Indian Air Force carries out mega exercise with fighter jets and helicopters at Pokhran | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Indian Air Force carries out mega exercise with fighter jets and helicopters at Pokhran

Pokhran (Rajasthan) | ByPress Trust of India
Feb 16, 2019 09:58 PM IST

In the Vayu Shakti exercise, the IAF showcased fire power capability of indigenously-developed platforms like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and efficacy of Akash surface-to-air missile and Astra air-to-air missile.

The Indian Air Force Saturday carried out a mega exercise here involving around 140 fighter jets and attack helicopters, in a fire power demonstration close to the border with Pakistan that came two days after the Pulwama attack.

Indian Air Force carries out mega exercise with fighter jets and helicopters at Pokhran.(HT Photo/Ajay Aggarwal)
Indian Air Force carries out mega exercise with fighter jets and helicopters at Pokhran.(HT Photo/Ajay Aggarwal)

As India’s military establishment mulls options to avenge the strike by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said the IAF was prepared to deliver “appropriate response” as assigned by India’s political leadership.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Speaking at the inauguration of the day and night Vayu Shakti exercise, he, however, did not either mention Pakistan or the Pulwama attack.

“I wish to assure the nation of the IAF’s capability and commitment in meeting national security challenges and defending sovereignty of our country,” he said.

Top IAF sources said though the Vayu Shakti was planned in advance, the drill was a demonstration of the force’s capability to hit targets with “pinpoint accuracy” and carry out missions at short notice.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given full freedom to retaliate against the attack. India has also said it will ensure “complete isolation” of Pakistan internationally for its support to terror groups.

“While wars are fought few and far between, we have an ever present sub-conventional threat as the enemy knows it cannot defeat us in a conventional conflict,” the IAF chief said, in a clear reference to Pakistan.

“So, today we showcase our ability to punish, our ability to insert and extricate troops from hostile territories,” Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said.

In the Vayu Shakti exercise, the IAF showcased fire power capability of indigenously-developed platforms like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and efficacy of Akash surface-to-air missile and Astra air-to-air missile.

“We are showcasing our ability to hit hard, hit fast and hit with precision, hit during day, hit during night and hit under adverse weather conditions,” the IAF Chief said.

Fighter jets and helicopters hit targets during day and night. It was for the first time, the ALH and the Akash were deployed in a military exercise.

The IAF also deployed the upgraded MiG-29 fighter jet in an air-to-ground role during the exercise. A total of 137 aircraft including Su-30s, Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, Mig-21 Bison, Mig-27, Mig-29, IL78, Hercules, AN-32 aircraft participated. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, defence attaches of several countries and top officials of defence ministry also witnessed the exercise. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who is an honorary group captain of the IAF, was also present.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On