Indian Navy inducts MiG-29K carrier borne aircraft

The 19th day of Feb 2010, was marked with the take off of the Indian Navy’s new fighter aircraft - the MiG-29K with it’s full afterburners. The new fighter displayed its agility by breaking into an almost vertical climb within seconds after take off. This was part of the ceremony to formally induct MiG-29K ’Air Dominance Fighter’ aircraft, into the Indian Navy. The grand ceremony to formally induct the aircraft into the Indian Navy was held at INS Hansa, Vasco da Gama, Goa. The Raksha Mantri, Shri AK Anthony, was the Chief Guest for the ceremony. The might of Naval Aviation was on display- both in the air and on ground. In addition to the MiG-29K itself, the air display included a grand fly-past comprising of Sea Harrier, Ilyushin-38 (Sea Dragon), Chetak, Kiran and Dornier. The Sagar Pawan Aerobatic team also displayed its prowess in various breathtaking formation aerobatic manoeuvres.
Navy inducts MiG-29K carrier borne aircraft
Indian Navy to induct four 'lethal' MiG-29K into its fleet

Red Flag 2008- IAF in action over the USA

A Su-30MKI turns right base for Rwy 21R for recovery
Group Captain Diptendu Choudhury, Air Commodore Jasbir Walia, Air Marshal PV Naik, and Group Captain Ajay Rathore, before a SU-30MK1
Indian Air Force is reported to have done well in Ex Red Flag held in USA in Aug 2008. Some of the videos and pictures taken by Ken Sekhon S/O Col Gurdip Singh Sekhon of Corps of Signals, who was accredited for the Exercise, can be seen on links below:
1. Interview with Chief Master Sergeant Emmery on a typical day during Ex- Red Flag: Typical day Ex Red Flag
2. Takeoff/ Landing: Take off SU-30MK1 and IL76/78
3. Pictures posted by Bharat-Rakshak: Photos of Warplanes
4. Air Marshal PV Naik's team: More Pictures

We thank Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd) for these awesome videos, pictures and links.

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