Latest news with #MiG-29K
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
IAF gets BIG boost, Rafael's Ice Breaker Missile emerges as a game-changer, IAF and LCH Prachand will now…, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan to…
New Delhi: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has said that its cutting-edge ICE BREAKER precision-guided missile system can also be seamlessly integrated onto the Indian Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand'. Talking to Israel's premier defense technology company said that the missiles significantly enhanced the helicopter's offensive capabilities. According to RAFAEL officials, a feasibility study has been successfully conducted to assess compatibility with helicopter platforms. While the IAF has already received the ICE BREAKER as part of a broader weapons offering from RAFAEL, sources in the Indian Air Force have told that a formal decision on its induction is yet to be taken. Here are some of the key features of ICE BREAKER: The ICE BREAKER is a long-range, autonomous, multi-platform missile system The Ice Breaker is designed to engage high-value land and naval targets with precision and survivability. It weights approximately 400 kg The missile is exceptionally lightweight for its class and boasts a range of 300 km, making it suitable for fighter jets like the Rafale and MiG-29K It is also suitable for rotary-wing platforms such as the LCH and future Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). Meanwhile, the Indian Navy too has been offered the ICE BREAKER for its carrier-based fleet of MiG-29K and Rafale M fighters, expanding the potential for cross-service interoperability of the weapon. The ICE BREAKER's state-of-the-art electro-optical and GPS guidance systems enable precise targeting even in GPS-denied environments. Its ability to launch multi-directional attacks allows it to effectively engage both moving maritime targets and fortified land-based infrastructure. This capability would greatly enhance the operational effectiveness of the LCH in high-threat areas like the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where long-range standoff strikes with minimal exposure are critical for mission success.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
India's first woman naval fighter pilot begins Mig-29K training as navy expands carrier air power with Rafale-M deal
First female Indian navy fighter pilot — indiannavy (@indiannavy) Advanced Carrier-Based Training Ahead Live Events India Expands Naval Aviation Capabilities Defence Ministry Clears Key Naval Projects Worth Thousands of Crores (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia is set to become the Indian Navy 's first woman fighter pilot, beginning her final year of training that will qualify her to operate MiG-29K fighter jets from aircraft carriers at Poonia, in her early 20s, was awarded the "Wings of Gold" alongside Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull after completing transitional fighter training on Hawk advanced jet trainers at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam. The course included rigorous instruction in combat manoeuvres, marking a significant step toward operational readiness.'Sub-Lt Poonia has become the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of naval aviation, shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy,' a naval officer said to upcoming training phase will include extensive sorties on aircraft that simulate carrier-based operations , including take-offs from a ski-jump that mimics the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Upon completion, she will be qualified to operate the MiG-29K, the Navy's primary carrier-based fighter development follows the Indian Air Force's induction of over 20 women fighter pilots and reflects the ongoing integration of women into frontline combat roles across the armed Indian Navy currently operates 45 Russian-origin MiG-29K aircraft for carrier-based operations. These aircraft are deployed aboard India's two aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. To augment this capability, the Indian government signed a deal in April to procure 26 Dassault Rafale Marine aircraft at an estimated cost of ₹64,000 crore. These jets are intended to enhance India's maritime strike potential until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) becomes operational. According to current timelines, TEDBF is still nearly a decade away from a major boost to naval capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has cleared several new projects, the largest being the indigenous construction of 12 Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs), estimated to cost ₹44,000 crore. According to official sources quoted by TOI, construction of the 900–1,000-tonne ships is expected to take about ten years. Each vessel will be equipped to detect and neutralise underwater mines that pose threats to shipping lanes and Ministry has also approved the procurement of semi-submersible autonomous vessels designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). These platforms will be developed under the Make-II category, meaning they will be built by private industry without upfront government additional projects cleared include the acquisition of Super Rapid Gun Mounts (SRGMs)—76mm main guns used on naval surface vessels—and DRDO-designed moored naval mines capable of being triggered by acoustic, magnetic, or pressure signals when enemy vessels pass nearby.(With inputs from TOI)
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily Briefing: Amarnath Yatra in Pahalgam terror attack shadow; feasts in space; ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth' review
Good morning! MiG-29K T-shirts, sound of metal detectors, faith in the Army, and a 'call from Bhole Baba' – this year's Amarnath Yatra is unprecedented. The annual 36-day-long Yatra officially commenced on Thursday with a batch of pilgrims leaving from Pahalgam, on foot, towards the holy cave shrine. From the security arrangements, it is palpable that it is taking place under the shadow of the April 22 terror attack, wherein 26 civilians were killed in southern Kashmir. Even as the overall tourism footfall dipped, Pahalgam's tourism department was surprised by the number of yatris seeking 'darshan no matter what', picking up pace to 3,000-4,000, as against the expected 1,000 per day. Also, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta featured in the latest edition of Express Adda, a series of informal interactions with those at the centre of change. From why the Capital 'has to dream bigger' to being a woman politician with no political background – here are excerpts from what she said, in conversation with National Opinion Editor, Vandita Mishra. Easier said than done: The Election Commission's latest — and sudden — requirement mandates all 7.8 crore registered voters in Bihar, new and existing, to provide documents that are citizenship proof. At the heart of this special revision of rolls is that any person whose name is not recorded in the 2003 Electoral Rolls needs to submit at least one of 11 documents establishing eligibility to vote. Now, the list of the 11 is indicative, not exhaustive. However, socio-economic realities frame the challenge around the nature of the documents in a poll-bound state. Old ghosts, some new: As the EC process, which started the exercise only on June 28, picks up pace, a section of minorities ask if this is 'NRC by the backdoor.' The reference is to the BJP-led Central government's plans for a National Register of Citizens. Once linked to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act by the government, leading to protests in 2019, the NRC has since been put on the back burner. As the Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday (July 6), celebrations in McLeodganj –headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile– are tinged with anxieties. On July 2, the Dalai Lama declared that the centuries-old institution would continue, and his 'reincarnation' will be managed solely by his Gaden Phodrang Trust according to Tibetan traditions and not Beijing's directives. Varinder Bhatia travels to what was once known as Swarg Ashram, where the air is thick with significance — over their future, the 'reincarnation' process, and the looming shadow of China. 📖 Express Explained Space fea(s)t: Currently at the International Space Station, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla said he had shared food from home (gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa and aamras) with others on board. How? Having a meal in space is not a piece of cake. But this does not mean that astronauts don't enjoy elaborate meals. They just eat packaged food, which is stored and prepared a little differently. ✍️ Express Opinion 'Besides, new hatreds can easily be created. I am an easy target for 'nationalists' and paid trolls… because I feel no need to wear my love for anything, including my country, on my sleeve' Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah writes about his Facebook post (which he says was taken down and not deleted) in support of Diljit Dosanjh, who is caught up in a controversy over his Punjabi film 'Sardaar ji 3', starring Pakistani actor-influencer Hania Amir. Drawing from his own family's background, Shah justifies why he stands by his statement, is not discouraged by the lack of support from the film industry, and how the dream of India having a future for us 'cannot be abandoned'. 🍿Movie Review This week, Shalini Langer reviews Jurassic World: Rebirth, a film that keeps the heart both pounding and beating. The seventh film in the Jurassic series does capture that awe, even as the wonder of seeing dinosaurs stride across the screen has naturally worn off over the past 30 years—until it decides to go on and on and starts repeating itself, she writes. Read the full review here! Until next time Vibha Vibha B Madhava is a sub-editor at the news desk for She is interested in writing about gender, culture and politics of ableism. Having specialised in digital journalism, she is keen to explore various forms of interactive, multimedia storytelling. Apart from that, she also likes to experiment with social media. Qualification, Degrees/other achievements: Bachelor's degree in Media and Communication from Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. PG Diploma in Integrated Multimedia Journalism from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. With The Indian Express, this is Vibha's first stint in pursuing journalism in a full-time capacity. Previous internship experience: Deccan Herald, Bengaluru; The News Minute, Bengaluru; The Mojo Story; Radio Indigo 91.9 and Fever FM 94.3 (Hyderabad) You can find her on Twitter as @VibhaBMadhava , on LinkedIn (Vibha B Madhava), or write to her at ... Read More
News18
05-07-2025
- General
- News18
After IAF, Indian Navy Assigns First Woman Officer To Fighter Stream
Last Updated: Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia joined the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala via a short-service commission entry after perusing her BTech. Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman inducted into the Indian Navy's fighter stream, the Indian Navy said in an official statement on Friday. Breaking all the barriers and setting an example of women empowerment, she also received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air). 'On 3 July 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air)," the official statement said. 'SLt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of naval aviation – shattering barriers and paving way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the navy," it added. Who Is Astha Poonia? – Sub Lt Aastha Poonia will undergo advanced training in the fighter stream, flying Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) for the next year. – Upon successful completion, she will be eligible to fly MiG-29K fighter jets from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers. – She received the 'Wings of Gold' during the event marking the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at the Naval Air Station, INS Dega, in Visakhapatnam. – The Indian Navy in an official statement said that Poonia's induction highlights its 'commitment towards gender inclusivity in naval aviation and promoting Nari Shakti, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity." – Poonia joined the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala via a short-service commission entry after perusing her BTech. – While Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia sets a precedent in the Indian Navy, women have already made significant strides in the Indian Air Force. The IAF, the world's fourth-largest air force, opened its fighter stream to women in 2016—a landmark decision in India's military history. – Currently, around 25 women serve as fighter pilots in the IAF, flying advanced combat aircraft and contributing to a more inclusive future in the armed forces. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: July 05, 2025, 08:51 IST
Time of India
04-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
After IAF, Navy gets 1st woman fighter pilot
NEW DELHI: After IAF, which now has over 20 women fighter pilots, the Navy too now has a woman officer all set to begin one year of final training to qualify as a full-fledged MiG-29K pilot capable of tearing into the sky from an aircraft carrier on the high seas. Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia and Lt Atul Kumar Dhull received their prestigious "Wings of Gold" after completing their transitional fighter training on Hawk advanced jet trainers, which includes learning intensive combat maneuvers, at INS Dega at Visakhapatnam on Thursday. "Sub-Lt Poonia has become the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of naval aviation, shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy," an officer said . In her early-20s, Sub-Lt Poonia will now undergo extensive training on actual fighters, which has a ski-jump to resemble an aircraft carrier's deck.
