IAF, Indian Air Force - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

ANSWER: Hemant Narayan Bhagwat

Explanation:
Air Marshal Hemant Narayan Bhagwat AVSM VM has taken over as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration of Indian Air Force at Air Headquarters (VB), New Delhi on 01 Aug 2017.

He was commissioned in Administrative branch of the IAF in June 1981.

After serving for seven years as an Air Traffic control Officer in three different operational bases of the IAF, the Air Officer qualified as Parachute Jump Instructor and served in instructional capacity for fifteen years.

During his paratrooping career, the officer has undertaken over 2400 live parachute jumps in combat as well as sport profile from twenty different types of aircraft.

He has also served as Chief Instructor of Paratroopers’ Training School, Agra for five years and was leader of prestigious IAF Skydiving Team, Akashganga for several years.

Besides para jumps in all parts of our country, the officer has also participated in several international para exercises including in USA, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles.

The officer is senior most active parachute jump instructor of the IAF.

HN Bhagwat: Know More

• The Air Officer is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and has undergone Higher Air Command Course at College of Air Warfare, Hyderabad and Senior Defence Management Course at College of Defence Management, Secunderabad.
• The officer has completed his M Sc in Strategic Studies from Madras University & M Phil from Osmania University.
• The Air Officer has held several prestigious appointments including that of a Chief Admin Officer of a premier fighter base, Commandant of Garud Regimental Training Centre, as Chief Personnel Staff Officer at HQ South Western Air Command, Senior Officer in charge Administration at HQ Western Air Command.
• He was also Asst Chief of the Air Staff (Org & Cer) at Air HQ. Prior to assuming the appointment of AOA, Air Mshl HN Bhagwat was Director General (Works & Ceremonials) at Air HQ.
• The Air Officer was commended by Chief of Air Staff in 1999 and was awarded Vayu Sena Medal by the President of India in 2005 for his contributions to paratrooping field.
• He has been awarded the Ati Vishist Seva Medal by President of India for distinguished service of a very high order.

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:
President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Standard to 125 Helicopter Squadron and Colours to Mechanical Training Institute of Indian Air Force (March 3, 2017) at Air Force Station, Tambaram, Tamil Nadu.

Speaking on the occasion, the President complimented the 125 Helicopter Squadron and Mechanical Training Institute of Indian Air Force and said these units have a glorious past, embedded with rich heritage, stellar efforts and selfless service to the Nation.

For their unflinching devotion, professionalism, ethos and courage, the Nation honours them with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.

IAF Squadrons: Know More

• The Indian Air Force needs at least 42 squadrons of fighters to protect its western and northern borders with Pakistan and China.
• By 2019 -2020 it will lose another 14 squadrons of the vintage MiG 21s and MiG 27s.
• There are 16-18 planes in one squadron.
• The force now depends on Su-30 MKI and MiG 29s, the British-made Jaguar and French-made Mirage 2000s.
• After the air force de-commissioned three of the ageing Russian-made MiG 21 squadrons, bringing down the total number from 34 to 31 fighter squadrons, an additional squadron of the Russian-made Su-30 MKI has been raised.

ANSWER: Both a and b

Explanation:
The transport aircraft fleet will see India revive three aircraft programmes, all being designed in Bengaluru, including the re-engined and modified version of the ambitious 14-seater Saras aircraft.

The National Laboratories Limited (NAL), which first conceived Saras as a civil aircraft has been pushing for a military certification in the past two years.

Saras, the Light Transport Aircraft has presently been handed over to the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment of IAF, and NAL is hopeful of having the first flight in about 45 days.

Manufacturing of two Limited Series Prototypes will require INR 400 crore to INR 500 crore.

Saras will boast of multi-role capabilities like feeder line aircraft, air ambulance, executive aircraft, troop transport, reconnaissance, aerial survey and light cargo transport.

The Saras programme had come crashing down after a 2009 accident.

The original design included a maximum take-off weight of 6,100kg and a maximum payload of 1,232kg.

The first prototype which completed its maiden flight on May 29, 2004, was overweight at 5,118kg compared to the 4,125kg design specifications.

The 70-seater aircraft programme has been relaunched given the renewed emphasis on regional connectivity.

Further, NM5-100, the 5-seater aircraft jointly developed by NAL and Mahindra Aerospace, testing of which was being done in Australia since 2011-12.

Saras: Know More

• NAL Saras is the first Indian multi-purpose civilian aircraft in the light transport aircraft category as designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories.
• In January 2016, it was reported that the project has been cancelled.
• Top speed: 750 km/h
• Wingspan: 15 m
• Length: 15 m
• First flight: May 29, 2004
• Manufacturers: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories

ANSWER: 84^th

Explanation:
The 84^th anniversary of the Indian Air Force was celebrated with pomp and splendour at the NDA, Khadakwasla near Pune

• The IAF is the world’s fourth largest air force with a main responsibility to secure the India airspace and conduct aerial warfare during conflict
• It was established on Oct 8, 1932 as an auxiliary force of the British empire
• The prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of services during WW2
• After India gained freedom in 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force served the Indian dominion
• The prefix was Royal was dropped in 1950 when India became a republic. The IAF has been involved in wars numbering 4 with Pakistan
• It also fought the 1962 Indo-China war
• Commandment of NDA Air Marshall JS Kier was the chief guest of the traditional cutting of the cake
• An oath taking ceremony was also held by the IAF personnel
• NDA is a unique ti-service military training centre where all three armed forces’ cadets receive training
• There are close to 65 Air Force cadets enrolled in each course
• Cadets were given flying training.
• Air Force cadets also get trained in aviation related subjects such as Air Traffic and Flight, meteorology, aero-modelling, paragliding, skeet shooting and deflection shooting to sharpen their skills
• Distinguished IAF personnel have originated from the institute including Rakesh Sharma, India’s first and only Indian cosmonaut and Air Chief Marshall Arup Raha.

ANSWER: Desert Eagle-II

Explanation:
To step up military engagement with Persian Gulf countries, IAF is conducting air combat exercise called “Desert Eagle-II” with UAE forces.

• IAF has deployed Sukhoi-30MKI fighters for the exercise and UAW has fielded F-16s and Mirage-2000s.
• Such an exercise provides exposure towards mission planning and execution in a simulated high threat combat environment
• Exercise Desert Eagle-1 was held at the same location in September 2008

ANSWER: Rajasthan

Explanation:
Indian Air Force on March 18, 2016 successfully conducted Exercise Iron Fist in Pokhran, Rajasthan. This exercise showcased 22 types of platforms and weapon systems like Jaguar, MIG 29 and RPAs.

ANSWER: 5

Explanation:
The Defence Ministry has taken the decision to allow women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force on a temporary basis for a period of 5 years. In October, the Defence Ministry had made the announcement that women would be allowed into combat roles for the first time, commencing with the Air Force.

ANSWER: Induct women into combat stream of IAF

Explanation:
Ministry of Defence on 24th October 2015 has given the approval for the induction of women into the IAF combat stream, clearing the way for women to fly warplanes for the first time. First batch of women pilots will be commissioned into IAF in June 2016. Earlier in the week, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha has announced a major policy shift indicating women should be allowed to become fighter pilots. Currently, there are 1500 women in IAF of which 90 are pilots and 15 are navigators.

ANSWER: 83rd

Explanation:
Indian Air Force celebrated its 83rd anniversary at Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad where the decision to induct women as fighter pilots was also taken. This is the 83rd celebration of this anniversary which has been observed since 1932. IAF has been involved in numerous operations such as Pawan, Cactus and Vijay as well as wars such as WW2 and India China war.

ANSWER: Arun Saklani

Explanation:
Sakhalin took over from air commodore S. K. Indoria who will now be posted to Central Air Command. He was commissioned as Pilot in transport stream of IAF in June 1980s. He is an
alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and a qualified flying instructor who has flown over 5500 hours on AN-32 and Boeing-737. A chief flying instructor in a training establishment, Saklani has commanded a transport squadron at a busy transport base in East. The air commodore was director transport operations at Air HQ before taking over as air officer commanding 12Wing, AF. He has been honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal.