Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India to produce second line of fighter jets, says Air Chief Marshal

INDIA is mulling manufacturing one more line of fighter aircraft to replenish its dwindling fleet and a decision in this regard is likely to be taken in a year’s time, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said on Friday (March 4).

The Chief of Air Staff said the second line of fighter jets will be in addition to light combat aircraft Tejas and 36 Rafale planes that India will procure from France.


“Definitely they (government) are thinking to set up one more line of fighter aircraft in a year under the Make in India project so that the dwindling fighter aircraft fleet can be replaced within shortest possible time,” Raha said.

He was asked how the IAF is going to replenish the diminishing number of its fighter aircraft.

“This plan is going to materialise in a year’s time…Addition of new aircraft to the IAF fleet through indigenous technology is also being worked out, with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) providing 120 LCA,” he said.

The IAF chief said the Rafael multi-role fighter plane contract with France was likely to be through soon.

“Rafale contract is likely to be through as a lot of progress has been made. The outcome will be substantial in the first year itself. We are yet to work out modalities. The government is willing to spend more to improve operational capability of the armed forces.”

Raha was speaking at a press conference held at Jamnagar air force base where President Pranab Mukherjee awarded two units of the IAF - 28 Equipment Depot and 19 Helicopter Unit - with Presidential Colours and Standard, respectively.

India is likely to get 36 multi-role fighters from France-based Dassault Aviation under a government-to-government agreement, which is under negotiations.

On nearly 10 per cent increase in defence budget estimates for 2016-17 at Rs 2.58 lakh crore as compared to last fiscal, Raha said more money will help cover inflation, replace and upgrade existing aircraft and related technology, and give a push to acquisition of equipment.

“Technology is fast becoming obsolete and within 15-20 years, any platform faces obsolescence, which needs to be replaced and updated. We are upgrading Miraj 2000, MiG 29 and Jaguar to achieve effective operational capability,” he said.

Talking about the security of IAF bases in the country following the Pathankot terror attack, Raha said the government has ordered a special review of these facilities by a core committee.

“The committee is going to submit its report by March 31,” the IAF chief added.

More For You

Brothers deny assaulting police during Manchester Airport brawl

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Brothers deny assaulting police during Manchester Airport brawl

TWO brothers accused of assaulting a man inside a Starbucks and later attacking police officers at Manchester Airport are standing trial, with the prosecution arguing they used "unlawful and extreme violence".

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and his older brother Muhammad Amaad, 26, both from Rochdale, are said to have acted aggressively on July 23 last year while at the airport to pick up their mother, who had arrived on a flight from Qatar.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

THE Dalai Lama said on Saturday (5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave by mid-July

Daytime temperatures meeting or exceeding set thresholds of 25°C

iStock

Met Office warns of potential third UK heatwave by mid-July

Key points

  • Met Office forecasts rising temperatures by mid-July
  • Possible third heatwave after record-breaking June
  • High pressure system likely to bring hot air from the Atlantic
  • Yellow rain warning and flood alerts issued in parts of Scotland and Cumbria

Possible heatwave to return by mid-July

The UK could experience its third heatwave in a month by mid-July, the Met Office has said. Forecasters expect rising heat and humidity during the second weekend of July, following two weekends of unusually warm weather in late June.

June was officially the hottest on record in England, and the return of high temperatures could mean another heatwave for parts of the country. However, the Met Office cautioned that it is too early to confirm how hot conditions will get.

Keep ReadingShow less
crypto

Two men have been jailed for defrauding investors of £1.5 million through a fake crypto investment scheme. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Two jailed over £1.5m crypto investment scam

TWO people who duped investors of £1.5 million by selling fake investments in crypto have been jailed for 12 years, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said.

Raymondip Bedi, of Bromley, and Patrick Mavanga, of Peckham, conned at least 65 people by cold-calling them between February 2017 and June 2019. They operated companies including CCX Capital and Astaria Group LLP.

Keep ReadingShow less