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Meet Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu: The Voice and Spirit of Surya Kiran

By
Jitendra Singh
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In the skies above India, where speed, precision, and courage converge, one woman’s voice echoes with power and pride — Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu. A dynamic officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF), she doesn’t just represent the might of India’s air warriors; she amplifies it. Through her role in the iconic Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), she has emerged as both a fearless air warrior and a charismatic public face of the IAF’s sky-high excellence.

A Soaring Start

Commissioned on December 19, 2020, as part of the 206 SSC (W) G Course, Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu took her first leap into the Indian Air Force with the dream to touch the skies with glory. Now represents not just her identity in the Air Force, but also a journey that inspires countless young Indians.

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu

The Voice Behind Surya Kiran

In a team that dazzles millions with their aerial artistry, Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu stands out as “the voice of Surya Kiran.” As a member and spokesperson of the IAF’s elite aerobatic display team, she brings the passion and purpose of the Indian Air Force to life, narrating the daring maneuvers and thrilling formations that leave spectators breathless.

She doesn’t just speak — she connects. With poise and precision, she bridges the sky and the crowd, embodying the perfect mix of technical prowess and human warmth.

Flying High Across the Nation

Whether it’s the air show in Ranchi or the grand display in Patna, Flight Lieutenant Sandhu has been at the heart of events that stir patriotic pride across India. Media outlets and audiences alike have applauded her eloquence, charm, and ability to make every show feel personal and powerful.

Behind every loop, roll, and synchronized dive of Surya Kiran, her voice soars — narrating not just maneuvers, but India’s story of courage, discipline, and determination.

Breaking Stereotypes, Inspiring Generations

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu is more than a uniformed officer; she’s a symbol of what today’s Indian women can achieve when they dare to dream and dare to serve.

In a field once dominated by men, she shines as a confident leader, a communicator, and a role model. Her presence in the Surya Kiran team is a message to every young girl: the sky is not the limit — it’s only the beginning.

Summary at a Glance

NameFlight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu
RankFlight Lieutenant
Service BranchIndian Air Force
Commission Date19 December 2020
RoleMember & Spokesperson, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team
Known ForPublic face and commentary voice of SKAT

The Echo of Excellence

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu’s journey is a living testament to the spirit of the Indian Air Force — bold, bright, and beautifully relentless. In her, we see the spirit of modern India — a nation that salutes its warriors not just for how they fight, but also for how they inspire.

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu

As she continues to soar and speak from the heart of the IAF’s most beloved aerial team, she proves every day that being a soldier is not just about flying a jet — it’s about lifting a nation’s dreams.

U.S.A. Approves $131 Million Military Sale to India to Bolster Indo-Pacific Maritime Security

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The United States has approved a $131 million foreign military sale to India, a move aimed at enhancing India’s maritime security capabilities and reinforcing strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the deal on Wednesday, highlighting its importance to both national security and the broader U.S.-India partnership.

The package includes advanced SeaVision software, technical training, remote support, and logistics services to boost India’s maritime domain awareness. These tools will allow India to better detect, monitor, and respond to threats in key sea lanes, including those posed by illegal fishing, trafficking, and “dark shipping” — vessels that operate without active tracking systems.

“This proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by bolstering its maritime domain awareness, analytical capabilities, and strategic posture,” the DSCA said in a statement. The deal aligns with the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) framework, a regional initiative launched in 2024 to secure open sea lanes and strengthen collective maritime security among partner nations.

Hawkeye 360, a Virginia-based firm specializing in radio frequency data analytics, will serve as the principal contractor. The company’s technology will help India identify untracked or suspicious vessels in contested waters, including the South China Sea — a region where China’s assertive maritime activity has raised concerns among neighboring countries.

The sale follows a February 2025 summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, where both leaders reaffirmed a “mega-partnership” across defense, trade, energy, and technology. India is increasingly viewed as a strategic counterbalance to China’s influence in the region, and this sale further cements the defense pillar of their growing alliance.

According to the DSCA, the deal will not disrupt the regional military balance and is expected to integrate seamlessly into India’s existing defense framework. The transaction also underscores a shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

This development comes amid heightened global attention on maritime security, especially in ungoverned waters that are prone to transnational threats and natural disasters. It complements ongoing efforts by the Quad alliance—comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia—to enhance regional cooperation and real-time maritime surveillance under the IPMDA.

As both countries aim to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, this military sale reflects the deepening of U.S.-India ties and their mutual commitment to safeguarding maritime freedom and stability in one of the world’s most strategically vital regions.

Declassified 1993 CIA Report Tells About Pakistan’s Deep-Rooted Fear of India

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, which left 26 people dead and more than 20 wounded, has reignited concerns that echo warnings from a 1993 declassified CIA document. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been implicated in the killings, though Islamabad denies involvement. The tragic event, however, fits a decades-old pattern that U.S. intelligence anticipated.

The document, a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) prepared under senior CIA analyst Bruce Riedel, painted a stark picture of South Asia’s most volatile fault line. It concluded that Pakistan viewed India not just as a rival but as an existential threat. At the time, India was stabilizing under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, while Pakistan grappled with economic instability and political unrest.

The NIE foresaw that a conventional war between India and Pakistan was unlikely—only a 20% probability, analysts estimated. But the real risk, it said, was a cascading chain of provocation: a terrorist strike, a misinterpreted military movement, or communal violence. In such a scenario, Pakistan would likely respond from a position of fear, resorting to proxy warfare and terrorism to offset India’s growing influence.

The report was chillingly prescient. It predicted that Pakistan might back militant groups in Kashmir, not out of ideological conviction, but as a strategic tool to bleed India while avoiding direct conflict. It also warned that under economic strain or military rule, Islamabad could embrace Islamist factions as a means to channel internal discontent outward.

The assessment noted a growing imbalance: India’s steady rise in economic, military, and diplomatic stature versus Pakistan’s internal volatility. This imbalance, the CIA concluded, would drive Islamabad to asymmetric strategies—using terror as a form of leverage.

Crucially, the document warned that nuclear deterrence might not prevent conflict. Confidence-building measures, it said, could “prove irrelevant” in the face of a high-casualty terror event. In such crises, leaders might act based on instinct rather than protocol—a scenario dangerously similar to the present.

Though the TRF didn’t exist in 1993, the strategy it embodies was already identified. The NIE saw groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba as proxies through which Pakistan could wage undeclared war over Kashmir. It also noted that religious polarization within India could make it easier for Pakistan to justify or amplify its interventions.

The NIE was used to brief President Bill Clinton’s administration, underscoring its gravity. Clinton would later visit India during the 2000 Chittisinghpura Massacre—another terror strike linked to Pakistan-based actors.

Now, as Indian policymakers revisit the Pahalgam tragedy, many are looking back at the 1993 assessment not as an archival report, but as a living document. Its warnings—about proxy conflict, nuclear ambiguity, and the volatility of Kashmir—are no less urgent today.

NIA Links Pakistan Army, ISI, and Lashkar-e-Taiba to Pahalgam Terror Attack

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a major development that escalates an already volatile situation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians, was orchestrated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistan Army, and the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

According to a preliminary investigation report prepared by the NIA and led by its Director General, the attackers maintained direct communication with their handlers in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The conspiracy was allegedly planned at LeT’s headquarters on instructions from ISI operatives.

The report, which is to be submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, provides extensive details of the operational network behind the attack. Investigators have identified the presence of Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) who provided logistical and local support to the terrorists. Arms and ammunition used in the attack were reportedly hidden in the Betaab Valley area prior to the assault.

The NIA has compiled a list of OGW contacts for further administrative and judicial action. The agency has also collected testimonies from over 150 individuals as part of the probe. Advanced forensic analysis is underway, with empty cartridges recovered from the scene sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further evaluation. Additionally, initial 3D mapping and recreations of the attack site have been completed to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Among the identified terrorists are two Pakistani nationals — Hashmi Musa and Ali Bhai, also known as Talha Bhai — who, according to the NIA, were in regular communication with handlers based across the LoC. Their involvement further substantiates India’s claims of cross-border terrorism being state-sponsored.

The NIA’s findings come amid heightened military readiness along the Indo-Pak border, and a recent wave of diplomatic and military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India has already taken retaliatory steps including the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

In Washington, US Vice President JD Vance commented on the situation, expressing hope that Pakistan would cooperate with India in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict,” Vance said, adding, “We hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they’re responsible, cooperates with India to ensure the terrorists operating from its territory are hunted down and dealt with.”

The NIA’s report is expected to significantly impact India’s policy calculus and bolster its case internationally for holding Pakistan accountable. With both nations entrenched in military and diplomatic posturing, the region remains on edge as the risk of escalation persists.

Brigadier Yashvir Mathur Takes Command of Military Hospital Prayagraj

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Brigadier Yashvir Mathur has officially assumed charge as the Commandant of Military Hospital Prayagraj, following his promotion on April 28, 2025. The announcement was made by the office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), with Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin extending her congratulations and best wishes for his new leadership role.

The Military Hospital in Prayagraj operates under the HQ Purva UP & MP Sub Area and is a vital institution providing healthcare services to military personnel and their families in the region. It has earned a reputation for excellence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when it rapidly mobilized resources and established a core emergency response team to manage the health crisis efficiently.

Mathur and Family
Brigadier Mathur With His Family

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the first woman to hold the position of DGAFMS since her historic appointment in October 2024, praised Brigadier Mathur’s professional dedication and leadership qualities. She emphasized that the appointment marks a significant step in maintaining and enhancing the quality of medical services offered by the Armed Forces.

This leadership transition reflects the Armed Forces Medical Services’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure and ensuring top-tier medical care for those who serve the nation.

5 AFSB, Guwahati Gets A New Location

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The 5 Air Force Selection Board (5 AFSB) is one of the key boards under the Indian Air Force responsible for conducting Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews. These interviews assess candidates aspiring to become commissioned officers through various entry schemes such as NDA, CDS, and AFCAT. The 5 AFSB evaluates candidates on multiple parameters including psychological aptitude, group tasks, and personal interviews.

The new location is at the Main Gate, 5 AFSB, near Krishna Mandir in Agshia Village, Palasbari Road, Guwahati, Assam – 781128. The nearest railway station is Kamakhya, which is approximately 15 kilometers away and can be reached by taxi or auto from AFSB. The nearest airport is Guwahati Airport, located about 8 kilometers from AFSB and accessible by taxi or auto. The ISBT Guwahati bus stand is around 20 kilometers from AFSB, also reachable by taxi or auto.

Indian Air Force to Conduct Night and Day Fighter Jet Drills on Ganga Expressway

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a landmark move to enhance India’s defense readiness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a high-profile operational trial on the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur on May 2, 2025. The exercise, involving advanced fighter jets such as Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage, aims to test the expressway’s viability as an alternative runway during emergencies and military operations.

A 3.5-kilometer stretch of the expressway has been specially developed as an emergency airstrip, making it the fourth expressway in Uttar Pradesh equipped for military aviation use, after the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand expressways. Uniquely, the Ganga Expressway will be the first in the state designed to support both day and night fighter jet operations, offering a significant boost to India’s tactical flexibility.

The drills will include take-off and landing trials along with low-altitude fly-pasts at just one meter above the surface. Activities are scheduled to span from morning hours until late evening, with crucial night landing tests planned between 7 PM and 10 PM.

This initiative comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives and triggered a renewed focus on national security and rapid military mobilization capabilities. The IAF will also deploy transport aircraft including the C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and MI-17 V5 helicopters, essential for special operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions.

The IAF has assumed operational control of the designated airstrip segment, working in close coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). To ensure maximum security during the drills, 250 CCTV cameras have been installed along the airstrip.

This trial reinforces the IAF’s broader strategy of utilizing dual-use infrastructure to bolster military logistics and rapid deployment capability. A similar approach was successfully demonstrated in Kargil in January 2024, when a C-130J performed a night landing on the upgraded airstrip there.

As India continues to modernize its defense infrastructure, the Ganga Expressway trial is expected to set a precedent for integrating civilian roadways into military operations, improving readiness in both conflict and crisis scenarios.

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan Assumes Command of Central Air Command

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a ceremonious and dignified transition, Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan PVSM, AVSM, VM took charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF). A Guard of Honour and wreath-laying ceremony marked the formal assumption of command, underscoring the rich traditions and discipline of the IAF.

Air Marshal Manikantan brings with him a stellar career spanning nearly four decades, with over 5,500 hours of flying experience. He previously served as the AOC-in-C of the Southern Air Command, a role he assumed on May 1, 2023. His appointment to the Central Air Command highlights the IAF’s continued trust in his seasoned leadership and strategic vision.

Commissioned into the flying branch of the IAF on June 7, 1986, the Air Marshal is an alumnus of some of India’s most prestigious defence institutions, including the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College. His qualifications also include the distinction of being a Helicopter Combat Leader and a Type Qualified Flying Instructor.

Hailing from Thiruvarppu in Kottayam, Kerala, Air Marshal Manikantan was born into a family of educators—Balakrishna Pillai and P. K. Lakshmi Kutty Amma. His foundational training began at Sainik School, Kazhakootam, paving the way for a lifetime of service to the nation. His dedication and achievements have been recognised with several honours, including Commendation Cards from the AOC-in-C of Training Command in 1988 and the GOC-in-C of Northern Command in 2015.

Prior to his Southern Command role, he served as the Senior Air & Administration Staff Officer at Maintenance Command in Nagpur, demonstrating his multifaceted leadership in both operational and administrative domains.

Headquartered in Prayagraj, the Central Air Command is one of the five operational commands of the IAF. It plays a crucial role in India’s air defence and strategic air operations. With Air Marshal Manikantan at the helm, the command is poised to enhance its operational preparedness and strategic reach, continuing the IAF’s mission of excellence and national service.

India And Egypt Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Partnership

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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India and Egypt have reaffirmed their strategic commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms, following the 4th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism held in Cairo on Wednesday. The meeting marked a significant step forward in the countries’ collaborative efforts to address both conventional and emerging security challenges.

During the session, the two nations strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which targeted domestic and international tourists. Egypt expressed firm solidarity with India, underscoring its support in the fight against terrorism aimed at destabilizing peace and security in the region.

The discussions were led by Ambassador KD Dewal, Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Ambassador Walid Al-Fiqi, Director of the Department of Counter Terrorism at Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Representatives from multiple agencies on both sides participated, exploring avenues to bolster cooperation in areas such as countering the use of cryptocurrencies, unmanned aerial systems, and the spread of extremist propaganda through cyberspace.

India and Egypt agreed to intensify efforts in critical domains like anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, and combating transnational organized crime. Both sides highlighted the need for enhanced training, capacity building, and the use of advanced technologies—including Artificial Intelligence (AI)—to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities.

On the international front, the two delegations discussed ways to enhance coordination in global forums including the United Nations, BRICS, the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). They also reiterated their shared support for the early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), a long-pending initiative in global counter-terrorism efforts.

The next meeting of the Joint Working Group is set to take place in India at a mutually agreed time.

This engagement reflects the broader and deepening India-Egypt relationship, which has been reinforced through consistent diplomatic engagement, military cooperation, and shared interests in global platforms. Notably, 2024 saw joint air force exercises and the 10th Joint Defence Committee meeting in New Delhi, further solidifying the countries’ commitment to regional and global security.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Takes Over The Command Of Training Command in Bengaluru

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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0

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh formally assumed command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Training Command today during a ceremonial event held at the command’s headquarters in Bengaluru. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for the IAF’s training ecosystem, which is central to preparing personnel for the challenges of modern aerial warfare.

The ceremony featured a traditional inspection of the Ceremonial Guard of Honour by Air Marshal Singh, who was greeted with military precision by personnel in formation. Following the inspection, he laid a wreath at the HQ Training Command War Memorial, paying tribute to the IAF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Commissioned into the fighter stream in June 1987, Air Marshal Singh brings over 4,500 flying hours and an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. He has commanded a fighter squadron, a radar unit, and a major fighter base. His operational leadership has extended to his role as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) in Jammu and Kashmir, and his strategic acumen has been demonstrated through key staff positions such as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations – Offensive and Strategy), and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at the Eastern Air Command.

Most recently, he served as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air Headquarters in New Delhi, a post he held since September 1, 2024. His appointment to the Training Command underscores the Air Force’s confidence in his ability to lead its vital training programs during a period of modernization and technological transformation.

The ceremony was attended by senior IAF officers, with the headquarters prominently displaying the “Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief” designation, reflecting the significance of the occasion. The Training Command is responsible for the comprehensive training of IAF personnel, from foundational instruction to advanced tactical and technical skills, ensuring the force maintains its operational edge.

Air Marshal Singh’s decorated service includes the Vayu Sena Medal (2007) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Indian Air Force. His leadership is expected to further elevate the Training Command’s mission of producing well-rounded and combat-ready air warriors.

As the IAF advances its focus on cutting-edge platforms, joint operations, and evolving air warfare doctrines, the Training Command under Air Marshal Singh’s stewardship is poised to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of Indian military aviators.

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