Indian Air Force with its own exercise
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to host its own version of the US Air Force's (USAF's) Red Flag' exercise, in which it recently participated for the first time. "We are working towards holding our own multination war games with realistic war scenarios two to three years down the line, but they would be on a more modest scale," Vice Chief of Air Staff Marshall PV Naik said on 18 September.
Speaking in New Delhi after the return of the 247-strong IAF contingent from Nellis Air Base in Nevada, the venue for 'Red Flag', AM Naik said India had proved its ability to "project air power transcontinentally."
"These operations have aided in widening our horizons, provided necessary combat training with other advanced air forces of the world and prepared us for future overseas employment if required," he declared.
The IAF contingent included 91 officers operating eight Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, two Ilyushin II-78 mid-air refuellers and one II-76 transport aircraft.
Domestic defense planners are eager for India to be able to conduct 'out of area operations' in accordance with the country's rising global profile. In keeping with this goal, the IAF said it had "positively exposed" and integrated its combat and transport aircraft and personnel in a transcontinental environment.
"the experience of engaging in an entirely network-centric combat environment in limited airspace has contributed immensely to honing our capabilities," said Group Captain D Chaudhury, IAF team commander at 'Red Flag'.
The exercises, he added, had helped the IAF to network its assets to provide real-time data and to integrate 'seamlessly' with the USAF alongside those of the exercise's other participants, France and South Korea.
During the manoeuvres, the IAF's Su-30s flew 180 sorties alongside 28 support sorties by the II-78s and the II-76. Missions included the suppression of enemy air defenses, dynamic targeting and air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in 'real, war like scenarios'.
The IAF's special forces (Garuda) also participated in the exercises, neutralising an enemy radar site, capturing an airfield and conducting search-and-rescue operations.
Source: Janes Defense Weekly
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