Bangalore, Nov 20: The Indian Air Force and US air force would hold joint exercises at Gwalior during February or March next year, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy said today. "We are discussing the modalities and planning it for February or March," Krishnaswamy told reporters here.

He said various types of IAF aircraft would participate in the joint exercise in which the USAF plans to bring among other aircraft its F-15 and F-16 fighters.

"We are just exercising, training and understand each other...We get an exposure.. And.. They get an exposure, professionally it is good," Krishnaswamy said about the first joint Indo-US air exercise being held after 40 years.

On the border issue, he said the IAF and the army were patrolling the borders, adding, "We are interested in making sure of minimal interference from other side".

The IAF's thrust was on indigenisation of its machinery, Krishnaswamy said adding that indigenous systems and components were being introduced in the Sukhoi-30mki aircraft under license production by Hal in India.
"We can introduce some of our technology of the aeroplane which should be made in India. Indigenous components and systems we expect these things to go into the aircraft," he said.

Krishnaswamy said that the country was exploring new ideas and technologies to ensure the aircraft it produced were not obsolete.

Bureau Report