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The Print
2 days ago
- General
- The Print
Legacy of Air Chief Marshal LM Katre, the man who flew Spitfires & ushered IAF into a modern era
He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 16th Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Memorial Lecture, an event attended by senior IAF officials and representatives from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He also revealed that several F16 fighter aircraft undergoing maintenance at Pakistan's Jacobabad air base were damaged and that a Saab Erieye, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, aircraft was destroyed at the Bholari air base. New Delhi: IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh officially announced Saturday the Indian Air Force's S-400 Triumf air defence system shot down five Pakistani fighter aircraft and a large airborne surveillance platform from a distance of about 300 km during Operation Sindoor in early May. Instituted in memory of Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre, the IAF's 12th chief, the annual lecture pays tribute to a leader who combined front-line operational experience with a sustained push for modernisation, training reforms and stronger links with industry. ThePrint looks at the life and legacy of ACM Katre who became the second air force chief to die in harness. The other was Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, who died at the age of 49 in November 1960, caused by choking on food during an official visit to Tokyo. From leading a Spitfire squadron early in his career to overseeing the induction of Mirage 2000s, ACM Katre's service spanned multiple eras of air warfare and still continues to shape the IAF's journey, 40 years since his demise. In Royal Indian Air Force At 17, ACM Katre entered the Royal Indian Air Force as an officer cadet in 1944, receiving his commission a year later. His career spanned the closing years of the Second World War and the formative decades of independent India's air power. Katre's early flying years were shaped in the cockpit of piston-engine fighters, most notably the Supermarine Spitfire which he flew operationally in the late 1940s as the first generation of IAF's combat pilots adapted wartime experience to peacetime roles. With the service's rapid shift into the jet age, he commanded frontline squadrons including the No. 17 Squadron, famously known as the Golden Arrows, and No. 23 Squadron, called the Panthers, that successively operated the de Havilland Vampire, the IAF's first jet fighter, followed by the Hawker Hunter and later the Folland Gnat and MiG-21. These aircraft not only defined the IAF's strike and air defence capabilities through the 1950s and 1960s, but also became synonymous with the service's growing tactical sophistication, from high-speed interceptions to close-in dogfighting. From 1966 to 1968, Katre commanded an operational flying station. According to IAF's official records, his tenure is remembered for the speed with which he transformed the base from routine functioning to full combat readiness, a change attributed as much to his instinct for leadership as to his meticulous attention to men and machines. Among his innovations during this time were improvised aircraft 'hideouts', constructed with local materials, designed to conceal fighters from hostile eyes and protect them from air strikes. In subsequent simulated attack drills, the shelters proved so effective that the practice was swiftly copied across other frontline stations. Then, in October 1968, the region was struck by the kind of disaster that tested military skill in an entirely different way. Monsoon floods tore through North Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan, cutting off villages and stranding thousands. Appointed the local commander of the Air Force's relief operations, Katre oversaw a complex ballet of airlifts and supply drops into some of the most inaccessible terrains in the eastern Himalayas. In Bhutan and in Assam's Goalpara district, his teams brought food, medicine and shelter to hundreds of refugees. Subsequently, in 1970, his dual achievements in sharpening operational readiness and leading critical humanitarian relief earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Katre served as the station commander of 18 Wing at Pathankot, a forward base of high strategic value in the western sector. Confronted with repeated Pakistani air raids, he maintained the base's operational capability by dispersing aircraft to minimise exposure, directing rapid runway repairs after each strike and ensuring close coordination with air-defence units to protect key assets. The IAF official records show that under his command, Pathankot's squadron, then flying Sukhoi Su-7 strike aircraft and MiG-21 interceptors, were able to sustain both offensive sorties and defensive patrols throughout the conflict, making a significant contribution to the air campaign in the western theatre. After the war, Katre turned his attention to training and institution-building. As Commandant of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, he revamped the training modules completely to prioritise jet instruction, expanded facilities for ground-duty officers and introduced advanced flight simulators. These initiatives led to significant improvements in safety and training standards, which were later adopted throughout the Indian Air Force. Subsequently, Katre went on to serve as Senior Air Staff Officer at Western Air Command and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both Eastern and Western Air Commands. Then, in 1983, Katre was appointed the chairman of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), where he worked to better align the IAF's operational requirements with HAL's production capabilities, a coordination seen as critical to the service's modernisation efforts during that period. Recognising that indigenous manufacturing was crucial for India's strategic autonomy and modernisation, Katre worked to enhance coordination between the IAF and HAL. Under his leadership, efforts were intensified to streamline aircraft production schedules, improve quality control and expedite the development and induction of new fighter jets and support equipment A year later, Katre took over as chief of the air staff. His tenure coincided with the induction of the Dassault Mirage 2000, a modern multi-role fighter that replaced old mechanical controls with electronic fly-by-wire systems, allowing more precise handling. It also carried advanced missiles capable of engaging targets beyond the pilot's visual range, marking a major leap in air combat technology for that time. The first aircraft arrived in June 1985 with squadrons such as No. 7 and No. 1 beginning their conversion—training pilots to switch from flying one type of aircraft to another—between 1985 and 1986, reflecting Katre's push to introduce advanced capabilities into the IAF. Less than a year into his tenure, on 1 July 1985, Katre died suddenly at the age of 58 from a heart attack, becoming the second IAF chief to die in office. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: We were given free hand, no restrictions placed on us: IAF chief on Op Sindoor
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistani terror sites to airbases: Haunted by 'ghosts of Balakot', IAF chief comes armed with proof on Operation Sindoor
NEW DELHI: Haunted by the "ghosts of Balakot", IAF chief Amar Preet Singh on Saturday came fully armed with more visual proof of the precision airstrikes carried out deep inside Pakistan during , showcasing the extent of damage inflicted on key military and terror infrastructure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From high-value airbases to the headquarters of ISI-backed terror outfits, the strikes, conducted in retaliation to the Pahalgam killings, demonstrated India's ability to hit strategic targets with pinpoint accuracy, well inside enemy territory. "I'm very happy that this time we were able to take care of that ghost of Balakot that we were able to tell the world what we have achieved," the IAF chief remarked. The evidence included images and videos of the destruction of Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the flattening of 's command centre in Bahawalpur, and crippling damage to 's headquarters in Muridke. The IAF also presented proof of severe hits on the Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Bholari airbases. Nur Khan airbase The strikes inflicted a significant setback on Pakistan's military capabilities by destroying the Nur Khan Airbase, a key pillar of the country's air power, during precision strikes under Operation Sindoor. Located in Rawalpindi and formerly known as PAF Chaklala, the base served as the command hub of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. It housed critical aerial assets such as Saab Erieye airborne early warning aircraft, C-130 transport planes, and IL-78 aerial refuelling tankers. Bahawalpur: JeM headquarters IAF's precision strikes under Operation Sindoor caused tremendous damage to Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, the ISI-backed terror group's main command hub. Among those killed were ten members of JeM chief Masood Azhar's family, marking a major blow to the group's leadership. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Carried out nearly 100 kilometres inside Pakistani territory, the strike was described as the most powerful of the operation, employing India's most potent weapon. In total, the armed forces eliminated nine terror launchpads, but the Bahawalpur hit was considered the most significant for both strategic and symbolic reasons. Muridke: LeT headquarters Another key terror site that IAF had targeted was Muridke, where Lashkar-e-Taiba's headquarters was located. Demonstrating the level of damage caused by the strikes, IAF chief said, "This is their senior leadership's residential area. These were their office building where they would get together to conduct meetings. We could get video from the weapons themselves as the location was within range." The strikes killed around a dozen high-value terrorists in Pakistan, including IC-814 hijacker Yusuf Azhar, Lashkar's Muridke chief Abu Jundal alias Mudassar, and the son of the 2016 Nagrota attack plotter. Rahim Yar Khan airbase The damages at the Rahim Yar Khan airbase from Operation Sindoor was so intense that it remained non-operational for at least two months. The base, located about 230 km south of Bahawalpur, is a key element of Pakistan's southern air defence due to its proximity to India's Rajasthan border and was heavily damaged in India's precision strikes in early May. Situated within an international airport, the airbase first issued a Notam on May 10, closing the runway until May 18, which was later extended. Another closure notice followed in early June, pushing the date to July 4. Sukkur airbase The image shows the before and after scenes at Sukkur Pakistani airbase. Its dual-use radar was targeted as it is located very close to Rajasthan and used for nefarious activities. Bholari airbase At Bholari, strikes targeted the AEW&C hangar. "We attacked three hangars. One was the Sukkur UAV hangar, the Bholari hangar and the Jacobabad F-16 hangar. We have an indication of at least one AEW&C in that AEW&C hangar and a few F-16s, which were under maintenance there," IAF chief said.
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
New Satellite Image Shows Massive Damage To Pak's Nur Khan Base After Operation Sindoor
New Delhi: Recent satellite imagery suggests that Pakistan's strategically important Nur Khan airbase sustained more extensive damage during India's 'Operation Sindoor' than previously believed. Nur Khan, a vital hub for Pakistan's drone and VIP air fleet, is located in Rawalpindi, less than 25 kilometres from Islamabad. The base is a high-value target, housing key assets of the Pakistan Air Force. "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," defence analyst Damien Symon posted on X. A fresh assessment reveals that a large complex near the strike site has been demolished, expanding the perceived impact of the Indian Air Force's precision strikes. According to The Intel Lab, which shared the latest satellite visuals, the destruction appears to go beyond the previously reported damage to two special-purpose trucks. Earlier reports based on satellite analysis indicated that India carried out precision strikes between May 8 and 10, targeting infrastructure and ground support systems at the Rawalpindi-based airbase. The attack was viewed as both strategic and symbolic, as the base lies close to the Pakistan Army's headquarters and serves as the command centre for air mobility operations. These operations include Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transport aircraft, and IL-78 mid-air refuelling planes, which are critical for logistics, surveillance, and operational coordination. The base also houses Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones and Pakistan's indigenous Shahpar-I drones, used for targeting and surveillance missions. Nur Khan is central to Pakistan's drone warfare strategy and hosts the country's elite pilot training and VIP fleet, including the presidential aircraft. The scale of the strike has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Pakistan's air defence system. Adding to the narrative, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently revealed that he was awakened in the early hours of May 11 by army chief General Syed Asim Munir, who informed him that Indian ballistic missiles had hit multiple airbases, including Nur Khan. Recently, Sharif said during a public meeting that he had received a call from General Munir at 2:30 a.m. on a secure line. He told him that India had just launched ballistic missiles, and one of them fell at Nur Khan Airport. He was speaking on Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Thanks). According to Sharif, Pakistan retaliated by striking Indian locations, including Pathankot and Udhampur. The escalation followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people killed. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan. In response, Pakistan attempted missile attacks on May 8, 9, and 10. On May 10, Pakistan military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry confirmed in a 4 a.m. press conference that India had targeted Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Jhang) airbases. His statement confirms that Nur Khan was one of the closest Indian strike points to Islamabad. By the evening of May 10, both sides announced that they had agreed to de-escalate the confrontation after four days of intense military engagement across the border.
India.com
25-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: Satellite Images Reveal Major Damage To Pakistans Nur Khan Airbase
Recent satellite imagery suggests that Pakistan's strategically important Nur Khan airbase sustained more extensive damage during India's 'Operation Sindoor' than previously believed. Nur Khan, a vital hub for Pakistan's drone and VIP air fleet, is located in Rawalpindi, less than 25 kilometres from Islamabad. The base is a high-value target, housing key assets of the Pakistan Air Force. '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,' defence analyst Damien Symon posted on X. A fresh assessment reveals that a large complex near the strike site has been demolished, expanding the perceived impact of the Indian Air Force's precision strikes. According to The Intel Lab, which shared the latest satellite visuals, the destruction appears to go beyond the previously reported damage to two special-purpose trucks. Earlier reports based on satellite analysis indicated that India carried out precision strikes between May 8 and 10, targeting infrastructure and ground support systems at the Rawalpindi-based airbase. The attack was viewed as both strategic and symbolic, as the base lies close to the Pakistan Army's headquarters and serves as the command centre for air mobility operations. These operations include Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transport aircraft, and IL-78 mid-air refuelling planes, which are critical for logistics, surveillance, and operational coordination. The base also houses Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones and Pakistan's indigenous Shahpar-I drones, used for targeting and surveillance missions. Nur Khan is central to Pakistan's drone warfare strategy and hosts the country's elite pilot training and VIP fleet, including the presidential aircraft. The scale of the strike has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Pakistan's air defence system. Adding to the narrative, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently revealed that he was awakened in the early hours of May 11 by army chief General Syed Asim Munir, who informed him that Indian ballistic missiles had hit multiple airbases, including Nur Khan. Recently, Sharif said during a public meeting that he had received a call from General Munir at 2:30 a.m. on a secure line. He told him that India had just launched ballistic missiles, and one of them fell at Nur Khan Airport. He was speaking on Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Thanks). According to Sharif, Pakistan retaliated by striking Indian locations, including Pathankot and Udhampur. The escalation followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan. In response, Pakistan attempted missile attacks on May 8, 9, and 10. On May 10, Pakistan military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry confirmed in a 4 a.m. press conference that India had targeted Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Jhang) airbases. His statement confirms that Nur Khan was one of the closest Indian strike points to Islamabad. By the evening of May 10, both sides announced that they had agreed to de-escalate the confrontation after four days of intense military engagement across the border.
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
