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Sunday, February 22, 2026
TopicIndian Air Force (IAF)

Topic: Indian Air Force (IAF)

India isn’t ready for drone terrorism. It’s central to proxy warfare

India’s drone terrorism challenge is less about technology and more about mindset and institutions—it fails to treat drones as a full-fledged air defence threat.

US pilot says his team pulled out of Dubai Air Show after Tejas crash out of respect for IAF pilot

Taylor ‘Fema’ Hiester, commander of USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team, hit out at air show organisers for continuing with the show after Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life in the incident.

Why Group Captain Nachiketa has ‘immense respect’ for a Pakistani Captain

In 'Wings of Valour', Swapnil Pandey brings to life the extraordinary journeys of fighter pilots, veterans, and Kargil heroes.

India looks to ink deal for 114 Rafale as early as next year, some to come in fly-away condition

The Standard F4 plus version will come equipped with longer-range air-to-air missiles (two) and air-to-ground munitions than currently in service with India, ThePrint has learnt.

With Cheetah & Chetak fleets ageing, Army, IAF move to fast-track purchase of 200 light helicopters

Request for Information issued by govt seeks transfer of technology. This comes as the planned acquisition of 200 Kamov light utility helicopters from Russia remains in limbo.

IAF needs a transformation. Bring in 5G fighters, fast-track Tejas Mk2, upgrade AMCA to 6G

India’s fighter aircraft strength will be down to 31 squadrons by the end of the year, down from 42. It will further reduce when Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar squadrons are phased out.

IAF aircraft flying into earthquake-hit Myanmar faced GPS spoofing. How it is different from jamming 

The cyberattack is suspected to have been carried out by Chinese-enabled systems, with the aircraft pilots having to turn on backup systems. 

‘Tangail drop’ & Meghna heli-lift: IAF ops that gave India edge over Pakistan in 1971 Bangladesh War

‘Tangail drop’ was among largest paradrops witnessed since World War II, while heli-lift across Meghna river cleared Indian Army’s path to Dhaka, resulting in Pakistan’s surrender.

Restoring public confidence after Uber & Strava rows is crucial. Armed forces must give clarity

Self-styled experts on social media cannot be allowed to ridicule IAF. Domain experts from IDS must brief media on the Indian military's state-of-the-art information security structure.

Govt backs IAF plan to procure 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft but faces 2 problems. What’s the logjam

IAF down to 31 fighter squadrons on paper against sanctioned strength of 42. Number will go down further next year when 2 remaining squadrons of MiG 21 Bison get phased out.

On Camera

Youth Congress, your foolish protest helped the Modi govt climb out of the AI summit hole

In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

MoD, IAF agree on some exemptions to HAL for Tejas Mk1A, but no compromise on ‘must-have’ capabilities

IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.

No country is ever fully sovereign. Cold War era taught India its real meaning

India’s fraught neighbourhood places multiple constraints on its strategic choices. It leaves no time to take a deep breath, lean back and reset.