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Business Recorder
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PAF fleet arrives in UK for Royal International Air Tattoo 2025
Contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) comprising state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft landed at the Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, to participate in the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo – 2025 (RIAT). In a press release today, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that PAF's participation in RIAT, one of the world's largest military airshows, underscores Pakistan Air Force's commitment to showcasing 'its professional excellence, operational capability and the indigenous strength of its aviation industry'. Adding to the operational significance of this international deployment, Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighters executed successful Air-to-Air Refuelling operations enroute to United Kingdom with the support of a PAF IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker. The ISPR said that the intricate refuelling operation demonstrated PAF's long-range operational capabilities and the proficiency of its air and ground crew in conducting extended operations beyond national borders. 'JF-17 Block-III is an EASA Radar and Long Range BVR equipped 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking wide variety of combat missions bolstering airpower application in the face of contemporary challenges thereby strengthening national security. There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent Pakistan India conflict, as aviation enthusiasts and defence observers were eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder Block-III,' the statement said. The aircraft's combat-proven capabilities and operational excellence have garnered significant global attention, making its appearance at RIAT a highly anticipated highlight in the aerospace and defence community, added the military's media wing. In line with RIAT's annual tradition of themed artistic displays, PAF C-130 Hercules has been adorned with an exclusive livery inspired by this year's theme, 'Eyes in the Skies.' The participation of PAF's advanced fighter aircraft and artistically painted C-130 Hercules in RIAT-2025 'is aimed at fostering mutual understanding, sharing aviation experiences and enhancing PAF's image as a modern, technologically advanced air force contributing to global peace and security'.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava takes over as HAL director for engineering, R&D
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava assumed charge as Director (Engineering and R&D) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on July 15, the company said. Before this appointment, he held the position of Executive Director (Aircraft Research & Design Centre) at HAL, said an official release on Wednesday (July 16, 2025). Mr. Shrivastava began his career at HAL in 1988 as a Management Trainee (Technical). Throughout his 37-year tenure, he has held several key leadership positions, including Head of the ARDC and Head of the Transport Aircraft Research and Design Centre (TARDC), it added. He has made significant contributions to major projects such as the avionics upgrade of the entire HS-748 fleet, the Do-228, the Sea King helicopter, and the IL-78, the release said. Under his leadership, HAL secured DGCA certification for two Do-228 aircraft—the first indigenous transport civil passenger aircraft in India to receive Type Certification—as well as the Type Certification of the Hindustan-228 aircraft. He has also successfully led the indigenisation of several critical aircraft components and has extensive experience in the design and development of trainer, fighter, and transport aircraft, as well as rotary-wing platforms. A recipient of the FASIA (French Aeronautics & Space Industry Award) for his contributions to the aeronautics industry, Mr. Shrivastava played a key role in the avionics upgrade of the Hindustan Jet Trainer-36 'Yashas', which was successfully demonstrated at Aero India 2025, it further stated.
News18
25-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
New Satellite Images Show Broader Damage On Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase After India's Strike
Last Updated: Presenting a "broader footprint of the damage", satellite images released by The Intel Lab revealed that the complex near India's strike location was demolished Another review has revealed that Pakistan's highly critical Nur Khan airbase may have suffered broader damage than previously estimated during Operation Sindoor. New satellite images show that not only two special-purpose trucks, but an entire complex was demolished near India's strike location. Presenting a 'broader footprint of the damage", satellite images released by The Intel Lab revealed that the complex near India's strike location was demolished. 'A review of Nur Khan Airbase, Pakistan reveals the entire complex near India's strike location has now been demolished, suggesting the strike's effect went beyond the two special-purpose trucks – possibly presenting a broader footprint of the damage," said a post by Damien Symon on X. A review of Nur Khan Airbase, Pakistan reveals the entire complex near India's strike location has now been demolished, suggesting the strike's effect went beyond the two special-purpose trucks – possibly presenting a broader footprint of the damage @TheIntelLab #SkyFi — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 25, 2025 According to reviews and satellite images released earlier, precision strikes by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase between May 8 and 10 had disabled infrastructure and ground support vehicles at the site. The Indian strike on the Nur Khan airbase – located in Rawalpindi and close to Pakistan Army's headquarters – was a strategic and symbolic blow to Pakistan as it serves as the headquarters of its air mobility command. It further exposes gaps in the neighbouring country's air defence system (ADS) and its inability to defend this high-value target. Nur Khan houses critical assets like Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transporters and IL-78 refuelling aircraft. These are vital for surveillance, logistics, and aerial coordination, especially in cross-border operations. The base is central to Pakistan's drone warfare campaigns. The airbase is used for the launch of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 and indigenous Shahpar-I drones targeting India. It is also used for training elite pilots and hosting VIP fleets like the presidential aircraft. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 25, 2025, 20:32 IST
India Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Pakistan to revalidate emergency airstrips after Indian strikes cripple bases
In the aftermath of devastating Indian airstrikes on May 10 that severely damaged multiple military airbases across Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has initiated logistics to activate its emergency airstrips on national highways. Sources confirm that revalidation exercises for the M1 and M2 emergency airstrips - located on the Islamabad-Peshawar and Islamabad-Lahore motorways - are scheduled for this development comes in the wake of a massive precision air operation conducted by the Indian Air Force on May 10, which struck 11 Pakistani military sites in a pre-dawn offensive as part of Operation Sindoor. The strikes, executed using air-launched precision munitions, targeted high-value airbases in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Satellite images shared by Indian defence sources showed extensive destruction: blown-up runways, collapsed hangars, and charred infrastructure. At Rahim Yar Khan, a giant crater tore through the main airstrip. Pasrur, Chunian, and Arifwala saw air defence radars heavily Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala - home to Pakistan's key transport squadrons, including C-130 Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refuelers - was also hit. Located perilously close to the Strategic Plans Division, which oversees Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, the strike on Nur Khan sent shockwaves through significant target was the Mushaf airbase in Sargodha. Satellite evidence indicated strikes on its runway. The base is reportedly linked to underground nuclear storage near the Kirana Hills. Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti later denied any intention to strike nuclear assets, saying there was no hit on Kirana Hills or "whatever is there".advertisementSources say the strikes inflicted operational paralysis on more than eight airbases, leaving Pakistan in a state of shock over the sudden collapse of its aerial a result, Pakistan is now turning to its contingency plans, trying to restore at least some aerial capability through highway-based emergency runways. However, even these motorways bore the brunt of the Indian assault, with visuals showing massive craters in the middle of key attack reportedly sparked panic within the Pakistani leadership. On May 10 itself, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Command Authority - the country's apex nuclear decision-making body - although Islamabad officially denied it. Indian officials, meanwhile, described the strikes as a "decisive signal" of intent and InTrending Reel
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: India's missile strikes in Pakistan level Nur Khan airbase, leaves huge crater in Rahim Yar Khan Airbase
NEW DELHI: India's armed forces delivered a major blow to Pakistan's military infrastructure with the destruction of Nur Khan Airbase , a central hub of Pakistan's air power, in precision strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor . The announcement came during a joint press briefing on Monday, where top defence officials, including Air Marshal AK Bharti, presented visual evidence of the extensive damage. Formerly known as PAF Chaklala, Nur Khan Airbase is located in Rawalpindi and serves as the nerve centre of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. The base is home to high-value aerial assets, including Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transport aircraft, and IL-78 aerial refuelling tankers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We earn ₹7000 a month—we can't save him alone Donate For Health Learn More Undo The strike on this installation marks a severe strategic setback for Pakistan's air force. Air Marshal Bharti, while showcasing visuals of the destroyed base, said, "We have targeted the length and breadth of the adversary." He also shared footage from another significant strike site, Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan Airbase , which bore a massive crater from the IAF's assault. Air Marshal praised the performance of India's defence systems, particularly the indigenous Akash air defence system , saying, "our battle-proven systems stood the test of time and take them head on. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system. Putting together and operationalising the potent AD environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade." Commenting on Pakistan's actions, Bharti said, "It is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene on behalf of terrorists, and hence we chose to respond." He assured that all Indian military installations remain fully operational and on alert for any future missions. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in direct response to the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. The Indian armed forces carried out coordinated strikes on nine high-value terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan responded in the days following with a barrage of drones and missiles, all of which were intercepted and destroyed by Indian air defence systems.
