enter the war zone. So we were running short of officers, as well as equipment and ammunitions. Most of the troops were in their October clothing and were carrying minimal arms and ammunition. There were no alpine shoes available.”

“Our strategy was simple, but very tough to act upon. We had defined it as ‘one bullet-one kill’, because we could not afford to waste ammunition,” he said. “The Indian armed forces were busy in dealing with internal disputes in India, when the Pakistan army and Tribals in a joint attack tried to capture J&K. I was asked to go and command a very crucial point, Richmar Gali, near Baramulla in the valley.”

Chandwalker, then a major, shouldered the responsibility of commanding the Bravo Company of the 1st Sikh Regiment. Along with his team, he had to play the dual role of attacking the enemy and supporting other companies — specially Alfa — which was placed parallel to Bravo. Managing the two tasks was very difficult for officers and soldiers in Chandwalker’s company, as they themselves had meagre resources to fall back on.

In fact, on a single day in October, 1948, his troops had repelled seven waves of aggression. “We had only one mountain gun allocated for the entire brigade which stopped working due to oil leakage. The Pakis on the other hand had a big gun well camouflaged on the next hill, at a distance of 100-metre. Silencing this gun was very crucial to hold our heights and contain the enemy advance. The air attack by the Indian Air Force turned out to be futile, as the smokecharge fired to locate the enemy gun’s position tumbled down the hill slopes and the air attack could not be directed to the exact location.”

In these circumstances, Chandwalker told havildar Karam Singh and three men to physically inch towards the gun and destroy it. “The brave men crawled towards the gun under heavy crossfire and managed to silence it by hurling grenades from close quarters. One of the grenades was dropped inside the gun barrel and the gun exploded along with the ammunition stored. This wrecked the Pakis’ psyche. This gave us an upper hand. We stopped the enemy’s advance and captured the hill,” he said.

Havildar Karam Singh was recommended by him for the Param Vir Chakra. Chandwalker wrote the citation for this PVC, which, according to him, is first citation of PVC in independent India.

One interesting fact, as narrated by him, was that during the very same battle Chandwalker was pitted against his mother regiment —Baluch Regiment — in which he had been commissioned in the pre-independence era. This news came out of the forward observation/ patrolling party.

“The fact that more than 300 dead bodies were cleared from the scene at the end of the first day, after our troop consolidated their position, is enough to explain how ferociously the battle was fought,” said Chandwalker. The war ended with the cease fire coming into effect on 1st January 1949.
1947 Real Combat: Fighting for the nation’s pride
2008 Fighting the cold: Troops in Siachen issued torn clothing: CAG

Women officers will play major role in future: IAF chief

NEW DELHI, OCT 8 (PTI)
With the government allowing permanent commission to women in select branches of the armed forces, Air chief Fali Homi Major today indicated the Services were open to the idea of career women officers in several other departments too.

"The government has agreed for permanent commission to women officers in certain branches of the three services. It is just a beginning. There will be many more branches in which (they) could be given permanent commission as we go along," Major told reporters here soon after taking salute at the 76th Air Force Day parade at Hindan near here.

"This is the first time, permanent commission has been introduced in the country for women officers. So let us give it a little time before we progress beyond what the government has given so far," he said.

In a path-breaking move, the government had on September 26 announced granting permanent commission to future batches of women officers -- a privilege enjoyed by men till then -- in select non-combat services of Army, Navy and Air Force such as Education Corps and Judge Advocate Branch.

With this, India will most likely have its first woman as a career officer in the armed forces by late 2009 or early 2010.

Women officers will play major role in future: IAF chief

IAF Participation in USAF Joint Air Ex Red Flag

Multi- Nation Air Ex RED FLAG is being held in Navada, USA. from 09-23 Aug 2008 The Indian Air Force is participating in this Exercise, at the invitation of United States Air Force (USAF).

The IAF has sent the Indian Air Force contingent comprising of eight SU-30 MK-I aircraft, two IL-78 air to air refuellers and one IL-76 transport aircraft plus 156 personnel below officer rank and 91 officers (inclusive of 10 members of ‘Garud’ IAF Special Force Team). The contingent is being led by Gp Capt D Chaudhury and Exercise Coordinator is Gp Capt Ajay Rathore.

Exercise Red Flag is a multinational air exercise that is held thrice a year at Nellis Air Force Base, Navada, USA. The IAF would be participating in the Exercise alongside South Korean Air Force with F-15K and the French Air Force with their latest Rafale aircraft, apart from the USAF.

Mickey Sekhon, son of Col Gurdip Singh Sekhon (Retd) of Corps of Signals, settled in Canada is an amateur aviation photographer of repute. He has been accredited for Red Arrow Exercise from Canada. Wg Cdr Upasani the Media Reperesentative of the Indian Air Force Team is a close relation of Late Brig Upasni of Corps of Signals. The Photographers are staioned between two runways, from where they can take close pictures of aircraft taking off and landing.

Mickey Sekhon has sent some very nice pictures of Suhkhois and AN-72s of Indian Air Force participating in the Exercise. Please click link for Slide Show at: Photo Album of IAF Fighter Aircraft

Mickey grew up in the Corps of Signals Family and was one of the naughtiest little lad in Roberts Barracks in MCTE, Mhow, where we were living side by side during our SODE days in 1957! He is now a responsible father and husband of course.

Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd)

IAF’s FIRST EVER PARTICIPATION IN EXERCISE ‘RED FLAG’
USAF

ESM Welfare: Indian Air Force Launch Placement Cell

Year 2007 was declared as the ‘Year of Placement for Ex-servicemen’, by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri. In order to create maximum placements for the Ex-Air Warriors, IAF has established IAF Placement Cell at Delhi and Regional Placement cells and various Command HQ IAF Placement Fairs have been conducted at Delhi and Kolkata to expand its reach to regional companies. An overwhelming response was experienced both from corporate world and the retired Air Warriors. Large number of personnel were employed by the participating companies. Next two placement Fairs for the year are scheduled to be held at Bangalore and Pune in September and December respectively.

While most of the job of the IAF Placement Cell is through the Internet, need was always felt for an independent website. IAF Placement Cell would be launching its website www.iafpe.co.in on 22 Jul 08 at 1100 hrs, at the Air Force Auditorium. The Chief of the Air Staff would inaugurate the same.

The website which is made by ICICI Group would be dedicated to the Ex-Air Warriors by ICICI Bank’s JMD, MS Kochhar. The website will have separate log-ins for the employers and the job seekers. It will have a knowledge zone with tips on attending interviews / resume writing and a host of e-learning courses offered by ICICI Bank.

In all, it will add up to efforts of IAF in providing good second career opportunities to its Ex-Air Warriors.
Indian Air Force Launch Independent Website
IAF: Placement Cell