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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Former Air Force Pilot and Minister Uttam Reddy seeks transparency on reports of Rafale downed in Operation Sindoor
Hyderabad Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, also a retired Indian Air Force pilot, demanded full transparency from the Government of India regarding the losses suffered during the recent Operation Sindoor, particularly the reported downing of Rafale fighter jets. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, he pressed the BJP-led Government at the Centre to act urgently on the concerns raised by the Air Force chief about delays in aircraft supply, talent shortages, and the gap between sanctioned and operational squadrons. He referred to recent statements made by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh saying that these 'should concern us all.' He cited the warnings about severe delays in supply of fighter aircraft and weaponry, which, he said, were 'a serious problem for the Air Force.' He also cited the briefings of Air Marshal Bharti, Director General Air Operations, that the pilots returned safely while not denying claims of aircraft downed. Mr. Reddy also criticised the BJP government for initially denying these losses and launching a campaign against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. 'Now that the CDS himself has spoken, the government should stop the denials,' he said. 'We are proud of our armed forces, but transparency strengthens trust and helps us learn from every operation.' Mr. Reddy, a graduate from the National Defence Academy who flew MiG-21s and MiG-23s, reminded that during his tenure on the Parliamentary Defence Committee, he and his colleagues had repeatedly flagged India's operational fighter squadrons. He said they were below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, each with 16 to 18 aircraft. 'India currently has only 31 squadrons, which is substantially lower than required, especially when we face a collusive threat from both China and Pakistan.' Quoting the Air Chief Marshal, Mr. Reddy said, 'India has fallen behind China in defence technology and production, even as our training standards remain superior.' He stressed that this should be of 'serious concern,' and urged the government to take necessary corrective steps. Mr. Reddy pointed out that the Air Force currently needs 35 to 40 fighter jets annually, but HAL, which is contracted to supply 24 fighter aircraft per year, has failed to deliver that. 'The Air Chief has also flagged a deeper malaise, contracts signed with unrealistic deadlines that vitiate the procurement process and erode institutional trust,' he said.
News18
13-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Adampur Air Base: Legacy, Strategic Value And Role In Operation Sindoor
Last Updated: Adampur Air Base played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Adampur Air Base: Located just 100 km from the Pakistan border, the Indian Air Force's second-largest airbase in Punjab stands as a symbol of valour, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit bringing renewed national focus to it. Located between Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, the Adampur Air Base is a fully operational facility and the second-largest airbase of the Indian Air Force. It houses the IAF's 47th Squadron, popularly known as the 'Black Archers'. The Adampur Air Base, which also hosts a forward deployment of the 28th Squadron (First Supersonics), has long been a vital pillar of India's air defence network and played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor. Adampur base serves both military and commercial purposes, supporting defence operations while also facilitating commercial civil aviation activities. Adampur Air Base, established in the early 1950s, stands as the Indian Air Force's second-largest air station and holds a key position in India's military aviation legacy. The base has played a frontline role in national defence, particularly during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. Initially set up on March 16, 1950, as No. 305 Wing, the base was redesignated as No. 8 Wing in 1956. Its establishment was part of the IAF's broader efforts to expand and strengthen its operational reach following independence. Chosen for its strategic proximity to the western front, Adampur was designed to host fighter squadrons and enable swift deployment of air power near the border. Chengiz Khan targeted Indian airbases on December 3. While the Pathankot base sustained damage, Adampur remained fully operational, providing vital interceptor cover. Under Air Marshal Randhir Singh, the IAF pilots flew relentless sorties, including Su-7s and MiG-21s, supporting Army operations and striking targets near Lahore. Strategic Value: Interesting Facts Adampur Air Base is a key strategic asset for India due to its close proximity—just 100 km—to the Pakistan border. As one of the IAF's most vital forward-operating bases, it enables rapid response, early threat detection, and swift deployment of air assets, supporting both offensive and defensive operations along the western front. Its central position close to key IAF bases forms a robust defence network: Pathankot Air Force Station (70 km north-northwest): Hosts helicopter squadrons and Apache attack helicopters; key for rotary-wing operations near the border. Halwara Air Force Station (60 km south-southeast, near Ludhiana): Houses Su-30MKI fighter squadrons; part of IAF's Western Air Command. Amritsar Air Force Station (90 km west): Located near the India-Pakistan border; enhances frontline surveillance and rapid response. Bathinda Air Force Station (150 km southwest): Plays a key role with deployed Rafale fighter squadrons. Chandigarh Air Force Station (120 km southeast): Serves primarily as a hub for transport aircraft and helicopters. Adampur Air Base: Role In Op Sindoor Adampur Air Base played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Positioned near the western border, it ensured air defence readiness and supported offensive operations during the conflict. Equipped with MiG-29 squadrons, Adampur conducted air-to-ground strikes on terror targets across the border, maintaining aerial superiority despite rising tensions. Following India's strikes, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks on May 9-10, targeting key IAF bases, including Adampur. However, due to its effective air defence system and rapid threat detection, the Adampur base successfully intercepted these attacks and safeguarded its infrastructure, giving operational freedom to the IAF. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the air base was seen not only as a morale booster for the security forces in the wake of Operation Sindoor but also as a strategic move to decisively counter Pakistan's disinformation campaign. PM Modi was seen waving to the jawans against a backdrop featuring a MiG-29 jet and an intact S-400 air defence system — which Pakistan had falsely claimed to have destroyed. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. 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! Location : Adampur, India, India First Published: May 13, 2025, 20:16 IST News india Adampur Air Base: Legacy, Strategic Value And Role In Operation Sindoor | All You Need To Know
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
1971 war veteran from Odisha's Kendrapara praises Operation Sindoor
KENDRAPARA: For 75-year-old Duryodhana Mohanty, memories of 1971 have come rushing back. And as a war veteran, Operation Sindoor has provided him joy the native of Barunadiha village under Kendrapara's Rajkanika block. Mohanty, who fought against the Pakistani Army in the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war, said, 'A lot of water has flown under the bridge since the 1971 war. The introduction of missiles and drones in Operation Sindoor has changed the nature of warfare. We are proud that many missiles were earlier tested in the Integrated Test Ranges (ITR) on Dr Abdul Kalam Island and Chandipur in Odisha.' Mohanty, who joined the Indian Army in 1970 at the age of 20, served in the 14th Battalion Brigade of The Guards during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He recalled intense frontline combat across Bangladesh - from Habiganj and Laskarpur to Ajmiriganj, Tongi Junction, and ultimately Dhaka. 'We crossed the border from Agartala into East Pakistan on December 1, 1971. The battles were fierce. We used self-loading rifles, mortars, rocket launchers, anti-tank guns, cannons, howitzers, tanks, and machine guns. The maximum range of our guns was just about a kilometre,' he said. The veteran recalled Indian Air Force deployed MiG-21s, Hawker Hunters, Folland Gnats, and English Electric Canberra bombers to great effect. 'We fought alongside the Mukti Bahini, destroyed enemy tanks, and pushed the Pakistani troops back all the way to Dhaka,' he added. After serving the Indian Army for 32 years, including participation in Operation Meghdoot (1984), the mission to secure the Siachen Glacier, Mohanty retired in 2002. During his career, he was posted in Mizoram, Assam, Tripura, Kanpur, Kashmir, and Pune. He currently draws a monthly pension of Rs 41,000. Back in his village, Mohanty remains active in public life. He was elected sarpanch of Barunadiha gram panchayat three times - first in 2007, then in 2012, and again in 2022. He could not contest in 2017 due to reservation of the seat for SC candidates. Mohanty lives with his wife and extended family in Barunadiha. His eldest son, Amit, is also a former Indian Army soldier, while his younger son, Arjit, serves in Odisha Police.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India-Pakistan conflict: Ready to return to combat if required, says Telangana minister Uttam Reddy
HYDERABAD: Telangana minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, a former Indian Air Force pilot , has expressed his readiness to return to combat duty if the nation ever calls upon him again. In an informal interaction with reporters at Gandhi Bhavan here, the irrigation and civil supplies minister reflected on his military background and commented on the ongoing conflict between India and shared that he joined the armed forces at the age of 16 and was flying MiG-21s by 1982. He later piloted the MiG-23. 'I was just 20 and already a fighter pilot,' he said, as quoted in a the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Reddy said it was backed by Pakistan and strongly condemned the violence, particularly killings carried out in the name of religion."India had every reason to hit back," he said, backing the country's military about 'Operation Sindoor', Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that Rafale jets and Kamikaze drones were deployed from within Indian territory as part of the strong responses are crucial if India ever hopes to achieve a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue. "Personally, I believe the Kashmir conflict won't truly end until India takes back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," he if it comes down to war, Uttam Kumar Reddy said: "If there's a full-scale conflict and I'm needed - I'll fight again."
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Will join combat if reserved forces are called upon: Uttam
Former Indian Air Force fighter pilot turned politician and now Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has declared that he is ready to return to combat if the country ever needed the services of the reserved forces. A fighter pilot, who once flew MiG-23s, spoke candidly on Friday about his IAF sting and referred to the current tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking to reporters at Gandhi Bhavan on Friday, Mr. Uttam recalled having joined the armed forces at the age of 16 years and by 1982 he was flying MiG-21s, and later got behind the controls of the MiG-23 — a jet so fast it could hit speeds more than twice the speed of sound. 'I was just 20, already a fighter pilot,' he said referring to his postings in Air Stations in Uttar Pradesh, Srinagar, and Amritsar — areas that have long been on the edge when it comes to national security. He termed the April 22 incident a terror attack backed by Pakistan and slammed the killings, especially those carried out in the name of religion. 'India had every reason to hit back,' he said, referring to the recent military response. Mr. Uttam also touched on Operation Sindoor, claiming Rafale jets and Kamikaze drones were deployed from within Indian territory as part of the mission. He argued that such strong responses are crucial if India ever hopes to achieve a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue. 'Personally, I believe the Kashmir conflict won't truly end until India takes back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,' he said without hesitation. According to Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the assault on Jammu left India no choice but to respond — and any continued aggression from across the border could spell disaster for Pakistan. 'No other nation is going to step in with military support,' he noted. And if it comes down to war? Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy's message was clear: 'If there's a full-scale conflict and I'm needed — I'll fight again.'
