Indo-Singapore joint training (AF) concludes

Press Release 

The eighth Indo-Singapore Joint Military Training (JMT) between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), held annually at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda, West Bengal, concluded on Friday. The JMT earlier began on October 16. 

The JMT held under a bilateral agreement signed between the two countries help both Air Forces gain greater understanding of each other’s concept of operations. The first JMT was held in 2006. 

IAF Su-30 MKI and MiG-27 aircraft participated together with RSAF F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcons during the six week, day-night joint drills. The RSAF detachment comprised 30 officers and 87 personnel. The RSAF Fighting Falcons have flown back to Singapore today in the morning, said Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore R Radhish from Kalaikunda. 

Besides the air exercises, IAF-RSAF personnel also participated in cultural and sports activities. Among the senior dignitaries who visited the base during the exercise included RSAF Chief of Air Force (CAF), Major General Ng Chee Meng and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal S Varthaman. 

Thanking IAF officers and men of Air Force Station, Kalaikunda for hosting a wonderful visit, the RSAF CAF during his visit in October remarked: "I look forward to many more years of friendship and exchanges." 

With the regular participation in multi-national exercises abroad as well as hosting similar exercises at home, IAF has gained valuable experience and is fast maturing as a strategic force. 

IAF's professionalism is evident from the keen interest shown by several other air forces to exercise with the IAF. Air Force Station, Kalaikunda with infrastructure of international standards has also become an air base of choice for hosting international exercises. 

Air Forces of the USA, France and the UK are among the other countries that have participated in international exercises at this premiere IAF airbase.

Air Marshal Sukumar new DCAS

(Press Release)

Air Marshal S Sukumar AVSM VM would take over as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air headquarters Vayu Bhawan on 01 Dec 2012. He was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 29 Dec 1976.

The Air Marshal is a qualified flying instructor and an experimental test pilot. He has flown over 4000 hrs on 25 types of aircraft and has flown all types of MIG aircraft in IAF inventory i.e. MIG-21, MIG-23, MIG-25, MIG-27, MIG-29, Jaguar, Mirage and SU-30 , AN-32, AVRO, trainer aircraft - Kiran, MK-I , MK-II, HT-2 and HPT-32. He is one of the few pilots who has also flown F-16, F-18 and the Alpha Jet.

The Air Marshal has held various command and staff appointments which include Command of an Operational base, AOC, Adv HQ SWAC, Chief Test Pilot at Aircraft System Testing Establishment, Bangalore, ACAS(PO), Principal Director of Air Staff Requirements.

A post graduate from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington with Directing Staff grading, he is a M Phil in Strategic Studies from Army War College MHOW and M Phil in Security Studies from National Defence College.

For his distinguished service he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2003 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2012.

He is married to Dr Sadhana Sukumar. They have two sons who are pursuing higher studies.

150 officers pass out of AFTC

 (Press Release)

An impressive Passing Out Parade of Permanent Commission & Short Service Commission (Aeronautical Engineering Course) was held at the Air Force Technical College (AFTC), Jalahalli in Bangalore today.

The passing out parade marks the culmination of 74 weeks of training in Aeronautical Engineering, Military Leadership, Managerial Skills and Ethos of an air warrior. The batch comprises 150 officers, including 32 women officers and 10 international officers.

Air Marshal Jagdish Chandra, Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Headquarters Maintenance Command IAF graced the occasion as Chief Guest & reviewed the Passing Out Parade.

In his opening address, The Air Marshal emphasized the critical role of Engineers in maintenance of Aircraft and ground based equipment, the dignitary lauded their efforts in field of aviation and Aerospace safety.

Treating the service to nation as a challenge and a rare opportunity, he advised the passing out officers to lead from the front and exhibit highest professionalism while maintaining impeccable integrity with unwavering commitment. Exhorting the young leaders to imbibe team – spirit, meticulous preparation to assigned task and its flawless execution.

He awarded trophies and medallions to the officers who excelled in the course. The prestigious ‘President’s Plaque’ for the best all round officer and the Chief of Air Staff Medal for the best in Electronics stream was awarded to Flying Officer Ajay Kumar and the ‘Vice President’s Sword’ for the second best all round officer and Chief of Air Staff Medal for best in Mechanical stream was awarded to Flying Officer Taresh Kumar.

Meanwhile, a small milestone!

Dear members and visitors,

I have been conferred with a PhD Degree in Journalism and Communication from Mysore University, India. It was my late mother's dream, that I must take a doctorate in Journalism, after I left my engineering course mid-way in 1992. While I dedicate this degree to my mother, I also want to thank Tarmak007 registered members, regular visitors and occasional followers for realizing that I was on the last lap of an important mission. Blogging did take a backseat in the last few months. 

During the PhD research, host of communication tools that triggered people power, were put under the radar. Synopsis of the thesis will be on the blog, after necessary clearances come from Mysore University. It took exactly five years to complete the thesis.

In the mean time, in addition to writing on the plane stuff at The New Indian Express, I am now given the responsibility to head the paper's daily supplement, City Express. I head a young team of promising journalists at CE, capturing the pulse of Bangalore city.

Thanking all my friends who backed me during the research period. Almighty for giving me the strength, when the going was tough.

Tarmak007