“Night Witches” was a World War II German nickname for the all female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known later as the 46th “Taman” Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, of the Soviet Air Forces. Though women were initially barred from combat, Major Marina Raskova used her position and personal contacts with the Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars, Joseph Stalin, to obtain permissionContinue reading ““Night Witches” – The All Female Soviet Night Bomber Aviators of WW II”
Tag Archives: Russia
MiG 21 and IAF: A Developmental Perspective
This is a story that traces MiG 21’s history with Indian Air Force (IAF) and impact from a developmental perspective rather than an operational one. How the legend was born into IAF. Due to the large number of types inducted, IAF had an important role in developmental cycle of the plane and hence, had impactContinue reading “MiG 21 and IAF: A Developmental Perspective”
China and Russia the Unequal, Unreal, Complex Relationship
The complex geo-politics of the world has been reshaping nearly every two decades. Russia and China are two giant neighbours that occupy the largest land mass of Asia. Traditionally they have been two antagonist societies but often chose marriage of convenience. Their relations in the post World war II era have been vacillating between extremes.Continue reading “China and Russia the Unequal, Unreal, Complex Relationship”
BrahMos -The Great Indian “Atmanirbhar” Story – A Significant Weapon
BrahMos gets ‘war-ready’ amid India-China border standoff were the headlines in media in mid June 2020. Earlier the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft was inducted at Thanjavur IAF airbase equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in January 2020. In Ladakh region, Chinese have been posturing both on the land and in the air. While the IndianContinue reading “BrahMos -The Great Indian “Atmanirbhar” Story – A Significant Weapon”
T-90 “Bhishma” Tanks in Ladakh – A Comprehensive Look
The T-90 is a third-generation Russian battle-tank that entered service in 1993. The tank is a modern variation of the T-72B and incorporates many features found on the T-80U. Originally called the T-72BU, but later renamed to T-90, it is an advanced tank in service with Russian Ground Forces and the Naval infantry. The T-90 uses aContinue reading “T-90 “Bhishma” Tanks in Ladakh – A Comprehensive Look”
General Kalashnikov and His World Famous AK-47 – The MiG 21 of Rifles
Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov, the Russian Lieutenant General, inventor, military engineer, writer and small arms designer, is most famous for developing the world acclaimed and highest manufactured AK-47 assault rifle and its improvements, the AKM and AK-74, as well as the PK machine gun and RPK light machine gun. Kalashnikov was, according to himself, a self-taughtContinue reading “General Kalashnikov and His World Famous AK-47 – The MiG 21 of Rifles”
The Iconic MiG-21- Great Design – Most Produced Supersonic Jet – Fearsome Reputation – Glorious Service
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is finally all set to retire its MiG-21 fleet in September 2025 after over 60 years of glorious service. They protected the Indian skies through all major conflicts. The author honed his combat flying skills on this aircraft starting in 1974. And later was the Team Leader of MiG 21Continue reading “The Iconic MiG-21- Great Design – Most Produced Supersonic Jet – Fearsome Reputation – Glorious Service”
Fighter Ace Lydia Litvyak “White Lily” – Highest Aerial Victories by a Female Fighter Pilot
Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak also known as Lilya, was a fighter pilot in the Soviet air Force during World War II. Historians’ estimates for her total solo victories from five to twelve, and two to four shared kills in her 66 combat sorties. In about two years of operations, she was the first female fighter pilot toContinue reading “Fighter Ace Lydia Litvyak “White Lily” – Highest Aerial Victories by a Female Fighter Pilot”
Indo-Russian Aerospace Bear Hug
Putin’s Russia is trying to rise back to its Soviet day glory of excellence in Science and technology and especially aerospace. In the early 1950s Communist Soviet Union was looking for influential third world friends and newly independent India wanted friends without strings. In its desire to contain communism, USA wanted to befriend India, butContinue reading “Indo-Russian Aerospace Bear Hug”
Air Power Asia 