New Delhi: Indian Air Force`s frontline
Su-30 MKI fighter jets will engage the Eurofighter Typhoons of
the British Royal Air Force during the 17-day wargames
codenamed `Ex-Indradhanush` at Kalaikunda air base in West
Bengal starting October 18.
This will be the first time when IAF`s AWACS will fly in
a joint air exercise with any country.
During the exercise, the IAF will field its aircraft
such as the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000s, MiG-27s and the Airborne
Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft.
The RAF would also be deploying its AWACS (E-3D) and Air
to Air refuellers (VC-10) along with its Typhoons.
The Typhoon is also one of the contenders for IAF`s deal
for 126 multi-role combat aircraft along with five other
companies.
The aim of this joint exercise is to enhance mutual
understanding and refine procedures for future joint exercise
between the two Air Forces, IAF officials said here.
Commenting on the exercise, Eastern Air Commander Air
Marshal K K Nohwar said, "the exercise is an opportunity for
both the Air Forces to get an insight into each other`s
operational philosophies and work cultures".
"This will greatly enhance the understanding of our
Air Force to operate in scenario involving state of the art
technologies," he added.
During the exercise, the IAF will lay special emphasis
on exposing its aircrew and controllers to missions like large
force engagements and protection of high-value aerial assets
roles routinely undertaken by RAF as apart of expeditionary
force deployment around the globe, officials said.
In the recent past, the IAF has been increasingly
participating in joint aerial exercises with countries such as
the US, France, South Africa and Oman.
PTI
