Latest news with #RUF
News18
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
What Was Operation Khukri, India's UN Mission In West Africa? Who's Making A Movie On It Now?
Last Updated: Operation Khukri, a 2000 rescue mission by Indian soldiers in Sierra Leone (West Africa) is being made into a film by Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda 25 years ago, deep in the chaos of war-torn Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, Indian soldiers etched a chapter of courage, sacrifice, and strategic brilliance into the annals of United Nations peacekeeping history. That covert mission, known as Operation Khukri, is set to hit the silver screen as a film with Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda at the helm as both director and lead actor. In the year 2000, Sierra Leone, one of the world's poorest countries, was gripped by civil war. The Revolutionary United Front (RUF), a rebel group notorious for its scorched-earth tactics and use of child soldiers, had plunged the West African nation into nearly a decade of conflict. Amid international efforts to restore order, the United Nations deployed a peacekeeping force, which included a strong Indian contingent. But peace was elusive. In a shocking turn of events, the RUF took hostage 222 soldiers and 11 military observers from various nations, confining them under appalling conditions for a staggering 233 days. The captives, deprived even of two proper meals a day, became pawns in a deadly standoff that exposed the fragility of UN peacekeeping efforts. Among the trapped was a company of Indian soldiers stationed in Kailahun, commanded by Major Rajpal Poonia. Lured away on the pretext of negotiations, Major Poonia was separated from his troops, who were soon surrounded and ordered to surrender. The Gorkha Regiments under his command, known for their unmatched grit, refused to lay down their arms. As pressure mounted, the situation veered toward a full-blown hostage crisis. When diplomacy failed, the Indian Army launched a bold military operation. The mission, codenamed Operation Khukri, would be remembered as one of the most audacious rescue efforts in peacekeeping history. At the time, the United Nations was reluctant to endorse a military response. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, himself a West African, was cautious, fearing political backlash. But back in India, public outrage was growing. The fate of the soldiers could no longer hang in diplomatic limbo. A highly-trained commando platoon of 120 Indian troops was deployed. British Chinook helicopters provided logistical support, setting the stage for a multi-pronged assault. On the morning of July 15, 2000, explosives shattered the walls of the besieged garrison. Simultaneously, Gorkha soldiers inside launched a counterattack, overpowering the RUF fighters and securing a breach. The escape was perilous. Torrential rains had turned the terrain into a quagmire. Trucks bogged down in mud, soldiers forced to push vehicles under fire, rebels giving chase. The mission was to extract not just the trapped troops but also 11 UN observers and several sick personnel. Chinooks carried out the most vulnerable, while others fought their way through 12 kilometres of hostile territory to Gehun, where they linked up with fresh reinforcements from the 18 Grenadiers. The final leg took them to Pendembu, a rebel-held town, which the Gorkhas captured after a firefight. The operation was a resounding success: 34 rebels killed, 150 wounded, and only seven Indian soldiers injured. Not a single peacekeeper was lost. To honour this remarkable feat, Sierra Leone later built the 'Khukri War Memorial' on the banks of the Moa River, a rare tribute by a foreign nation to Indian military heroism. Major Rajpal Poonia, who eventually rose to the rank of Major General, documented the mission in his book Operation Khukri: The True Story Behind the Indian Army's Most Successful Mission as Part of the United Nations. The book serves not just as a chronicle of military strategy but also of human endurance. Now, that story is making its way to the big screen. Randeep Hooda, known for his intense roles and immersive storytelling, has acquired the rights to Poonia's book and will both direct and star in the upcoming film adaptation. 'The story of Operation Khukri moved me deeply," Hooda said in a statement, adding that it is a story of sacrifice, brotherhood, and holding on to courage in the darkest moments. Slated to be a high-octane war drama infused with patriotic fervour, the film aims to bring global attention to a forgotten saga of valour far from Indian shores. Operation Khukri stands as a rare example of an international peacekeeping success under dire circumstances. It was a testament to India's military ethos, summarised by former Army Chief General JJ Singh who said that Indian Army soldiers chose 'death over cowardice, honour over two meals a day, and dignity over freedom". First Published:
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Check Out This 650 hp 1-of-13 RUF Rt12 Up for Auction on Bring a Trailer
If you know anything about Porsches, you'll know that a RUF is nothing to be messed with. The Pfaffenhausen, Germany-based tuner takes the famed sports cars and turns them into the kind of machine you wouldn't want to challenge at a stoplight. Owning a RUF creation is a unique privilege on its own, but this particular example offered on Bring a Trailer takes that to another level. This 2005 RUF Rt12 is one of 13 examples ever made. Based on the 997-generation Porsche 911, the Rt12 debuted at the 2004 Essen Motor Show before entering production. This one was first delivered to Texas before being exported to Japan, relocated to British Columbia, Canada in 2023, and returning to the U.S. that same year. The body is finished in Blood Orange with RUF-specific wide-body kit that includes revised front and rear valances, air intakes, a power-retractable rear wing, fog lights, xenon headlights with washers, clear side marker lights, and carbon fiber side mirrors. Power is provided by the screaming twin-turbocharged 3.8L flat-six featuring RUF-modified KKK turbochargers, gas-flowed cylinder heads, Mahle 102mm pistons, and a bespoke cast-aluminum intake manifold. A reported 650 horsepower is sent through a six-speed G96/50 manual transaxle linked to an all-wheel-drive system and a limited-slip rear differential. The best part? This Rt12 shows only 27,000 miles on the odometer. The car sits on gray 19" RUF modular wheels and rides on Öhlins coilovers with a hydraulically actuated Dual Ride Height System that can raise the car by up to 2″ at speeds below 19 mph. Behind those wheels are eight- and four-piston monoblock calipers over cross-drilled and ventilated four-wheel discs. In other words, you won't have to worry about stopping on a dime. The interior is color-coordinated to the Blood Orange paint, with heated and adjustable black leather bucket seats with orange stitching as well as matching door panels and dashboard. The transmission tunnel, shift knob, and instrument bezels share the same color scheme. It should be noted that this Rt12 is not equipped with rear seats, or a RUF Integrated Roll Cage. With only 13 examples ever produced, it goes without saying that the chance to own a RUF Rt12 doesn't come everyday. The German tuner did a tremendous job of making the already-sexy 997-generation Porsche 911 into an even more alluring beast, with that bodykit and Blood Orange color clearly signalling its intentions: triple-digit speeds. The Bring a Trailer auction ends in just under 19 hours at the time of writing this, with a current bid of $420,000. Nice. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive a tool kit, a RUF Zertifikat, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Montana title. Hopefully that Montana title won't get looked at too closely by the DMV. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BROAD ARROW ADDS RARE RUF CTR YELLOWBIRD TO PORSCHE AUCTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AIR
1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird set to headline Broad Arrow's Porsche Air|Water Auction Another view of the 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird set to headline Broad Arrow's Porsche Air|Water Auction Grosse Pointe, Michigan, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird highlights latest consignments for Broad Arrow's second annual Porsche Auction at the popular Air|Water happening Yellowbird leads exceptional list of Porsche performance and racing cars set for April 26 auction in Costa Mesa, California Further highlights include a 1966 Porsche 906, 1990 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer, 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 X88, 2012 RUF Rt 12 S with factory-fitted R-spec engine, and more Bidder registration and additional information on all lots updated daily at Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, has announced an exceedingly rare 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird, chassis no. W09BT0348KPR06023, to lead its second annual Porsche Auction in partnership with Air|Water. Set for April 26 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California, the single-day auction held within the Air|Water event will once again feature more than 50 desirable Porsches along with a selection of coveted Porsche memorabilia pieces. The importance of the original RUF CTR cannot be understated—it remains the benchmark for the entire brand, the reference performance car of its generation, and a rare classic for a new generation of collectors. The example Broad Arrow has the pleasure of presenting at the Porsche Air|Water auction is one of only 29 W09 Group C Turbo Ruf (CTR) Yellowbirds built and is known to be the only Yellowbird specified with a special lightweight interior. A fully matching-numbers example, it is also Factory authenticated by its RUF Zertifikat in 2016. Equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo flat six with a RUF six-speed manual transmission producing 469 horsepower and capable of a 213-mph top speed, it was the fastest production car at the time. This is truly an exceptional example of RUF's record-breaking supercar made world-famous at the Nürburgring by test driver Stefan Roser. The CTR Yellowbird is estimated to bring $4,500,000 to $5,500,000 later this month. Alexander Weaver, Senior Car Specialist and VP of Private Sales for Broad Arrow states, 'The Ruf CTR represents the pinnacle of all rear-engine supercars and is the ultimate design evolution of the model. These low-production examples are without question one of the most sought-after supercars of our time and continue to gain ground in both their value as well as collectability, especially against their contemporary competitors.' Weaver goes on to say, 'The upcoming Air|Water auction is comprised of a terrific offering of Porsche models and in addition to the RUF, cars like the 1990 911 Reimagined by Singer, 1966 Carrera 6 and Turbo 3.6 X88 bring together highlights from all eras and facets of the brand. The auction, coupled with the already sold-out Saturday show, will be a highlight on the Porsche calendar for 2025, and we look forward to welcoming clients from around the world for what will surely be an exciting and unrepeatable weekend.' Additional highlights for the Porsche Air|Water auction feature a series of sought-after Porsche performance and racing icons. The group includes: 1966 Porsche 906 (Estimate: $1,600,000 - $1,900,000), chassis no. 906-140, an excellent example of the streamlined, prototype sports racer that captured an overall victory at the 1966 Targa Florio and signaled the dawn of a new golden age of endurance racing. This particular car is offered in largely unrestored condition, retaining numerous as-built details. It is fitted with a replacement magnesium-case Type 910 flat-six and its original serialized racing gearbox. It is finished in blue livery as campaigned by sports car dealer and racing driver Monte Shelton in the late 1960s. 1990 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer (Estimate: $1,050,000 - $1,250,000), chassis no. WP0AB2961LS451139, known as the 'Central Florida' commission. This exceptionally specified 911 is finished in Singer Racing White—a color that pays tribute to some of Porsche's earliest models—and is well-equipped to offer vastly improved performance. It is powered by the 4.0-liter Ed Pink-built air-cooled flat-six engine and boasts an Öhlins 2-Way sport adjustable suspension, and premium Brembo brakes with carbon ceramic rotors. Well-optioned with multiple Special Wishes items, it is the perfect harmony of mechanical excellence and timeless design and has covered less than 2,300 miles since Reimagining. 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 X88 (Estimate: $530,000 - $560,000), chassis no. WP0ZZZ96ZRS470400, one of the most desirable of the so-called Porsche Works Performance 'package cars'. This car is one of only 64 examples of the X88 Works Performance Package produced for the 1994 911 Turbo 3.6. It features an enhanced M64/50 air-cooled flat-six producing 385 horsepower and the rare X92 front lip spoiler typically reserved for the exclusive Turbo S X88. Finished in striking Paint-to-Sample non-metallic 'Ferrari Yellow' over a Black leather interior, it is offered with only 52,848 km recorded at cataloging and following a recent extensive engine and suspension service. 2012 RUF Rt 12 S (Estimate: $600,000 - $700,000), chassis no. W09BD0384CPR06148. The Rt 12 was produced in exceptionally limited numbers, with each car custom-built to its owner's specifications. Given its rare configuration, well-documented service history, and recent maintenance by R-Strada, this final model year Rt 12 S stands as one of the most coveted RUF automobiles available, especially considering its factory-fitted R-specification 730 horsepower engine and 200+ mph performance. The Porsche Air|Water Auction reflects Broad Arrow and Hagerty's continued commitment to the Porsche community, helping enthusiasts to protect, buy, sell, and enjoy their Porsches. The auction adds an experiential element to the Air|Water event, attended by thousands in 2024. Broad Arrow looks forward to once again celebrating all things Porsche with one of the most loyal and engaged enthusiast bases in the collector car industry. Bidder registration and additional information on all current consignments in available at The complete digital catalog will be available soon. Editors Notes About Broad Arrow Auctions - Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is a leading global collector car auction house. Founded in 2021 by highly experienced industry veterans, Broad Arrow offers exceptional quality cars to collectors and enthusiasts around the world. As the fastest growing auction house in its segment, Broad Arrow's flagship annual events include The Monterey Jet Center Auction, in conjunction with Motorlux in California, The Amelia Auction, as the official auction of The Amelia (Concours d'Elegance) in Florida, and The Porsche Auction, in conjunction with Air | Water by Luftgekühlt in California. Broad Arrow expanded its global footprint in 2023, with renowned car specialists joining the team in the UK and Europe. Broad Arrow is launching its first auction in Europe in May 2025 as the new official auction house of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy. Learn more at and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY) - Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand committed to saving driving and to fueling car culture for future generations. The company is a leading provider of specialty vehicle insurance, expert car valuation data and insights, live and digital car auction services, immersive events and automotive entertainment custom made for the 67 million Americans who self-describe as car enthusiasts. Hagerty also operates in Canada and the U.K. and is home to Hagerty Drivers Club, a community of over 875,000 who can't get enough of cars. For more information, please visit or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements - This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect our current intentions, expectations, or beliefs regarding the business. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may be outside of our control. Some of the factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by our forward-looking statements include: (i) our ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the subject of this press release; (ii) our ability to compete effectively within our industry and attract and retain members; and (iii) the other risks and uncertainties listed in our Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') on March 14, 2023. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in our other press releases, reports and other filings with the SEC. Understanding the information contained in those filings is important in order to fully understand our reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by law. Attachments 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird set to headline Broad Arrow's Porsche Air|Water Auction Another view of the 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird set to headline Broad Arrow's Porsche Air|Water Auction CONTACT: Ian Kelleher Broad Arrow Auctions 917-971-4008 ikelleher@ Meghan McGrail Broad Arrow Auctions 519-365-8750 mmcgrail@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rare RUF CTR 'Yellowbird' Breaks Records With $6M Auction
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A 1989 RUF CTR 'Yellowbird' has soared into the record books after selling for $6,055,000 at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island Auctions, making it the most expensive example of the model ever sold publicly. Widely considered one of the most iconic performance cars of the 1980s, this CTR — chassis number W09BT0343KPR06026 — is one of just 29 examples ever built. Even more exclusive, it is one of only nine cars finished in the distinctive Blutengelb (Blossom Yellow), the shade that earned the CTR its enduring 'Yellowbird' nickname. The record-setting car is also among a handful specified with the rare Leichtbau (lightweight) configuration. It features aluminum body panels, a factory-installed Matter roll cage, and a six-speed gearbox developed in-house by RUF. With just 1,056 miles on the odometer, the car remains in highly original condition, a major factor in its sky-high hammer price. Unveiled in 1987, the RUF CTR rose to prominence after besting some of the world's most formidable supercars during Road & Track's legendary top-speed test, clocking a verified 211 mph. Its striking color, aerodynamic enhancements, and twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter flat-six engine instantly turned it into a global sensation, appearing in enthusiast films and racing games for decades. The auction lot included the original RUF invoice, tool kit, owner's books, and a RUF Zertifikat — the company's certificate of authenticity. Alois and Estonia Ruf, who continue to oversee the German manufacturer, praised the sale as validation of the Yellowbird's lasting legacy in the collector world. With its combination of low production numbers, storied performance, and pop culture fame, the RUF CTR Yellowbird remains one of the most collectible cars of the analog era.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Are These The Best Modern Supercars To Ever Go Up For Auction?
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious It would be crazy to have all of the best RUFs and 80s Mercedes-Benz AMGs in one place, right? But it's really happening. A handful of the most notable models are about to go up for auction in a few short weeks, so we compiled everything you need to know about them. In no time at all, Gooding Christie's will offer these gorgeous vehicles at their Amelia Island Auctions from March 6–7. Of course, you can also register to bid on them here, or peek at the rest of the auction catalogue if you're hooked. Before we had the term 'Supercar,' these marvels of modern engineering were sometimes called tuner cars, as they have been modified to reach peak performance. Usually these modifications are to achieve higher engine performance and dynamic handling. Enter RUF, a German car manufacturer. In the 80s and 90s, RUF utilized Porsche bodies to build cars with the most customized, peak performance possible. Now, they make their own vehicles, but the early ones remain highly desirable. The Yellowbird is a super special iteration of the CTR, which is based on a 911 Carrera 3.2, keeping weight and aerodynamic drag to a minimum. But most crucial to the CTR is the 3.4-liter air-cooled flat six engine. Some CTRs were custom ordered with luxury amenities like air conditioning and adjustable Recaro seats, but clients could also specify the car to be Leichtbau, or lightweight. The name Yellowbird comes from a trial, in which the car simultaneously displayed remarkable speed and control. With a top speed of 211, the Yellowbird beat out the best from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and AMG. Only 29 Yellowbirds were ever produced, with only nine originally finished in Blutengelb, or Blossom Yellow. This particular 6-speed RUF gearbox Leichtbau specification is in time-capsule condition, with just two owners from new. Basically it's one of the best RUFs money can buy. The CTR2 was the successor to the Yellowbird with a 993-generation Porsche 911 body, optimizing aerodynamics. This particular model boasts a 3,600 cc SOHC flat 6-cylinder engine, with TAGtronic electronic fuel injection. It was delivered new to Japan in November 1997 and was the only CTR or CTR2 to be finished in the striking Adriatic Blue. Prior to this scale, the CTR2 underwent a meticulous, multi-hundred-hour servicing and preparation process, ensuring that it's delivered in insanely good condition. With a top speed of 217 mph, faster than the Lamborghini Diablo, Ferrari F50 and Jaguar XJ220, it's got to be pretty good fun. Mercedes AMG Hammers are high-performance models from the 80s. This one is extremely rare for a few reasons: it boasts a 6.0-liter DOHC V-8 engine that was built by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany. Most importantly, it's the only known coupe with a five-speed manual gearbox. It was built to order for the infamous Italian industrialist Raul Gardini, and it comes delivered in Anthracite Grey Metallic with a widebody kit and 'Aero III' wheels, in addition to all its original books, toolkit, literature and more. Perhaps the most famous of the Hammer specification, the four-door sedan is one of the most iconic performance cars of the 80s, and a definitive example of AMG's most iconic pre-merger model. AMG installed a 5.6-liter Type M117 engine, equipped with the Erhard Melcher-designed DOHC 32-valve heads and rated at 355 hp, granting it an AMG VIN. This particular model is the only known Hammer Sedan equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and was recently rebuilt by marque specialist Blue Ridge MB. These performance cars were unbelievable when they debuted, and they remain incredible testaments to engineering and design. If you're hooked on this era of performance tuner cars, check out Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions. While you wait, here's Gooding Christie's online catalogue or you can register to bid if you're hoping to get your hands on peak performance.
