The forgotten Indian fighter that could have changed defence history
The forgotten Indian fighter that could have changed defence history
Rajesh SharmaJairaj Singh
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Updated: Jun 25, 2025, 19:38 IST IST
In 1961, India became the first non-Western nation to build a supersonic-capable jet. Designed with German help, the HF-24 Marut was bold, homegrown and ahead of its time, but it crashed before it could truly soar
In 1961, India made global aerospace history. On a Bangalore airstrip, a silver-grey fighter jet lifted off the tarmac and soared into the sky. The aircraft was the HF-24 . The man in the cockpit was Wing Commander Suranjan Das. And the moment marked India's entry into a one-of-a-kind club.
The Hindustan Fighter-24 (HF-24), designed in India and capable of supersonic speeds, was the first such aircraft to be built outside the Western world. For a country just 14 years into independence, whose industrial base was still emerging from colonial rule and exploits, it was a feat of staggering ambition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
3 hours ago
- India Today
Working to repair F-35: British high commission on jet stuck in Kerala for 10 days
As an F-35B fighter jet of the UK's Royal Navy remained stranded in Kerala for over 10 days, British authorities on Wednesday said efforts are underway to repair the jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighters globally, made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram airport on June aircraft is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UK's Royal Navy. "We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram international airport as quickly as possible," a British high commission spokesperson "We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support," the official aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather safety, the aircraft was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram international airport where it landed aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue while on the ground which precluded its return to the carrier, it is from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft and it was decided that the support of a UK-based engineering team was minimise disruptions to the regular airport operations, the aircraft will be moved to a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility hangar once specialist equipment and UK engineering teams arrive, people familiar with the matter after the fighter jet's emergency landing, the Indian Air Force said it was providing all necessary support for the "rectification and subsequent return" of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group carried out military drills with the Indian Navy earlier this F-35B is the only fifth generation fighter jet with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, making it ideal for operating from smaller decks, austere bases and simply as the 'Lightning' in British service, the F-35 model is the short take off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fighter jet that is designed to operate from short-field bases and air-capable ships.- Ends
New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- New Indian Express
UK's stranded F-35 fighter to be repaired in India
NEW DELHI: The F-35B Lightning II fighter of the British Royal Navy, stranded in Thiruvananthapuram, will be repaired at its present location, for which a team will be flown in from the UK, the British High Commission (BHC) said. "We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as thank the Indian authorities for their continued support," a spokesperson for the BHC said. The Royal Navy F-35B fighter was recovered following an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of June 14, 2025. The aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales as it was caught in adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely, the BHC said. The Indian Air Force had extended assistance in the recovery of the aircraft. Operating from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, the fighter was undertaking routine flying outside the Indian ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone), with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield. "On having declared a diversion of an emergency, the F-35B was detected and identified by the IAF's IACCS network and cleared for the recovery," the IAF spokesperson had said.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Admissions to undergrad programmes under NCWEB to start soon
New Delhi: Admissions to undergraduate programmes under Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board (NCWEB) at Delhi University for the 2025–26 academic session will be based on cutoff marks, like the previous year. The application process for Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) for undergraduate courses is already underway, and this week, the university is likely to open the application portal for NCWEB courses. Unlike other undergraduate programmes, NCWEB admissions will not rely on Common University Entrance Test but will be determined by Class XII board exam results, with eligibility based on the cutoff marks. Last year, over 13,000 seats were filled through this scheme, although many others remained vacant due to the limited pool of eligible candidates. Admissions to NCWEB programmes will commence after CSAS process reaches its second phase, which includes the mid-entry window. These courses are available in around 26 colleges affiliated with DU, including well-known institutions like Hansraj, Kirori Mal, and Janki Devi Memorial college. Applicants will be able to choose from over 200 colleges during the application process. The specific list of colleges and the number of available seats will be announced soon. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi NCWEB programmes are held exclusively on weekends, making them ideal for working women or those who cannot attend regular college.
