IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa flew a sortie with Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman at Air Force Station Pathankot today in a MiG-21 trainer. It’s the last sortie flown by IAF Chief in a fighter aircraft before retirement. They took off around 1130 hrs for a 30 min sortie. Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flew in the trainer version of the MiG-21 Type 69 fighter Aircraft, earlier today. This was also the last sortie of the IAF Chief in a combat aircraft. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Monday flew a sortie in a MiG-21 fighter aircraft from the Pathankot Airbase.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B15tGWNgn7n/
Vir Chakra awardee Varthaman who shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet post-Balakot operations had resumed flying operations on August 23. The officer has started flying after medical clearance.
During Pakistani counter-attack on India on February 27 in response to Balakot airstrikes, Abhinandan had flown a MiG 21 Bison fighter into Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Abhinandan had been grounded due to ejection from his MiG-21 which had been shot down in aerial conflict with Pakistan Air Force F-16s. Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Dhanoa is also a MiG-21 pilot and had flown the planes during the 1999 Kargil war while commanding the 17 Squadron, during the war.
Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane assumed the charge of Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 Sep 2019. He succeeds Lt Gen Devraj Anbu who after an illustrious career, superannuated on 31 Aug 2019. Before this, the General Officer was heading the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.
Lt Gen Naravane is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the 7th Battalion, The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in Jun 1980. He brings with him an enormous amount of experience in serving in the most challenging areas. In a distinguished military career spanning almost four decades, he has the distinction of tenating key appointments in active Counter Insurgency environments, both in the North East and in Jammu and Kashmir & was a part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka during Operation PAWAN. He also has had the opportunity of serving as a Defence Attache at the Indian Embassy in Myanmar for three years.
The General is a highly decorated and accomplished Officer who has been awarded the ‘Sena Medal’ (Distinguished) for command of his Battalion in J&K, the ‘Vishisht Seva Medal’ for his services as the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) in Nagaland, the ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ for command of a prestigious Strike Corps and was honoured with ‘Param Vishisht Seva Medal’ for his distinguished services as the GOC-in-C of the Army Training Command.
Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena had created history two decades ago, by being the Indian Air Forces (IAF) first female pilot to be deployed to a theatre of war. With now 20 years have passed since the Kargil Conflict, Bollywood has announced the brave pilot’s biopic, which is due to release next year.
Flight Lt. Saxena prepping for a sortie during KargilFirst glimpse of Gunjan Saxena the Kargil Girl scheduled to release next year
Flew Supply And CASEVAC Missions In Kargil
IAF practising casualty evacuation during exercise Gagan Shakti
Gunjan was an army brat and grew up living in army cantonments in various parts of the country.
Part of the IAF’s first batch of female pilots
Supply choppers in action
She was inducted into the Indian Air Force as part of the flying branches the first batch of lady officers.
Gunjan’s story inspires a new generation of lady flying officers
Dodged Pakistani Missiles in Kargil
Artillery guns pounding enemy positions in Kargil
Flight Lt. Saxena brushed with death experiencing several close calls in during her time in Kargil. Her cheetah helicopter dodged a Pakistani army missile attack, narrowly cheating death.
The Flying Ace Was Awarded For Gallantry.
Indian soldiers celebrating victory in the Kargil war
Flight Lt. Gunjan Saxena was conferred the Shaurya Chakra for her steely resolve and ingenuity in the face of the enemy. He gallant actions replenished the essential supplies required by the fighting troops and her prompt medical evacuations despite heavy fire saved the lives of countless numerous soldiers, many of whom would not have come returned if it was not for her valour.
Flight Lt. Gunjan Saxena, is an Air Warrior, and an inspiration to the youth of the country, and the thousands of young women who are looking serve the nation as protectors of the skies.
Two personnel from the Indo Tibetian Border Police (ITBP) have been conferred the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Award by the president of India. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Aparna Kumar 44 and Subedar Major Wangchuk Sherpa 54 were given the official recognition for their completion of numerous successful adventure expeditions around the world.
ITBP troopers waving the national flag
What is the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure award?
The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award is the highest national recognition for outstanding achievements in the field of adventure on land, sea and air. A cash award of Rs. 5.00 lakh and a certificate of honour are given to each Awardee. This Award is at par with the Arjuna Award for sporting excellence. Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards are conferred by the Hon’ble President of India, along with Arjuna Awards, in a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the month of August every year.
DIG Kumar receiving the adventure sports award from the President
Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Aparna Kumar was the first female Indian Police Service (IPS) officer to have scaled the South Pole. She is also the first ITBP officer to complete the ‘Seven Summit Challenge’
Collage of DIG Kumar’s adventurous policing career
Subedar Major Wangchuk Sherpa
Sub Maj. Wangchuk has scaled the Mount Everest, the worlds highest peak, thrice. Scaling it for the first time in 1992, then in 1996 and the last time in 2006. The ITBP trooper has scaled over 20 international peaks throughout his career.
Subedar Major Wangchuk Sherpa receiving the award from the president
The ITBP has spearheaded adventure sports surpassing any other uniformed force in the sheer number of mountaineering expeditions, with the Himalayan Veer, as they are called completing over 213 mountaineering expeditions since its inception following the Sino-Ind conflict in 1962.
IAF To receive Bunker Buster version of SPICE 2000 smart bombs
The bunker-buster variant of the SPICE-2000 smart bombs will be inducted into the Indian Air Force by mid-September. According to senior IAF officials, the SPICE-2000 missiles will be delivered from Israel, along with Mark-84 (bunker buster) warheads and other explosives which can destroy nearly any concrete structure. Both India and France had signed a procurement contract with the Jewish nation, with the acquisition costing roughly about 300 crores.
Frontal view of the SPICE 2000 smart missile
What are SPICE-2000 Smart missiles?
Spice 2000’s seeking their targets
SPICE is an acronym for ‘Smart, precise Impact and cost guidance kit 2000.’ It as an uber-sophisticated fire and forget (self-navigated) missile developed by Israel. These smart bombs are designed to seek and destroy their intended target without the requirement of any external navigation. The rocket has a specialised scene matching algorithm which comparatively analyses the electro-optical image fed into the missile’s software with the target image in real-time. The SPICE missile has an effective range of 60 kilometres from a standoff range.
The penetration version of the SPICE-2000 fire and forget missile were used by the IAF’s Mirage 2000 pilots during ‘Operation Bandar’ (Balakot airstrike). The penetration missiles analysed the target data in real-time, destroying the Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (J-e-M) terror camps, following the Pulwama terror attacks which had claimed the lives of over 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
Rafale fighter to also be fitted with SPICE-2000’s
Induction to coincide with PM Modi’s visit to Israel
Prime Minister Modi With Israeli PM Benjamen Netanyahu
The Smart Bombs will start to be inducted into the Indian Air force during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bilateral visit to Israel where he will be meeting with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. The acquisition of these bunker-buster warheads will significantly enhance the IAF’s offensive capabilities.
“I have been ready since the day I was born” – Major David Manlun. Hello to all defense aspirants. My name is Ranjan Bohra. I recently got recommended for OTAÂ 110 course from 19 SSB Allahabad (Prayagraj). Friends it is true SSB is no cakewalk but trust me it is not rocket science either. I have been a mediocre student throughout my academics with little accomplishments in essay writing and debate competition. I scored just 57% in my graduation that too from non-science field. I grew up in the army environment so the charisma of uniform had always attracted me and I always imagined myself as an officer with closed as well as open eyes. Now when I am on my way to academy I would like to share some questions that were asked to me that I found tricky (i am not sharing my answers as I do not want to manipulate your thought process).
1. You have done b.com so how your
qualification will help you in an organisation like Army?
2. How has yellow journalism affected our
democracy?
3. I can see in your PIQ that your mother is a businesswoman and earns very well. So why you still want to join the army?
4. Tell me two incidents that changed your
life entirely.
5. (I being a repeater) What went wrong
last time?
And it might sound simple but isn’t, as the following question gives a very deep perspective of Candidates thoughts about life.
– WHAT IF YOU DONT MAKE IT THIS TIME?
During GD in GTO tasks I gave my points at the same time I also gave the opportunity to my fellow brothers who were not getting chance to speak – I said: “OK gentlemen lets hear out chest number 14(he and I got recommended)”. “Let’s give chest number 19 an opportunity I guess he has some good points, go ahead gentlemen” an so on.
During PGT, HGT, FGT I gave some workable suggestions only as of the balli, fatta, rope and load I was not having in my hands. I did 16 individual obstacles.
During command task, the GTO kept on raising the level of difficulty by saying “OK gentlemen it is red now, now do it”
“Ok now another approach”
“OK now another approach and this time you only have 30 seconds after that the boat will sink, I maintained my calm, when I was unable to come up with workable idea in 30 seconds I said to my subordinates “OK gentlemen now the boat has sunk down start swimming, i will pull you out in no time, just hang in there” GTO started laughing.
My only suggestion to my brothers and
sisters preparing for same will be-
– Be true to yourself, don’t listen to
gyani babas( you will find them everywhere)
– Do believe in your dreams and work upon
it, because they do come true.
– Read as much as you can, enhance your
knowledge, it will help you in GD during GTO tasks as well as personal
interview.
– There is an ample amount of study material available in SSBCrack that will surely guide you. I myself practised my lecture topics from this site. It was really helpful.
And lastly
– Never be disheartened by the past, academics or otherwise.
As VIRUS in 3 idiots movie said
“Pull up your socks, put your foot on
the accelerator and make history”
Wish you all the very best for the future.
Thank you for reading. Hope this helps you out, Jai hind.
Army Chief To Remove Variation In Uniform Of Senior Army Officers
In another landmark reform proposed by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, it has been made clear that there will be no distinction based on regiment calling for a ‘uniform’ force. The Indian army is all set to eradicate any form of regimental distinction in the service uniforms worn by senior officers above the rank of colonel.
Army Chief Bipin Rawat
What does this mean?
The Gorkha regiments distinct dress uniforms
Following the implementation of the army chief’s proposal, all flag officers (senior officers) serving in the countries higher defence organisations, will be expected to wear similarly patterned berets, peak caps, lanyards, belts and shoulder badges.
Soldiers of the Rajput regiment sporting their regimental colours
Presently, the decorations and ceremonials on the dress uniforms of servicemen vary on the basis of the regiment, arm or service the officer was commissioned into. Speaking about the proposal a senior army officer was quoted saying “We have taken the decision to do away with differences in the uniform of officers from the rank of a Brigadier. The uniforms show your links with the regiment, arm or service that you belong to,”
Colours of the Sikh Regiment
“But all of them are Indian Army officers, so there should be no difference. There should be no affiliation to the lanyard or the regiment,” the officer added further.
The road ahead
The top army’s top brass is ready to charge ahead with its decision and has already shortlisted three samples of dress uniforms for this purpose. The decision will undoubtedly bring about a deepened sense of uniformity in the 1.3 million-strong army.
BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missiles To Undergo a series of airborne tests
Brahmos Aerospace is likely to conduct another airborne launch of the Indo-Russia jointly developed ‘Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile.’ The objective of the aerospace company’s second launch is to demonstrate the weapons potential further and to test the cruise missiles ability to fly to several waypoints before reaching its intended target.
What is the Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile?
BRAHMOS Missiles being showcased on Republic Day
According to the description given by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) website, TheBrahmos Missile is a supersonic cruise missile and can be used against ship and land targets. It has a range of up to 300 km. The missile is uniquely configured for installing in ships, submarines & aircraft and on ground vehicles. It has been flight-tested twice during June 2001 and April 2002 meeting all mission objectives.
The tests would most likely be conducted in November, following the monsoon season in India, as it would allow for better visibility to monitor the missile launch. Praveen the Pathak, the Chief General Manager at Brahmos Aerospace at an Air Show in Moscow, has said: “The Brahmos Cruise Missile has already met India’s requirements, but the company wants to further prove its capabilities.”
Present Status and Plans ahead
“We might do one more test against a sea target, just to double-check the reliability aspects,” says Pathak. “Otherwise, all our tests are over and the missile is already going into induction phase.” In addition to being launched from both land and submarine, the BrahMos can be air-launched from the Sukhoi S-30 fighter, reaching speeds of Mach 2.8.
Su-30MKI fighters have been integrated with the missile,
So, far only two Indian Su-30MKI fighters have been integrated with the missile, says Pathak. India’s programme calls for 40 of its S-30MKI fleet to receive the capability to launch the 2.5t and 8.5m-long (28ft) scramjet-powered cruise missile.
Sukhoi armed with Brahmos
BrahMos has no plans to integrate its namesake missile on other aircraft. The company believes that its miniaturised variant, the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), would better serve a broader range of jets. That smaller missile also is designed to fly at a higher speed of M3.5.
BRAHMOS Missile on display
The aerospace company declines to say what nations might purchase the BrahMos, stressing that both the Indian and Russian government must approve those countries.
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) flying ace, Wing Commander Shalija Dhami has paved a new way for women in the military, by becoming the first female officer to be appointed to the coveted post of flight commander in a flying unit.
First Lady To Get Permanent Commission Into The Air Force
Wing Cdr. Dhami posing on the extreme left
Women have served in the IAF as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers with selection for permanent commission based on the number of vacancy’s, operational experience and overall merit. Wing Commander Dhami is the first woman in the history of the Indian Air Force to get a permanent commission in the IAF’s flying branch.
Wing Cdr. Dhami has taken charge of a Chetak helicopter unit at Gaziabad’s Hindon Airbase. The Chetak helicopter, designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is a single-engine turboshaft, light utility helicopter with an overall capacity of 6 passengers and has a maximum speed of 220 km/hour.
Chetak Helicopter in action (Picture credits Arjun Sarup)
“The helicopter is suitable for commuting, cargo/material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & MAybePatrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and Underslung operations,” according to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited website.
She Was The Air Force’s First Lady Flying Instructor!
Lady Cadets at the IAF Academy in Dhundigal
Wing Cdr. Dhami has also earned the distinction of being the first female officer in the Indian Air force, to be appointed as a flying instructor. She has over 2300 hours of flying experience and has trained countless IAF cadets to fly the chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
Second In Command Of Her Unit
Female Helicopter Crew
Wing Cdr. Dhami will serve as the second in command (2IC) of her helicopter squadron, reporting directly to the units commanding officer (CO). Her achievement is a major development in the career trajectory of women in the military.
Fifteen Years Of Dedicated Service
The Indian flying ace has been serving her country as a distinguished helicopter pilot for 15 years.
Wing Commander Dhami beside her aircraft of choice
Wing Commander Shalija Dhami is an Air Warrior, a mother, and an inspiration to the youth of the country, and the thousands of young women who are looking serve the nation as protectors of the skies.
With former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs SPG security blanket revoked, many have wondered who exactly is entitled to VVIP security in India, who decides and after what considerations?
The X, Y, Z’s of Close Protection
Elite NSG Operators
Close proximity security is provided to eminent personalities, Parliamentarians, dignitaries and other public figures by the Indian government. The Special Protection Group (SPG), National Security Gaurd’s Special Rangers Group) NSG (SRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo Tibetian Border Police (ITBP) are the nodal agencies providing close protection.
Prime Ministers, former PM’s and their Immediate families, the president and vice president of India, judges of the Supreme court and high court, prominent parliamentarians and Service Chief’s are provided with the highest levels of security cover given the sensitive nature of their respective offices.
Who Decides?
Ministry of Home Affairs Office in Delhi
The security cover is decided by a highly specialised committee consisting of the Home Secretary, Home Minister and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The list of personalities to receive specialised security cover is decided following a thorough review of the threat perception.
Types of Security Cover in India
There are presently four types of security cover provided by the government of India (GOI) other than the PM’s SPG Cover, the four security levels are categorised on the VVIP’s stature and level of perceived threat. The security blanket is categorised as
Commando’s from the NSG’s Special Rangers Group
X Category Security (Comprises of 2 personnel)
Y Category Security (Comprises of 11 personnel)
Z Category Security (Comprises of 22 personnel)
Z+ Category Security (Comprises of 36 personnel)
As of 2017 an estimated 450 VVIP’s are high-level security with around 17 covered under Z+ security.
Elite NSG Operators In Tactical Gear
Special Protection Group Cover:
The Special Protection Group (SPG), under the administration of the Cabinet Secretariat, was raised in 1985 with the intention to provide proximate security cover to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members. SPG officers are ingrained in high leadership qualities, professionalism, knowledge of proximate security and inculcate the culture of leading from the front. SPG has strived to achieve this by adopting innovative methods not only in its own working but also in the overall security arrangements in collaboration with the IB and State/ UT police forces. It is because of the high leadership qualities, professionalism and knowledge of its officers that SPG ensures fail-proof and zero-error security for its Protectees.
PM M\odi’s Security Detail
SPG officers have been so far awarded by 1 Shaurya Chakra, 39 President’s Police Medals for distinguished Service and 297 Police Medals for Meritorious Service. SPG also has the honour of its first Director being awarded the Padma Shri. SPG officers are trained to offer, if necessary, the supreme sacrifice to ensure the protection of the head of state no matter the cost.
The NSG is used extensively to guard VIPs and VVIPs, in the ‘Z-plus’ category. Z+ security is only seconded to the Special Protection Group (SPG) which guards the head of state. However, the use of NSG for VIP protection has spiralled out of control recently. More than 19 persons currently enjoy NSG protection, mainly as a status symbol.
Black Cats Marching!
The Home Minister has clamped down on this misuse and is currently phasing out the use of the NSG for VIP protection in all but the most serious cases (Z-plus category). From now on, NSG coverage will be provided based on a persons threat perception rather than status. This move has freed up a large number of operators for other missions
Z Category Security:
CRPF’s Elite COBRA Commandos Are Also Called For VVIP Protection
The ‘Z’ category entails varying security cover between the Delhi police, ITBP or personnel from CRPF’s elite units such as BSG or COBRA along with one escort car. The ‘Y’ category encompasses two personal security officers (PSOs)
ITBP Personnel
X Category Security:
Under X security only one Personal Security officer and a policeman are provided.
