India's combat chopper unveiled, induction by 2014.

India's first indigenous combat helicopter capable of participating in anti-Naxal and counter terrorism operations on Sunday took to the skies, marking its first official flight at the HAL airport here.

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed and developed indigenously by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in four years since the project began in 2006, is likely to be ready for induction by the Army and Air Force before 2014.

Witnessed by IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal, P.K. Barbora and the defense production secretary, Mr R.K. Singh, the 10-minute flight display caught the attention of those present at the venue, with the 5.8-tonne chopper showcasing its maneuverability and stability, including one of the most difficult moves — reverse slide.

India's combat chopper unveiled, induction by 2014.

squadron leader or wing commander Sachin Tendulkar ?

Article appeared on deccanchronicle.com

New Delhi, April 30: The Indian Air Force is considering a move to confer the honorary rank of either squadron leader or wing commander on master batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

Defence sources confirmed to this newspaper that the move was at a “very preliminary stage” and that any formal proposal moved by the IAF would have to be placed before the ministry of defence (MoD) for approval.

When asked by this newspaper about the move, the response of the usually-outspoken Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, was a polite “No comment”. It is understood that the IAF is keen on conferring the honour on the cricket legend after permission is granted by the government and the requisite formalities are completed.

squadron leader or wing commander Sachin Tendulkar ?

India to have fifth-generation jets in 2018 with Russia: IAF

New Delhi: India will introduce an advanced fighter jet it is building with Russia in 2018, a move that will bring sophistication to its air power but could also spark unease among neighbours China and Pakistan.

New Delhi has watched warily as China has made rapid strides in defence, worried that Beijing's long-term strategy for the region could involve encircling India.

India to have fifth-generation jets in 2018 with Russia: IAF