Defence Scan by Air Mshl PK Roy

On February 14, 2019, 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and a large number injured when an explosives-laden car rammed into a bus, which was a part of a convoy of vehicles carrying 2547 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama district of J&K. Pakistan based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack. After the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted “Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly.” Indian Army along with the other Central Reserve Forces eliminated the perpetrators of the crime including the suspected organiser of the suicide bombing within the next 100 hours after the attack. The terror attack has increased tension between India and Pakistan yet again and in retaliation, the Indian government has initiated many steps against Pakistan as well as the separatist.

On February 19, 2019, at about 1150 hrs, two Hawk aircraft of ‘Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team’ crashed near Yelahanka Air Force base while practising for the Aero India-2019 air show. Of the three aircrew, Wing Commander VT Shelke and Squadron Leader TJ Singh ejected. However, Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi sustained fatal injuries. The two surviving pilots are undergoing treatment at the Air Force Hospital. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered.

Indian Naval Ship Prabal, a modern missile vessel participated in the 14th Edition of International Defence Exhibition and 5th Edition of Naval Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Defence industries from 150 countries are participating in the event. INS Prabal built at Mazagoan Docks Ltd bears testimony to capabilities of the Indian Shipbuilding Industry.

The 12th edition of ‘Aero India-2019’ air show began at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 20, 2019. This biennial event spread over five days, gives an opportunity to Indian aviation industries and the government to build new partnerships. Daily Air Show of latest aircraft of participating countries are held for the benefit of visitors. Over the period, ‘Aero India-2019’ has carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition. While inaugurating the air show, Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman said “Aero India intends to put India on the global map. It will show India’s prowess in defence and aviation sector over the years. PM Modi has repeatedly called Indian entrepreneurs to rise and help the manufacturing sector in India under the ‘Make in India’ campaign.” She also invited the investors to capitalise on aerospace and other sectors which would help manufacturing in India. IAF expressed its sorrow over the death of ‘Surya Kiran’ pilot during a rehearsal by flying a missing man formation of three aircraft (an aerial salute) as a tribute to late Wg Cdr Sahil Gandhi.