The Indian Air Force is participating for the first time in Exercise Desert Flag-VI. Air forces of United Arab Emirates, United States of America, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain are also participating in the desert. The exercise is scheduled from March 3, 2021 to March 27, 2021 at Al-Dhafra Airbase of the UAE.
The IAF is participating with six Su-30 MKI, two C-17 and one IL-78 tanker aircraft. C-17 Globemaster will provide support for induction/ de-induction of the IAF contingent. Su-30 MKI aircraft will undertake long range ferry, routing direct from India to the exercise area with aerial refueling support from IL-78 tanker aircraft. The aim of the exercise is to provide operational exposure to the participating forces while training them to undertake simulated air combat operations in a controlled environment. Indian Armed Forces Tri-Services Contingent Leaves For Moscow to Take Part in Russia’s Victory Day Parade on June 24.
IAF’s Tweet:
The participating forces will get an opportunity to enhance their operational capabilities along with mutual exchange of best practices. The large-scale exercise involving diverse fighter aircraft from across the globe will provide the participating forces, including IAF, a unique opportunity to exhchange knowledge, experience, enhance operational capabilities and interoperability. INS Viraat, Indian Navy’s Longest Serving Warship, Sails For Last Time From Naval Dockyard in Mumbai to Alang.
The Defence Ministry said, “Exercising and interaction with the participating nations in a dynamic and realstic warfare environment will also contribute to strengthen international relations.” Over the last decade, IAF has regularly hosted and participated in multi-national operational exercises, wherin collaborative engagements are undertaken amongst the best air forces of the world.
(Source: PIB)
(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/IAF)
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