IAF’s first generation jet bomber Canberra turns 60 tomorrow

Come tomorrow, and the first English Electric Canberra jet inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) will turn 60. The first generation Jet Bomber was manufactured in a large number through the 1950s.

"The prototype of Canberra first flew in May 1949 and in January 1957, and the aircraft was selected by the Indian Air Force to equip its bomber and strategic reconnaissance fleet. The Canberra Jet bomber was first inducted in the IAF in No. 5 Squadron (Tuskers) at Agra on 01 September 1957," the IAF said in an official release.

When political turmoil broke out in Belgian Congo in 1961, the UNO requested India for strike aircraft and within five years of serving the IAF, on October 9, 1961, under the command of Wing Commander AIK Suares, six Canberra aircraft of No 5 Squadron took off from Agra for Leopoldville, over 6000 km away to join the United Nations' Multinational Force in the Congo.

"This was the first-ever Indian fighter-bomber contingent to take part in UN operations. The offensive operation in Congo earned the Squadron two Vir Chakras, one Vayu Sena Medal and five Vishisht Seva Medals," the IAF said.

The Canberras took part in all major operations, including the liberation of Goa in 1961, the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, 1987 Op Pawan in Sri Lanka, 1988 Op Cactus in Maldives and 1999 Kargil war.

On December 18 1961, Canberras of No 16 and 35 Sqn bombed the Dabolim airport forcing Portuguese forces to surrender.

The Canberra last saw action in the Kargil war in 1999 where it flew recce missions. During one of the missions one aircraft's engine was hit by a missile. The sturdy Canberra could survive the enemy's missile attack and landed safely with all vital information.

During its service, Canberra provided invaluable photo reconnaissance inputs of enemy territory during wars and peacetime operations, resulting in accurate and effective operations. After 50 years of glorious service to the Nation on 11 May 2007 at Air Force Station Agra, the IAF bid adieu to its legendary old war horse.

Source: TNN

Easing India's fears, Sri Lanka says Hambantota not a foreign military base

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has ruled out the possibility of the strategic Hambantota port being used as a "military base" by any foreign country, allaying India's concerns over the Chinese Navy's growing presence in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan government on July 29 signed a $1.1 billion deal to sell a 70-per cent stake in the Hambantota port to China, amid concerns over the massive debt the island nation incurred in building the port.


Under the 99-year lease agreement, China's state-run conglomerate China Merchant Port Holdings (CMPort) is to invest up to $1.1 billion in the port.

The deal had been delayed by several months over concerns that the deep-sea port could be used by the Chinese navy.

Cash-rich China has invested millions of dollars in Sri Lanka's infrastructure since the end of a brutal civil war in 2009.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe used the presence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to allay India's concern over Chinese involvement in developing the Hambantota port.

"Let me refer to Sri Lanka's decision to develop its major sea ports, especially the Hambantota port which some claim to be a military base. I state clearly that Sri Lanka headed by President Maithripala Sirisena does not enter into military alliances with any country or make our bases available to foreign countries," Wickremesinghe said while addressing the Indian Ocean Conference held here last night.

"Only the Sri Lanka Armed Forces have the responsibility for military activities in our ports and airports. We are also working with foreign private investors on the commercial development of our ports," he said.

Swaraj, in her speech at the conference on Thursday, said India was ready to face security challenges in the Indian Ocean.

She said it was imperative that those living in the region bear the primary responsibility for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

Swaraj said that if the revitalised maritime economy of the Indian Ocean region is to be a force for global economic growth, it is essential that the waters remain peaceful, stable and secure.

The Sri Lankan premier said that in the absence of effective multilateral trade agreements for the Indian Ocean region, Sri Lanka has decided to enter into bilateral agreements with the neighbouring countries.

"We already have Free Trade Agreements with India and Pakistan. We are in the process of deepening our FTA with India to enable greater economic cooperation. We will finalise an FTA with Singapore and then conclude similar trade agreements with other countries in the Bay of Bengal region. We are also negotiating an FTA with China," he said.