AVIAINDRA-2018: IAF’s Special Forces ‘Garud’ Undertake Air-Borne Assault Operation in Anti-Terrorist Scenario

During the ongoing exercise Aviaindra-2018 between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), the IAF’s Special Forces ‘GARUD’ undertook an airborne assault operation in an anti-terrorist scenario at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The An-32 aircraft of the IAF was piloted by a mix crew of IAF and RFASF. Indian and Russian pilots also flew Sukhoi-30MKI during the exercise. The second leg of the joint exercise started from December 10 and is scheduled to continue till December 21. The first phase was held in at Lipetsk, Russia from September 17 to 28.

#AviaIndra2018 : During the ongoing ex Aviaindra between IAF & RFASF, the IAF’s Special Forces ‘GARUD’ undertook an airborne assault operation in an anti-terrorist scenario. The An-32 aircraft of IAF was piloted by a mix crew of IAF & RFASF.
Glimpses of the mission launch. pic.twitter.com/zHXh1ewuVD

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 20, 2018

Yesterday, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa interacted with pilots of both the air forces. Chief of the Air Staff was received by Air Commodore Philip Thomas, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Jodhpur. The second edition of Ex AVIAINDRA is aimed at exposing RFASF and IAF pilots to single/multi aircraft missions in a Counter Terrorism Scenario within the predefined scope.  The 30 member RFASF contingent comprises of fighter, transport and helicopter pilots.

#Video Russian and Indian pilots prepare for playing out dogfights on @IAF_MCC‘s Su-30MKI aircraft and for other missions within the #Aviaindra2018 flight exercises https://t.co/YYBoydUkkx #RussiaIndia #JointExercises #AirForce #Aviation #Aircraft @RusEmbIndia @IndEmbMoscow pic.twitter.com/9aXpQxCqxv

— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) December 20, 2018

During the interaction, Chief of the Air Staff welcomed RFASF team and emphasised the importance of joint exercises, as they create an environment of camaraderie and provide an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices. Meanwhile, earlier in December, the IAF also conducted the fourth edition of the Cope India exercise with the United States Air Force (USAF) at Kalaikunda Air Force Station. Both the IAF and the USAF practiced airborne assaults on ‘enemy’ territory.