French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on November 17, 2025, and announced that Ukraine will acquire up to 100 Dassault Rafale warplanes over the next 10 years. Kyiv seeks to bolster its defences against Russia’s invasion. Air defence systems, munitions, and drones were also included in theContinue reading “Rafale Orders Explode! India Eyes Becoming Production Hub For French Jets After ‘Biggest Ever’ IAF Deal”
Category Archives: Air Aces
India’s Deepening Military Aviation’s French Connection
The primacy of air power in future military operations has once again been re-established in the Ukraine conflict, West Asian showdowns, and most recently during Op Sindoor. Indian Air Force (IAF) is down to 29 fighter aircraft squadrons vis-à-vis the authorized 42.5. The last MiG-21 “Bison” squadron is being decommissioned this September. The LCA Mk1A is still mired by delays and will enter IAF serviceContinue reading “India’s Deepening Military Aviation’s French Connection”
The Wittty Vriti Show: Independence Day Special Pod cast Air Marshal Anil Chopra
In this Independence Day special episode of “The Wittty Vriti Show”, she brings an exclusive conversation with Air Marshal Anil Chopra, a distinguished veteran of the Indian Air Force. From sharing his remarkable journey as a fighter pilot to insights on India’s strategic defense, the evolution of iconic aircraft, and the sacrifices of military families,Continue reading “The Wittty Vriti Show: Independence Day Special Pod cast Air Marshal Anil Chopra”
As China Accelerates Airpower, India Eyes Su-57 while Pushing AMCA
A British F-35B fighterjet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala nearly four weeks ago is finally being repaired by a team of UK specialists. If that fails, the aircraft will be dismantled and transported—likely in a C-17 Globemaster. The incident was closely observed by global and Indian security establishments, highlightingContinue reading “As China Accelerates Airpower, India Eyes Su-57 while Pushing AMCA “
Ernst Udet – the Highest Scoring Surviving German Air Ace of WW I
Ernst Udet was a German pilot during World War I and a Luftwaffe Colonel-General (Generaloberst) during World War II. Udet joined the Imperial German Air Service at the age of 19, and eventually became a flying ace of World War I, scoring 62 confirmed victories by the end of his life. The highest scoring German fighter pilot to survive that war, and theContinue reading “Ernst Udet – the Highest Scoring Surviving German Air Ace of WW I”
Richard Ira Bong – the most decorated American fighter pilot and Top Air Ace
Richard Ira Bong was a United States Army Air Forces major and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. He was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots and the country’s top flying ace in the war, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft, all with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter. He died in California while testing a Lockheed P-80 jet fighter shortly before the war ended. EarlyContinue reading “Richard Ira Bong – the most decorated American fighter pilot and Top Air Ace”
Billy Bishop, Victoria Cross – the top Canadian and British Empire Ace of all Time – 72 Air Victories
William Avery Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED (8 February 1894 – 11 September 1956) was a Canadian flying ace of the First World War. He was officially credited with 72 victories, making him the top Canadian and British Empire ace of the war. He was a Victoria Cross recipient who rose to become an Air Marshal. During the Second World War, Bishop was instrumentalContinue reading “Billy Bishop, Victoria Cross – the top Canadian and British Empire Ace of all Time – 72 Air Victories”
French Colonel René Paul Fonck – The Highest Scoring All-time Allied Ace of Aces – 75 Victories
Colonel René Paul Fonck (27 March 1894 – 18 June 1953) was a French aviator who ended the First World War as the top fighter ace and, when all succeeding aerial conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries are also considered, Fonck still holds the title of “all-time Allied Ace of Aces”. He received confirmation for 75 victories (72 soloContinue reading “French Colonel René Paul Fonck – The Highest Scoring All-time Allied Ace of Aces – 75 Victories”
Günther Rall – Third Highest scoring Air Ace of All Times – 275 Victories
General Günther Rall was a highly decorated German military aviator, whose military career spanned nearly forty years. Rall was the third most successful fighter pilot in aviation history, behind Gerhard Barkhorn, who is second, and Erich Hartmann, who is top scoring air ace of all times. Rall flew combat missions in the Battle of France, and Battle of Britain. He wasContinue reading “Günther Rall – Third Highest scoring Air Ace of All Times – 275 Victories”
German Air Ace Gerhard Barkhorn – Second Highest Scoring Ace of All Times
Gerhard “Gerd” Barkhorn (Gerd being short form for Gerhard) was the second most successful fighter ace of all time after fellow Luftwaffe pilot Erich Hartmann. Other than Hartmann, Barkhorn is the only fighter ace to ever exceed 300 claimed victories. Barkhorn flew his first combat missions in May 1940, during the Battle of France and then the Battle of Britain without shooting down any aircraft. His firstContinue reading “German Air Ace Gerhard Barkhorn – Second Highest Scoring Ace of All Times”
Air Power Asia 