Air Marshal Pradeep Naik to be next IAF chief

October 1st, 2009 NEW DELHI - A repeat of the 1962 India-China war is not possible now as the Indian armed forces have enhanced their capability, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik said Thursday.

October 1st, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Indian Air Force, which is involved in non-offensive roles in anti-Maoist operations, has sought permission from the defence ministry to fire in self-defence, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik said Thursday.

October 1st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Refusing to be drawn into a comparison between the armed forces of India and China, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, today assured that it would not be possible for the Chinese to repeat 1962 at the moment. Air Chief Marshal Naik's comment assumes significance in the wake of Communist China exhibiting its military might during its 60th anniversary celebrations in Tianamen Square on Thursday, as also the adverse reaction to alleged Chinese incursions into Indian territory.

October 1st, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Indian Air Force, has for the first time, sought permission from the Ministry of Defence to fire back at Naxals while undertaking rescue and relief operations in Naxal-infested areas. Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, today admitted that the Air Force is waiting for a go ahead from the Defence Ministry to fire back in areas dominated by Naxals, who have been described as India's biggest internal threat by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

September 23rd, 2009 GANDHINAGAR - Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal P.V.Naik, revealed on Wednesday that country's air force power is just one third of the capacity of China. Air Chief Marshal Naik also said that India is far short of aircrafts required to meet the security challenges it faces, but added that the government is doing a lot to augment air force capability.he air chief's statement gains significance in the backdrop of the media report about the Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

September 23rd, 2009 GANDHINAGAR - Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal P.V.Naik on Wednesday downplayed the Chinese threat, saying there have not been air incursions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Addressing the media over the issue, Air Chief Marshal Naik said, "Our strategy is to play it cool.

September 15th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The annual day of Air Force Association (AFA) was celebrated today at New Delhi. The function began with a wreath laying ceremony at Amar Jawan Jyoti.

September 9th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Indian Air Force took another significant step in its quest for acquiring Network Centric Capabilities when Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal PV Naik inaugurated the 'Tele-Presence System' under the Air Force Network (AFNET) project today. This system facilitates lifelike experience between two distant sites for holding operational discussions that results in saving crucial time, fatigue and cost.

September 9th, 2009 CHANDIGARH - Western Air Command chief Air Marshal NAK Browne met Punjab Governor and Administrator UT, Chandigarh on Wednesday. Air Marshal Browne is on a two day visit to Air Force Station Chandigarh.

July 3rd, 2009 NEW DELHI - Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik here today released a coffee table book - 'Indian Aviation Contingent: An indelible odyssey in UN peace keeping', chronicling the activities of the IAF contingent in Democratic Republic of Congo. Complimenting the Contingent Commander Gp Captain Pankaj Jaiswal, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik said that their professional acumen and gentlemanly conduct has earned worldwide admiration.

May 31st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik Sunday took over as the 19th chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

May 31st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik assumed office as the new chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) here on Sunday. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major.

May 27th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major on Wednesday said that permanent commission to women could be granted in other branches of the Indian Air Force, and their future in the armed forces is extremely bright. At present women are allowed to serve in ground branches, flying and engineering wing.

May 13th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Air Marshal PK Barbora, presently Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command has been appointed the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS). He will assume charge as the VCAS from June 1, 2009.

March 21st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik presently the Vice Chief of Air Staff has been appointed as the chief of the Indian Air Force with effect from the afternoon of May 31, 2009. The present IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major retires from service on May 31, 2009.