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Tag: IAF

  • IAF Receives First LCA Tejas Trainer Aircraft From HAL

    IAF Receives First LCA Tejas Trainer Aircraft From HAL

    The Air Force chief said that two LCA squadrons have already been set up and a contract has been signed for 83 additional LCAs….reports Asian Lie News

    Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari received the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas twin-seater trainer aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chief Managing Director CB Ananthakrishnan in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

    “Today is a momentous day and a matter of pride for me to accept the first two-seater LCA aircraft. This day will go down in history as a really remarkable one that exemplifies the prowess of the Indian domestic aviation industry,” Chaudhari said speaking at the ceremony in Bengaluru.

    The Air Force chief said that two LCA squadrons have already been set up and a contract has been signed for 83 additional LCAs.

    “It is a matter of pride for us, in the Indian Air Force having set up two LCA squadrons already. We have now signed a contract for 83 additional LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) and we are moving forward to procuring 97 more LCAs. In the coming years, we will have a fleet of 220 LCAs in the inventory of the Indian Air Force,” the Indian Air Force chief said.

    “I once again wish each one of you the very best to ensure that we in the Indian Air Force receive our orders on time and start flying them in a good period of time. My compliments to all the stakeholders and best wishes to all of you for a bright and successful future,” he added congratulating the aviation industry.

    Speaking at the event Minister of State Defence Ajay Bhatt said, “Today is a historic day. I am very proud to be in HAL and to witness all agreements done here. We have handed over the first LCA twin-seater to IAF.”

    On the Atmanirbhar push in the field of Indian aviation, Bhatt said, “Some years ago we were dependent on other countries for fighter jets. PM Modi wants India to do better in all fields. We are getting Atmanirbhar.”

    The HAL handed over the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) twin-seater trainer version aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

    HAL has an order of 18 twin seater from IAF and is planning to deliver eight twin seater in FY 2023-24. Further, 10 twin seaters would be delivered progressively by 2026-27. Further orders are also expected from IAF.

    LCA-Tejas is the largest R-D program ever undertaken in India making its maiden flight in 2001 and has achieved various milestones since then. It is going to be the backbone of the IAF fleet in years to come and is slated to be produced in high numbers by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru, as HAL has already received an order of 123 aircraft out of which 32 fighters have been supplied to IAF and two squadrons already operational with Indian Air Force (IAF) at Sulur, AF base.

    LCA Tejas is a 4.5 generation, all weather and multi-role fighter aircraft. The aircraft is designed to be a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack role at ease. It is also designed to undertake Ground Maritime Operations.

    LCA Mk1A is the most advanced version of the LCA Tejas. It is equipped with AESA Radar, EW suite consisting of radar warning and self-protection jamming, Digital Map Generator (DMG), Smart Multi-function Displays (SMFD), Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Advanced Radio Altimeter and other features. (ANI)

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  • IAF to Showcase Might on Air Force Day

    IAF to Showcase Might on Air Force Day

    The IAF has released a video showcasing 120 fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters operating from 10 airbases….reports Asian Lite News

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to showcase its might on Air Force Day, which is celebrated on October 8 every year.

    Ahead of the celebrations, the IAF, on Tuesday, released a video showcasing 120 fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters operating from 10 airbases.

    The video also showed the IAF’s newly acquired C-295 transport aircraft, which will be pressed into service for the Air Force Day parade for the first time.

    Speaking to ANI, Group Captain Prajyot said, “120 fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters operated from 10 airbases will feature in the air display in the Sangam area of Prayagraj on October 8. The MiG-21s will be making their last appearance at the show while C-295 transport aircraft will be showcased for the first time.”

    In addition to its new transport aircraft, the IAF will also be showcasing its vintage aircraft at the parade. Two vintage aircraft will operate in the Luv and Kush formations over the Sangam area in Prayagraj.

    “Two vintage aircraft will operate in the Luv and Kush formation at the parade over the Sangam area on October 8. The IAF aircraft carried out multiple long-range missions, including the one featuring Rafales and other aircraft flying to distant areas,” the IAF official added.

    The Air Force Day parade is an annual event that is held to commemorate the establishment of the IAF on October 8, 1932.

    The parade is a showcase of the IAF’s capabilities and its commitment to defending the nation.

    Sugreev, Luv-Kush, Bharat formations

    In the first-ever aerial display over the holy Sangam area in Prayagraj, the Indian Air Force would be flying its aircraft in the Sugreev, Luv-Kush and Bharat formations along with others.

    The Sugreev formation would include the single C-295 transport aircraft recently inducted by the Indian Air Force from Spain.

    The Luv-Kush formation would include one each of the vintage aircraft Harward and Tigermoth which would take off from the runway in Prayagraj.

    The Bharat formation of the Indian Air Force would include one each of the Rafale, LCA Tejas and the Su-30MKI fighter jets.

    A total of 120 aircraft will be taking part in the air display on Air Force Day in Prayagraj, one of the holiest places in the Hindu religion.

    Indigenous weapon systems

    n a major push to the indigenisation of military assets, the Indian Air Force on Tuesday announced that it was looking at inducting military systems worth around Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh crore.

    Indian Air Force chief VR Chaudhari on Tuesday announced a mega acquisition of 97 additional LCA Mark 1A aircraft along with the 83 already ordered by it as one of the biggest projects in this list, adding that the purchase would be worth around Rs 1.25 lakh crores.

    He also listed the plan to upgrade the Su-30MKI combat aircraft at a cost of over Rs 64,000 crore as another project on this list.

    Chaudhari said the IAF also wants the 166 Light Combat Helicopters worth around Rs 45,000 crore, which would be used by both the Air Force and the Army.

    The IAF would get 66, and the Army would get 90 of these choppers, he announced.

    Chaudhari said the Indian Air Force is looking to induct these weapon systems in the next seven to eight years, adding that it would give a big boost to its capabilities.

    The list of indigenous weapon systems and military assets includes the 180 Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A, 156 Light Combat Helicopters, Light Utility Choppers, and many other weapon systems that are supposed to feature prominently in the service in the coming years.

    The LCA Mark1A, alone, is supposed to be worth over Rs 1.2 lakh crore and is tipped to have a huge impact on the creation of a fighter aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in the country.

    Officials said support for building a major defence industry is key to achieving a USD 5 trillion economy as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that as the ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) programme of the defence forces takes wings, the agenda of the acquisition-related meetings is fast becoming ‘Indian’ in the true sense.

    Sharing details of the made-in-India projects in the pipeline, the officials said the Air Force is getting 180 LCA Mark 1A aircraft, for which the first contract for the acquisition of 83 aircraft has already been signed, while the project for the remaining 97 aircraft is set to get the clearance from the Defence Ministry soon.

    In the fighter aircraft domain, the Indian Air Force is taking up a major programme to upgrade the Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet under a Rs 65,000 crore project.

    The project would be carried out indigenously by a joint team of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Indian Air Force, with indigenous radars, avionics, and advanced weapons that the fighters would be equipped with.

    The project is being moved to the Defence Ministry and is expected to be discussed at a high level very soon.

    The upgrade programme would be carried out first with around 90 aircraft and then implemented on the remaining 160 plus aircraft, gradually bringing them very close to fifth-generation capabilities.

    After addressing the development of the Airborne Early and Control Aircraft requirements through a couple of indigenous plans, the Indian Air Force is also working on developing a spy plane that would be able to pick up entire enemy activity.

    Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft can equip the IAF with a potent instrument for gaining battlefield transparency and situational awareness.

    In terms of rotary wing capabilities, the Indian Air Force is going to get a big boost in terms of firepower, giving a similar push to the domestic industry. (ANI)

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  • IAF Bolsters Firepower with 12 New Su-30 Aircraft

    IAF Bolsters Firepower with 12 New Su-30 Aircraft

    The DAC headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded its Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for nine capital acquisition proposals valued at approximately Rs 45,000 crore, a report by Ateet Sharma

    The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clearing procurement of 12 Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Aircraft with associated equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to address the long-felt need of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to increase its fighter squadrons.

    The DAC headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded its Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for nine capital acquisition proposals valued at approximately Rs 45,000 crore.

    The move would provide a substantial boost to the country’s defence industry and reduce foreign spending significantly as
    all these procurements will be made from Indian vendors under the ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ and ‘Buy Indian IDDM’ (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) categories.

    It is expected that such quantum of indigenous procurement will galvanise the Indian industries towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

    India remains one of the major foreign operators of Russia’s Su-30 type fighters with the programme for licensed production of Su-30MKIs forming the backbone of the country’s air force.

    In comparison to Russian SU-30, indigenously manufacturing the SU-30 MKI aircraft has been a costly affair owing to the additional modifications incorporated to enhance the operational capability and suit IAF requirements.

    Being a Transfer of Technology (ToT) programme, there is also cost involved towards payment of license fee to Russian side besides dependency on Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for import of raw materials and proprietary components.

    The Russian state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport has also been showing a keen interest to supply additional technical kits for assembling the Su-30MKI and carry out joint work on their modernization, including the integration of the latest aircraft weapons, avionics, etc.

    However, indigenous manufacturing has now created advanced skill sets in the country, a step towards self-reliance and will result in lower Life Cycle Cost and reduced dependency on OEMs on repair and maintenance, a faster turn-around time and quick support to the IAF bases.

    Since the facilities are indigenously established, future production supplies are likely to be cheaper when new order for bulk production are placed on HAL.

    On Friday, the DAC gave its go-ahead for procurement of Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV), Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System (ISAT-S) and High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles that will enhance protection, mobility, attack capability and increased survivability of Indian forces.

    It also approved procurement of Next Generation Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy which will greatly boost its capabilities in performing Hydrographic Operations.

    Other proposals that were cleared included included avionic upgradation of Dornier aircraft to improve the accuracy and reliability for operations and procurement of Dhruvastra Short Range Air-to-Surface Missile as a potent Indigenous Precision Guided Weapon for indigenously built ALH Mk-IV Helicopters.

    “Rather than a threshold of 50% indigenous content for IDDM projects, we should aim for a minimum 60-65% indigenous content,” said Defence Minister Singh while urging to work towards increasing the minimum indigenous content threshold in consultation with the Indian industry.

    A few weeks ago, the DAC gave its nod to capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7800 crore that included procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopter fleet of the IAF.

    To be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under Buy Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, the advanced EW systems will significantly enhance the battle-survivability of the multi-purpose helicopters while undertaking operational missions against adversaries’ ground-based as well as airborne fire control and surveillance radars.

    The development follows last year’s contract between the BEL and Defence Ministry for supply of Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite for IAF fighter aircraft estimated to be around Rs 1993 crore.

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  • IAF to conduct Ex Trishul along China, Pak borders

    IAF to conduct Ex Trishul along China, Pak borders

    The Indian Air Force has also started activating and moving its surface-to-air defence weapon systems including the Akash missile systems to tackle any possible aerial threat…reports Asian Lite News

    The Indian Air Force is going to carry out a major training exercise codenamed Trishul in the northern sector along the borders with both China and Pakistan, IAF officials told.

    “All major fleets of fighter aircraft including the Rafale, Mirage 2000 and the Su-30MKIs will be participating in the drills along with heavy-lift transport aircraft and choppers including the Chinooks and Apache,” they said.

    The Garud Special Forces are also part of the drills where all elements of air power are likely to be exercised in the exercise to be held from September 4 to 14 in the northern sector including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

    The Indian Air Force is also putting all its assets on high alert for the G-20 summit to be held on September 9 and 10 where all major global leaders are going to be in the national capital.

    The Indian Air Force has also started activating and moving its surface-to-air defence weapon systems including the Akash missile systems to tackle any possible aerial threat.

    The security agencies have also activated their counter-drone systems where they can jam any small drones or if required, can take them out using other options.

    IAF on high alert ahead of G20

    In view of the G-20 summit to be held in the next couple of weeks, the Indian Air Force would be keeping its airborne warning systems, fighter jets including the Rafale on high alert along with stationing the new air defence missile systems at vital locations to protect the Delhi air space to provide protection to the high-level meeting.

    The counter-drone systems along with air defence missiles are also being stationed in the national capital to protect against any possible air threat in coordination with all security agencies by the Indian Air Force, defence sources told.

    To keep an eye on any movement around the northern parts of the country, the ‘eyes in the sky’— the Airborne Warning and Control Systems would remain in the air continuously.

    The indigenous surveillance plane ‘Netra’ would also be carrying out regular monitoring in the area. (ANI)

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  • IAF Aims to Replace MiG-21s with 100 LCA Mark 1A Jets

    IAF Aims to Replace MiG-21s with 100 LCA Mark 1A Jets

    The project may get the required clearance soon. The IAF plans to buy these Made in India aircraft to replace the MiG-21 fighter jets…reports Asian Lite News

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to buy 100 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A proposal to this effect this has been submitted to the Ministry of Defence.

    The project may get the required clearance soon. The IAF plans to buy these Made in India aircraft to replace the MiG-21 fighter jets.

    Defence experts said that this can be a big boost to the private defence aerospace sector. 

    On Thursday itself, a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore, 

    The Defence Ministry said this decision has been taken to enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the DAC has granted AoN for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters. 

    The EW Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

    The DAC has also accorded AoN for procurement of a Ground-Based Autonomous System for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments which will enable various operations like unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel & spares and casualty evacuation on the battlefield, a Defence Ministry official said. 

    Proposals for procurement of 7.62×51 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) have also been given go-ahead by the DAC. 

    While the induction of the LMG will enhance the fighting capabilities of infantry forces, the BLT will result in faster movement of mechanised forces. 

    The ministry said that the AoN for procurement of ruggedised laptops and tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti has also been accorded. 

    All these procurements will be sourced from indigenous vendors. 

    To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R Helicopters of the Indian Navy, the DAC has accorded AoN for procurement of weapons for the same, the official added. 

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  • Pixxel wins defence ministry grant to build satellites for IAF

    Pixxel wins defence ministry grant to build satellites for IAF

    Received as a part of the SPARK grants by iDEX, this grant will equip Pixxel to develop small satellites of up to 150 kgs for Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar and Hyper Spectral purposes…reports Asian Lite News

    Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space startup, has won a multi-crore grant from the Ministry of Defence to manufacture multi-payload satellites for Indian Air Force (IAF)

    “We have won a multi-crore grant from iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence under the Ministry of Defence) for the Mission DefSpace Challenge under iDEX Prime (Space), to manufacture miniaturized multi-payload satellites for the IAF,” the startup said in a statement.

    Received as a part of the SPARK grants by iDEX, this grant will equip Pixxel to develop small satellites of up to 150 kgs for Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar and Hyper Spectral purposes.

    Pixxel has already solidified its position as a leading innovator in the space tech sector, building and launching made in India and the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging satellites. Leveraging this indigenous technology and expertise that can enable ease of manufacture, low cost and ease of launch, Pixxel will now manufacture small satellites for the Indian Defense sector, the statement added.

    “We are delighted to receive iDEX’s grant and utilize our expertise of building microsatellites in-house to manufacture satellites externally for the first time,” said Awais Ahmed, CEO, Pixxel. “This recognition highlights Pixxel’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and innovation. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and excited to embark on this next phase of collaboration with the Indian government.”

    Vivek Virmani, Planning Officer, DDP/MoD & Chief Operating Officer, iDEX-DIO said: “We are delighted to witness the remarkable evolution of startups in the Indian space industry, and Pixxel is a testament to the progress of private entities in this sector in such a short time. The grant is aimed at developing technologies addressing every stage of a space mission, right from mission planning and manufacturing to satellite data analytics and more.

    Our confidence in Pixxel’s satellite manufacturing capabilities showcases the power of partnerships in advancing the use of satellite technology for the country. We congratulate Pixxel and look forward to working with them.”

    The SPARK grants, offered to startups selected through MoD’s initiatives, are aimed at catalysing innovation enabling Indian entrepreneurs to deliver technologically advanced solutions as well as propel deep-tech innovations in India. Pixxel emerged as the winner of the grant from amongst a host of companies.

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  • IAF rescues stranded mountaineers from Kashmir glacier

    IAF rescues stranded mountaineers from Kashmir glacier

    The IAF had to resort to a low hover operation to rescue the two civilians….reports Asian Lite News

    IAF ALH Mk III helicopter rescued two injured civilian mountaineers from Thajwas Glacier, one of whom had suffered multiple fractures, hypothermia and other injuries.

    “In a swift and successful operation today evening, IAF ALH Mk III helicopter rescued two injured civilian mountaineers in the nick of time from Thajiwas Glacier, one of whom had suffered multiple fractures, hypothermia and other injuries,” the defence spokesperson said on Sunday.

    The IAF had to resort to a low hover operation to rescue the two civilians.

    “Faisal Wani and Zeeshan Mushtaq were spotted by ground party in inhospitable glacier where the helicopter had no landing field and a low hover operation was resorted to,” the defence official said.

    He said that the entire operation from request to IAF to successfully evacuating the persons into IAF hospital was over in little over an hour including to and fro travel.

    Air Force Station Srinagar was in charge of the entire operation from where the helicopter was launched and operation was controlled.

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  • IAF evacuates 122 Indians from Port Sudan

    IAF evacuates 122 Indians from Port Sudan

    Fighting is underway in Khartoum as the UN warns that Sudan is at a humanitarian “breaking point”….reports Asian Lite News

    Indian Air Force C-130 J flight on Monday evacuated the 17th batch of 122 Indians from Port Sudan to Jeddah amid heavy infighting in Sudan.

    “#OperationKaveri IAF C-130 J flight brings 17th batch of evacuees from Port Sudan to Jeddah. 122 Indians evacuated by this flight,” tweeted Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that 135 passengers are heading to Jeddah from Port Sudan onboard an IAF C-130J flight.

    “17th batch of Indian evacuees departs from Port Sudan onboard IAF C-130J flight. 135 passengers are heading to Jeddah. #OperationKaveri,” he tweeted.

    Fighting is underway in Khartoum as the UN warns that Sudan is at a humanitarian “breaking point”.

    Rival military forces accuse each other of new violations of a ceasefire that they had just agreed to extend as their devastating conflict enters a third week.

    The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Sudan has warned that the humanitarian crisis in the country is turning into a “full flown catastrophe” and that the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries was worrisome.

    “It has been more than two weeks of devastating fighting in Sudan, a conflict that is turning Sudan’s humanitarian crisis into a full-blown catastrophe,” Abdou Dieng, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, told a briefing of member states via video link.

    The UN assistant high commissioner for refugees has said that more than 800,000 people may flee Sudan.

    The commissioner said the UN has temporarily paused operations in some parts of Sudan, including Khartoum.

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday tweeted: “With almost 1400 Indians evacuated in IAF aircraft over the past few days, two C-130 J aircraft have evacuated 260 personnel including elders who were above 90 years of age & one above 102 years of age.”

    Earlier, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, on Sunday, said that nearly 2300 evacuee Indians have reached India.

    “A C-130 Indian Airforce flight has landed in New Delhi with 40 passengers. With this flight, around 2,300 people have reached India,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

    The number reached the 2300 mark on the 8th flight however, following it, three more flights carried 229, 288 and 135 passengers respectively, taking the number of evacuees to more than 2500.

    The Indian government under Operation Kaveri, is set to evacuate about 3,000 Indian-origin passengers from Sudan.

    Sudan is experiencing bloodshed as a result of clashes between the army and paramilitary forces.

    Fighting has erupted between soldiers loyal to Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, paramilitary Rapid Support Soldiers (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

    Committed to ensuring that no Indian national is left behind in Sudan, India has deployed its military planes and warships in the war-torn country to bring its citizens safely under Operation Kaveri. (ANI)

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  • IAF contingent arrives in Greece to take part in Exercise Iniochos

    IAF contingent arrives in Greece to take part in Exercise Iniochos

    The Hellenic Air Force is organizing the multi-nation air exercise at the Andravida Air Base in Greece from April 24 to May 4, 2023….reports Asian Lite News

    An Indian Air Force contingent landed at Andravida Air Base in the western Peloponnese of Greece on Saturday to take part in the international exercise Iniochos 2023. Apart from personnel, four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft from the Indian Air Force will also take part in the exercise.

    The Hellenic Air Force is organizing the multi-nation air exercise at the Andravida Air Base in Greece from April 24 to May 4, 2023.

    The objective of the exercise is to enhance international cooperation, synergy and interoperability amongst the participating Air Forces, India’s Ministry of Defence said. “The exercise will be conducted in a realistic combat scenario involving multiple types of air and surface assets. It will also enable the participating contingents to engage in professional interactions, providing valuable insight into each other’s best practices,” the ministry added.

    Apart from Iniochos 2023, IAF is also currently participating in Exercise Orion and Exercise Cope India.

    Exercise Orion, a joint military exercise involving the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and the Indian Air Force, got underway on Monday at the French airbase of Mont-de-Marsan. The IAF contingent is participating in the exercise with four Rafale, two C-17, two ll-78, and 165 personnel from April 17 to May 5, 2023. This is the IAF’s Rafale aircraft’s first foreign training exercise.

    Additionally, Exercise Cope India 23, a joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force, is currently taking place at the Indian Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda, and Agra (USAF). The purpose of this exercise, which got underway on April 13 and will go through April 24, is to improve communication and cooperation between the two Air Forces.

    The exercise’s first phase, which began on April 10, concentrated on air mobility and utilized Special Forces assets from the IAF and USAF as well as transport planes. The second phase began at Air Force Station Kalaikunda on April 13 with the participation of USAF B1B bombers and F-15 fighter planes from the US side and Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas, and Jaguar fighter aircraft from the Indian side. The exercise seeks to improve communication and best practices exchange between the IAF and the USAF.

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  • Exercise between IAF, USAF begins

    Exercise between IAF, USAF begins

    Cope India began in 2004 as a fighter training exercise held at Air Station Gwalior, India…reports Asian Lite News

    Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.

    The first phase of the exercise has commenced on Monday. This phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve the transport of aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces. Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well. The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who will participate in the capacity of observers.

    The Indian Air Force has recently been engaged in multiple multinational exercises in which the US has also participated including the EX Desert Flag in the UAE and Ex Cobra Warrior in the UK.

    The field training exercise focused on enhancing US-Indian mutual cooperation by building on existing capabilities, aircrew tactics and force employment.

    Cope India began in 2004 as a fighter training exercise held at Air Station Gwalior, India.

    The exercise has evolved to incorporate subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training and large-force exercises, in addition to fighter-training exercises.

    The last edition of the wargame was held in 2019.

    The US has also been making efforts to have closer military ties with Indian forces who have traditionally used Russian-origin hardware including the Air Force and Army mainly. (ANI)

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