In Pics: Indian Air Force shows its ‘Iron Fist’ in Pokhran

The Indian Air Force on Friday showcased its combat and firepower during ‘Iron Fist Exercise 2016’ in Pokhran, putting on display the firepower of indigenous fighter plane ‘Tejas’ for the first time.

The Indian Air Force on Friday showcased its combat and firepower during ‘Iron Fist Exercise 2016’ in Pokhran, putting on display the firepower of indigenous fighter plane ‘Tejas’ for the first time.

An Indian Air Force aircraft demonstrates mid-air refuelling capability.

In attendance at the event were President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, apart from Indian army chief General Dalbir Singh, Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan, senior defence officers and defence attaches of several countries.

Indian Air Force's Tejas in action during 'Exercise Iron Fist'.

Pakistan and China were, however, left out of the list.

Indian soldiers jump off aircraft during 'Iron Fist'.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others at the IAF event.

“This demonstration is the tip of an iceberg when compared to the overall capability of the air force,” Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said on the occasion.

A soldier is dropped on a rooftop from a helicopter during exercise 'Iron Fist'.

Raha, who is Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, said the three armed forces were fully geared up for joint operations.

Indian Air Force's indigenous awacs in action.

“I assure the nation’s leadership that the army, navy and the air force are fully geared up to conduct integrated operations at the tactical, operational and strategic levels,” he said.

A missile being fired at the IAF show in Pokhran.

“Future conflicts will witness extensive conduct of joint operations,” the IAF chief said.

An Indian Air Force aircraft hits a target during the exercise.

Meanwhile, those present at the event were in for a surprise as a sonic boom welcomed them at the beginning of the exercise when a MiG-29 broke the sound barrier.

The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ fired laser-guided bombs and R-73 missile, impressing the crowd watching on the ground.

‘Iron Fist Exercise 2016’ will see the participation of 181 aircraft, 103 of them fighter planes.

An Indian Air Force chopper demonstrates its combat capabilities in Pokhran.

Other exercises include firing of lethal ordnance as well as combat and combat support demonstrations.

An Indian Air Force team flies advanced light helicopters.

The last such exercise held in 2013 was the IAF’s first day-night exercise, in which more than 100 aircraft and 30 different weapon platforms were showcased.

Indian Air Force's fighter aircraft Sukhoi30 demonstrates in Pokhran on Friday.

The exercise is aimed at displaying network-centric operations capabilities of the Indian Air Force.