Anchit Gupta @AnchitGupta9 Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Anchit Gupta

@AnchitGupta9

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Airforce brat| Kellogg @ Northwestern Alumnus| Investor by Profession| Data is power| Here to share Indian Aviation History| #IAFHistory

Gurgaon, India

https://t.co/rMzgu13I7Q

Joined September 2013

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

27 days

Today, I was honoured with a commendation from the Chief of the Air Staff for work in the field of #IAFHistory . This recognition has left me overwhelmed and deeply touched. It feels like a bridge across time, connecting my efforts to my father's legacy in the @IAF_MCC . I’m

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

General Manekshaw, but this one was with the @IAF_MCC ! Air Vice-Marshal Jemji Harmusji Framji Manekshaw, was the younger brother of the great Sam Manekshaw. And he too served with distinction, pioneering aviation medicine in India. This is his short story #IAFHistory (1/9)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

As I book tickets for @tomCruise #TopGun , I’m reminded of the @IAF_MCC own TopGun Academy - Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). This is an attempt to recall the story of how independent India made its own #Mavericks #IAFHistory (1/22)

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

Leh airbase not only served as the arterial base to keep Ladakh supplied but also for potential offensive ops. This thread traces attempts by @IAF_MCC to have fighter aircraft operate from the 11,000ft AMSL Leh airfield since the 1960s. #IAFHistory (1/19)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

7 months

Jamangar Air Force station is in news these days. Jamnagar holds a very important place in @IAF_MCC . A topic worthy of a longer thread, but a few milestones are mentioned here. A short thread (1/13) #IAFHistory

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

When the @IAF_MCC pilots flew the F-86 Sabres with the USAF and then “slew” it in the 65 and 71 Wars. The saga of the 80 odd IAF fighter pilots who trained with the USAF between 1963-66 and later claimed five PAF Sabre kills amongst them! #IAFHistory (1/17)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

On 13 Jan 1979, no less than 19 MiG-21 aircraft took to the skies over Halwara in broad formation in preparation for RD Flypast. The RD flypast with the MiG-21 did not happen, but this picture from that era survives. Unlikely a bigger MiG-21-only formation ever flew? #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Air Mshl VK “Jimmy” Bhatia – one of only 5 to be “Bar to VrC” in @IAF_MCC . Jimmy’s exceptional aviation career remains unmatched. He flew 34 sorties across 65 & 71 wars, deep into enemy territory destroying ac & military assets. His story. #LivingLegends #IAFHistory (1/24)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

3 years

MiG-21 (Fishbed, Vikram, Trishul, Bison, Mongol) and the innumerable variants in @IAF_MCC 's long service history have consistently been a conundrum for enthusiasts. This thread attempts an (over)simplified evolution of the MiG-21 types in IAF service. #IAFHistory #MiG21 (1/27)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

3 years

@IAF_MCC has deployed ac beyond their limits in support of forces across the Himalayas. This thread is about their support to Daulet Beg Oldi (DBO) at 16,600 ft AMSL - the epitome of flying skill, endurance, and ingenuity. A story defining IAF itself. #IAFHistory (1/24)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

In 1953 @IAF_MCC made its maiden flight over Mt. Everest in a WWII vintage Liberator C-87, secretly synced with Edmund Hilary’s epic summit of the peak. This is the tale of the second ever photoreconnaissance flight over Everest & its stunning pictures. #IAFHistory (1/25)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Oldest surviving fighter pilot of the @IAF_MCC turns 102 today. Dalip Singh Majithia (1615) in his 7-year career flew 1100 hours on 13 types of ac & saw action in WWII over Burma. This is his story, deeply intertwined with IAF’s fast growth,action-packed phase. #IAFHistory (1/27)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

12 Vir Chakras were awarded to a single unit in the 1947 Kashmir War. That record stands unbeaten to this day, held by a Transport Sqn – No. 12 Sqn @IAF_MCC . This is the valiant saga of the last RIAF unit to be raised by the Brits. # IAFHistory (1/30)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

The Chief does not just fly to say "it's safe", or "boost the morale". He flies to say - "I am with you, willing to put my life in equal danger as you". Earn the uniform,take the oath & then you will realise the value of "Nautanki".Btw, you missed putting Tipnis pic from '99!

@VivekSi85847001

Vivek Singh

@VivekSi85847001

2 years

@IAF_MCC Tomorrow Plan of Action - IAF Chief will do a sortie in Mig 21 Flying coffin to boost the morale of Pilots. IAF Chief - Look boys how safe is Mig 21 ... Band kro ye Nautanki tum log 😞🥺🥺

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Every @IAF_MCC pilot takes pride in qualifying as a flying Instructor(QFI) or test Pilot (ETP) or graduating from TACDE (Topgun of India). Many qualify for two of these, but all three -> that is rarest of rare. Only five pilots achieved this rare feat (1/7) #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

11 months

As we rejoice in the remarkable achievement of the first Air Marshal couple in the @IAF_MCC , it's worth noting that this exceptional family has contributed to the IAF with a legacy of seven officers! Listing them all down here to celebrate this unique family. (1/6) #IAFHistory

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

1 year

Unveiling my treasure trove of Indian Air Force History at 🛩️ An outcome of unwavering passion, this meticulously crafted compilation epitomizes my dedication to Indian Air Force history. The website is a user-friendly repository, thoughtfully organized

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

Today’s @DeccanHerald . I am speechless 🤷‍♂️

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Air Cmde Narinder Chatrath(3959) VrC, today passed away,aged 95.He commanded 17 Sqn @IAF_MCC during 71 war that led an attack on Kurmitola, the heavily defended airbase near Dacca taking on a dogfight with two PAF Sabres, shooting one down. May he rest in peace. #IAFHistory (1/6)

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Anchit Gupta

11 months

“Cyclic” the famous IAF blogger who enthralled readers from across the world passed away today. Aged 73, he was an experimental test pilot and much loved in the @IAF_MCC fraternity. Personally a father figure who guided me on IAF History. He was a

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

History of the 114 Helicopter Unit - the “Siachen Pioneers”, an @IAF_MCC unit that has been continuously in ops the longest amongst all services,regularly faced nature,enemy fire & lost its own during peace. It remains a unique unit in the world of aviation. #IAFHistory (1/34)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 months

Since you mentioned a pilot, important to correct this archaic view you hold! Captain Uday Sondhi, Shaurya Chakra (Indian Navy) flew military choppers for 2 decades after having his leg amputated in 1988 due to a crash involving a Gnat. Disabilities don’t hold anyone back.

@SmitaSabharwal

Smita Sabharwal

@SmitaSabharwal

2 months

As this debate is blowing up- With all due respect to the Differently Abled. 🫡 Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability. The nature of the #AIS ( IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

To become a QFI (Qualified Flying Instructor) is a dream for pilots. The world of QFI’s has been categorized into ratings. The IAF’s rating system till the early 2000s had a pinnacle QFI rating of A1. This thread is about the 38 A1’s in IAF’s 90-year history. #IAFHistory (1/24)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

3 years

On 5 Sep 60, @DefenceMinIndia VKK Menon made a lengthy stmt in Parliament. A Dakota ac of @IAF_MCC was shot down over Purr vill in Nagaland on 26 Aug. While the wreckage was located, the crew was missing. This is the story of the crew, released 21 months later. #IAFHistory (1/16)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

On 4 Nov 1963, an @IAF_MCC Mi-4 Helicopter of 105 HU with 9 onboard went down in the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh killing 5 Armymen. Pilots survived to share the first-hand tales of a week-long survival that we relive today through their eyes. #IAFHistory (1/21)

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Anchit Gupta

1 year

The “42 Squadron” itch has recently been the center of attraction and concern. This thread analyses the evolution of the combat fleet (& the number 42) of the @IAF_MCC juxtaposed with the geopolitical & economic shifts through India’s 80-year journey. #IAFHistory (1/21)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Instead of engaging in public scrutiny of the tragic @IAF_MCC crash at Gwalior, we must RESPECT the pilots for what they do, putting themselves in harm's way. For those who have watched #TopGunMaverick , you know the risks these pilots were taking. Living on the edge (1/2)

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Anchit Gupta

11 months

My thread today concerns a community of just 0.06% of India's population. Parsis, Zoroastrians, Bawas, call them what you want - their per capita contribution to India's growth remains outsized & the IAF is no exception. We celebrate their service. #IAFHistory (1/25)

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Anchit Gupta

1 year

Mizo Ops 1966 is in the news these days - Summarising the @IAF_MCC role, keeping facts based on the sqn diary records of 29 Sqn, then flying the Toofani's and based at Bagdogra. (1/11) #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

As the name for the Light Combat Helicopter is about to be unveiled, we might want to remember how this naming convention came about. 21 Aircraft have had Indian names between 1954 and today, for varied reasons but three clear patterns. A study... @IAF_MCC #IAFHistory (1/10)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

While researching the @IAF_MCC 's 1st flt over the Everest, I came across material that I couldn’t resist sharing for it characterises a grit & derring-do that typified the early pioneers of aviation. That the story unfolds in India makes it even more interesting. (1/24)

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Anchit Gupta

6 months

For a long time, I wondered why the Chief of the @IAF_MCC was called the "Chief of Air Staff" and not the "Air Force Chief" or something similar. Well, at least I am finally enlightened. Sharing this brief of my exploration. (1/7) #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

For all the NDA lot out there. POP Pamphlet of the 1st JSW (NDA) course. I can smell the paper from this. Cant get rarer than this. From the collection of ACM Suri

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

Only FIVE @IAF_MCC officers have received a "Bar to Vir Chakra" (Vir Chakra twice) - military bravery award presented for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. This is a brief on Air Cmde AIK Suares, the first IAF officer to achieve this rare feat. (1/13)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Test Pilots, can have humour too 😬. This “certificate” was given by the Commandant of Test pilot school at ASTE to the wife of the test pilot on completion of course. Small gestures that meant a lot. #IAFhistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Harish Chander Sircar was the first & senior-most officer commissioned in the @IAF_MCC on 8 Oct 1932. More dubiously, he also holds the record for the first to be dismissed from service in March 1935. The intervening period is a story of many firsts. #IAFHistory (1/15)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Flg Hurricanes in Burma, member of @IAF_MCC 1st Aerobatic team, ldg Howitzers by night at Poonch in 47, 1st crew of 1st Bomber sqn, flg the C-119 Packet to India & ldg it at Leh, 1st head of a spook setup & finally Vice chief. That's Lalu Grewal! #IAFHistory #HeroesOfIAF (1/23)

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

Air Mshl Minoo Merwan Engineer - the most decorated & battle-hardened @IAF_MCC officer who participated in all campaigns from WWII to the 1971 war and yet, remains much less spoken compared to his contemporaries. This is his service story. #IAFHistory (1/17)

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Anchit Gupta

11 months

As the MiG-21 of Oorials (4 sqn) make their final descent, three of my cherished photographers have captured captivating images. Sometimes, photographers convey the essence more eloquently than words. @zone5aviation , @severerocket , Kedar Karmakar respectively. Take your pick!

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

The royalty did take to serving in the military and @IAF_MCC was no exception. Read on for a glimpse of the royals who served and earned laurels. Many of them were killed in service as regular commission officers. 24 of them, including minor states & Principalities (1/20)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Why is Air Force Day celebrated on 8th October? Why not 1 April, 20 July, 15 August, 7 September, as some of these dates are often used (& confused?) with the birth of the Indian Air Force. Read more on how these dates are relevant to the @IAF_MCC . #IAFHistory (1/11)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

I am grateful for an audience with the CAS. Returned galvanised by his vision & attention to detail.Eager to work together with @IAF_MCC on #IAFHistory . Humbled by the appreciation from the readers & motivated to "pick up the threads" as a foot soldier of the History brigade.

@IAF_MCC

Indian Air Force

2 years

Known for his accurate, well-researched & exhaustive historical perspective on #IAF , its past and origins, Mr Anchit Gupta, son of IAF #Veteran Wg Cdr Anil Gupta, who publishes his research from the handle @AnchitGupta9 met #CAS at Vayu Bhawan in New Delhi today. #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Btwn 1954-64, the night skies of Delhi & Bombay were protected by a unique @IAF_MCC fighter aircraft - DeHavilland Vampire NF54 (aka NF10 in @RoyalAirForce ). This is the fascinating short-lived journey of the only exclusive night-fighter aircraft in the IAF. #IAFHistory (1/24)

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Anchit Gupta

4 years

With due respect to the achievements of the officer, this uncontrolled proliferation of badges needs to stop. Every skill/ course/ acomplishment need not be displayed on the uniform. Norms are much over due.

@Prashant8730585

Foxtrot Hound🇮🇳

@Prashant8730585

4 years

Colonel Vishal Dubey of 10 para. Anyone can get goosebumps just by seeing his batches😍

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Anchit Gupta

7 months

Air Vice Marshal Aditya Vikram Pethia, Vir Chakra has passed away aged 81. He was awarded during the 1971 war flying the Mystere aircraft, which crashed in Pakistan, where he remained a PoW for nearly six months. Rest in Peace, sir. (1/5) @IAF_MCC #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

@IAF_MCC is responsible for the Air Defence (AD) of India. The ground AD system has played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of conflicts. Yet its historical evolution remains largely unknown & its heroes unsung. This thread attempts to change that. #IAFHistory (1/25)

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Anchit Gupta

26 days

The joys of having a fauji father—my dad sees the pictures and immediately says, "Forget the medal, your posture is all wrong! Stand straight and look at the person, not at the shiny object!" 😂

@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

27 days

Today, I was honoured with a commendation from the Chief of the Air Staff for work in the field of #IAFHistory . This recognition has left me overwhelmed and deeply touched. It feels like a bridge across time, connecting my efforts to my father's legacy in the @IAF_MCC . I’m

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Anchit Gupta

4 months

RARE MAP OF IAF SQUADRONS IN SEP 1943 This rare map from September 1943 provides a fascinating snapshot of the IAF @IAF_MCC squadrons during a pivotal time in World War II. At this point, the conflict in Bengal and Burma was intense, yet the IAF squadrons were primarily focused

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

Converted this popular tweet into a write-up at the suggestion of @rhinohistorian and glad to have @timesofindia carry it as a Center page piece today.

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

2 years

As I book tickets for @tomCruise #TopGun , I’m reminded of the @IAF_MCC own TopGun Academy - Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). This is an attempt to recall the story of how independent India made its own #Mavericks #IAFHistory (1/22)

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Anchit Gupta

4 years

(1/n)This is the story of Leh airfield and Sonam Norbu, the first engineer from @MPLadakh who built it in 1948. The very runway, now the lifeline for India during the #IndiaChinaFaceOff . @vayusena @zone5aviation

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

98-year-old Sqn Ldr Jasbir Singh Gill passed away yesterday. Unknown to most, he was the first lot of Navigators to be commissioned in the IAF in 1946 and later a veteran of UN Congo ops of 62. His life story epitomises the struggles & aspirations of the times. #IAFHistory (1/11)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Do you get confused with the nomenclature of establishments in the @IAF_MCC ? Words like Comd/Wing/Station/ FBSU/ C&MU confuse you? This abridged thread tries to explain the structural philosophy which the IAF has followed, initially borrowed from the RAF. #IAFHistory (1/16)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

No. 3 Sqn is the longest serving Sqn in @IAF_MCC without a break. Its Crest - "the Cobra" has an interesting genesis to it that dates back to 1942. A short read on how the Crest was born in the fort of Miranshah in 1942. #IAFHistory (1/6)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Trivia: The two Chiefs who led the @IAF_MCC during the 1960s demitted the office of the Chief nearly 4 to 6 months prior to the official retirement date, proceeding on leave. This oddity was not repeated but remains a mystery. This thread is a brief exploration. #IAFHistory (1/6)

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Anchit Gupta

11 months

For 60 years, the MiG-21 has served in the @IAF_MCC , while its phase-out journey has spanned 40 years. This summary highlights how, over four decades, 28 units of the IAF transitioned out from the MiG-21 - an incredibly arduous task to replace a mainstay. Key insights: 1. The

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

Air Mshl TS “Timki” Brar, PVSM, AVSM had an illustrious career in the @IAF_MCC and retired as the Vice Chief. Only a few know that till a few years prior to retirement, he was on the path to being Chief of the IAF. This thread is to take you through his career. #IAFHistory (1/17)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

The only station named as a “Staging Post” in the @IAF_MCC was the No. 1 Aircraft Staging Post at Car Nicobar in 1956. This is the fascinating read of how Car Nicobar was the only RAF base in independent India & later became an accidental IAF “Staging Post” #IAFHistory (1/23)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Celebrating today, 50 threads on @IAF_MCC History. Barring a few earlier, it all began in Jan’22. Since then: ~1000 tweets, 5.2 million views, ~70,000 engagements. This thread is a compendium of all the threads so far. Humbled & grateful for the encouragement. #IAFHistory (1/51)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Republic Day Flypasts have enamoured our nation for decades. As we approach another such flypast, we look back at the first 50 years of #RepublicDay flypasts. Together the journey of flypasts is a mosaic of the country, its people, and the @IAF_MCC . #IAFHistory (1/30)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

@IAF_MCC Srinagar base (1 Wing) has repeatedly witnessed aerial combat in its 54 years of hosting fighter aircraft. It turns a page when 51 sqn winds down after its 37-year vigil. This thread is a chronicle of Srinagar’s unique tryst with fighter aircraft. #IAFHistory (1/30)

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Anchit Gupta

1 year

From 1980 Air Force Day brochure. I wonder who painted this beauty.

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Sam and Jemi in an animated discussion at the Institute of Aviation medicine (IAM) in Bangalore. Jemi is seen as a Gp Capt, so this picture is likely taken between 1967-71, prior to the 71 war. Credit for sharing pic to @drdgaur 10/

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Pls let the @IAF_MCC be! They make the difficult trade-off btwn national security & prevalent sqn strength -heart wrenching loss of precious life. They don’t justify on TV. They care & prepare to fight. The media trial after every accident is unwarranted & seeds public anger.

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

16 VrC, 3 VMs,1 VSM & 5 M-in-D. These are the earnings of four ad-hoc Combat sqns 120,121,122 and 123 of @IAF_MCC . This thread traces the history of these snoozing sqns that rise during a war, manned by aircraft & instructors from training establishments. #IAFhistory (1/17)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Wg Cdr Bernard "Barney" Fernandes passed away last night, aged 98. His passing is a loss to the @IAF_MCC & an even bigger loss to the Australian aviation industry, where he as an entrepreneur ran a Flying academy in Perth, at its peak with 40 aircraft. #IAFHistory (1/12)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Sunday Trivia: 4 Sqn, IAF had unconsciously assumed the nickname "Oorials" which finally became its official mascot and remains to this date. The story rewinds to March 1943 with Sqn Ldr MK Janjua in command of the Squadron, then at Kohat. #IAFHistory (1/6)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

In very sad news coming in, Air Vice Marshal Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi, one of the only five Bar to Vir Chakra in the @IAF_MCC is no more. AVM Bishnoi was well known for his role as CO of 28 Sqn, leading strikes on Tezgaon airfield & Govt House Dacca during the 1971 war. (1/6)

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

3 years

Only FIVE @IAF_MCC officers have received a "Bar to Vir Chakra" (Vir Chakra twice) - military bravery award presented for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. This is a brief on Air Cmde AIK Suares, the first IAF officer to achieve this rare feat. (1/13)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

In the demise of 93-year-old Wg Cdr JM Nath yesterday, @IAF_MCC lost its most decorated officer alive, awarded with "MVC & Bar". The award nomenclatures often confuse us. This thread attempts a simple, abridged & demystified history of awards in the IAF. #IAFHistory (1/23)

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Anchit Gupta

1 year

90 years of 1 sqn! What a beautiful poster to commemorate the occasion! #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

5 months

Thank you @Suryakiran_IAF for the hospitality extended during my visit and this priceless personalised poster that is going up on my Air Force wall. So kicked to have it! #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Was it the Indian Air Force (IAF) or the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF)? What difference did it even make? Well, it was both. But if you err, err as IAF and not RIAF as the mere presence of being under British control did not imply "Royal". Read on (1/9) @IAF_MCC #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Sam remained ever so proud of his younger brother for the service rendered to the medical-military fraternity, following the footsteps of their former military-doctor father. Sam often shared this with his personal physician Major General B.N.B.M. Prasad in his twilight years. 9/

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Born on 28 Oct 1916, Jemi was 2 yrs younger than Sam & as Sam went to Sherwood. He joined the Medical Corps in Feb 1943 & was trf to IAF in July (33rd Med offr to join IAF). Posted to 4 Sqn during WW II, he saw active service in the Arakan offensive against the Japanese. 2/

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Hakimpet has been the Alma mater for fighter pilots in @IAF_MCC since 1951. The name of the stn/unit kept changing but the role didn't. This patch is the earliest known patch (with the old school feel!) of JTW, as it was known in 1959 & this is the short story of the Patch (1/4)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

AD thread 3: Two decades of effort came good during the 65’ and 71’ wars. The AD Setup of @IAF_MCC did a phenomenal job in altering the outcome of the war by forcing the enemy to alter tactics and helping the IAF strike element notch up kills. #IAFHistory (42/70)

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Anchit Gupta

11 months

These posts from numerous military handles are becoming absurd. Firstly, this is meant to be a routine activity & doesn't necessitate any form of bragging. Secondly, it's essential to maintain your dignity by sharing content that embodies your role as a military establishment.

@HQ_IDS_India

HQ IDS

11 months

As part of numerous #SpecialCampaign3 .0 initiatives undertaken, #HQ_IDS has disposed 870 kg of IT scrap amounting to Rs 80,000 (scrap value) through MSTC site. This has resulted in effective office space management. #SwachhBharat #SwachhBharatGov #SwachhtaHiSeva

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

Air Mshl Douglas George King-Lee, AVSM PVSM is the oldest surviving Air Mshl of the @IAF_MCC . He was commissioned in 1944 & served in WWII. This thread lives through his exciting career that culminated with a tenure as AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command in 1983. #IAFHistory (1/12)

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Anchit Gupta

3 months

In the arena of Air Supremacy, , one myth looms large: India's Mirage 2000 as a hasty counter to Pakistan's F-16. But beneath this simplistic tale lies a riveting saga of global power plays and gambles. Prepare for the true story... With @zone5aviation

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Debunking the Myth: India's Mirage 2000 Acquisition

Discover the strategic reasons behind India's Mirage 2000 acquisition and debunk common myths about this key military decision.

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Anchit Gupta

1 year

The background of this cover image is very relevant. It was taken in Oct 1988 at Ambala, where all the 10 combat ac types (highest ever) in @IAF_MCC flew in formation (my chart says 9, coz only hunter unit at the time was thunderbolts). Personal note - The Ajeet in the image

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@AnchitGupta9

Anchit Gupta

1 year

The “42 Squadron” itch has recently been the center of attraction and concern. This thread analyses the evolution of the combat fleet (& the number 42) of the @IAF_MCC juxtaposed with the geopolitical & economic shifts through India’s 80-year journey. #IAFHistory (1/21)

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

This is a thread on a maverick fighter pilot nicknamed "mad Mally". Surinder Singh Malhotra was commissioned with 88 Pilot Course in 1964 and was removed from service in 1975. Enough to build a lasting reputation, including earning a Vir Chakra during the 1971 war. (1/6)

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Anchit Gupta

5 months

The real scoop is not IAF letting 80% of its bases for Civil use. The real issue is @DGCAIndia doing a poor job of activating, maintaining, enabling nearly 200 ( yes 200!!!) airfields that were transferred to DGCA after WWII as surplus to defence use. It is very easy for the

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Anchit Gupta

3 years

When I wrote on the pioneer of Heptr's in @IAF_MCC - SK Majumdar - , it did leave an open question - Why were pilots sent for Heptr trg in a hurry in Nov 53? This thread answers that and the life of the first Heptr in IAF - the Sikorsky S-55 #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Recently I had the honour to be invited, & present my first #InspireHistory Lectures Series at the Air Force Academy to a large gathering of cadets & officers. The presentation was at the cusp of two subjects that I find immensely fascinating - Leadership and #IAFHistory (1/2)

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Anchit Gupta

14 days

Air Vice Marshal Yeshwant Ramachandra Agtey, @IAF_MCC ‘s oldest surviving fighter pilot has taken his last flight, passing away earlier today, 42 days short of his 100th birthday. (1/8) #IAFHistory

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

He served as Senior Med Offr of No. 1 Op Group during the Kashmir Ops in 1948 & was the first to organize air transportation of sick and wounded. He modified the Dakota ac by installation of portable oxygen eqpt, enabling high altitude air evacuation. 4/

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

At the time of independence, as an Sqn Ldr, he commanded the oldest Medical unit in the IAF - The medical trg center then situated at Pune. The centre is now in Bangalore and is the premier trg institute for medical & nursing assistants. Jemi though had to move on soon. 3/

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Anchit Gupta

10 days

A long-held dream fulfilled: a 4 x 2 feet oil painting of my father, just as I remember him. Thanks to the incredible artistry of NCE Nagaraj, capturing his likeness alongside his favorite and most flown aircraft! @luigupta

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

Wg Cdr Sunith Francis Soares, best known for his role in the most epic battle of 1971 war - Battle of Boyra, has over the last 7 years been silently doing another service to @IAF_MCC , #IAFHistory in particular. He has been collecting service records of his mates. A thread. (1/5)

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Anchit Gupta

2 years

In 1948, he was selected for training in Aviation Medicine at US Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. After completion of this advanced course, he was selected to undergo flight training where he won the Wings of a Flight Surgeon. He would fly 700 hours in his career 5/

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