25-Mar-2019: IAF inducts first four Chinook helicopters
The CH-47F(I) Chinook for the IAF had completed successful first-flights in July 2018. The first batch of IAF crew began their training to fly the Chinook in the US in October 2018. Global aerospace major, Boeing handed over the first four CH-47F(I) Chinooks to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an induction ceremony at the Air Force Station, Chandigarh.
The ceremony was attended by the Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, Chief of Air Staff, senior IAF officers and Boeing officials.
The CH-47F(I) Chinooks arrived at the Mundra Port in Gujarat in February this year. The induction of the CH-47F(I) Chinooks, modern, multi-mission-capable, heavy-lift transport helicopter will enhance our Heli-lift capability across all types of terrain to full effect.
The CH-47F(I) Chinook for the IAF had completed successful first-flights in July 2018. The first batch of IAF crew began their training to fly the Chinook in the US in October 2018.
The Defence Ministry had finalised its order with Boeing for production, training and support of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. The other CH-47F(I) will continue to be delivered as per schedule, according to Boeing.
The CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter initially built for the US Army. The helicopter has a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that enhance the aircraft's mission performance and handling characteristics.
Currently, the Chinooks are used by the US Army, US Army Reserve, National Guard and by the armed forces of more than 19 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Greece, Spain, South Korea, Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
21-Aug-2018: Iran unveils new domestic fighter jet
Iran unveiled a new domestic fighter jet to deter enemies and to create "lasting peace". The new Kowsar fourth-generation fighter was unveiled at the National Defence Industry exhibition in Tehran.
State media said it had "advanced avionics" and multi-purpose radar, and it was "100-percent indigenously made" for the first time.
Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the aircraft programme was motivated by memories of air strikes Iran suffered during its eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s, and by repeated threats from Israel and the United States that "all options are on the table" in dealing with Iran. We have learned in the [Iran-Iraq] war that we cannot rely on anyone but ourselves. Our resources are limited and we are committed to establishing security at a minimum cost.
The US has sold hundreds of billions of dollars of weapons to Iran's regional rivals, but has demanded that Tehran curb its defence programmes, and is in the process of re-imposing crippling sanctions in a bid to force its capitulation.
Following the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal in May, Iran has avoided an aggressive response and sought to maintain its good will with other international partners who oppose Washington's move.