OSA AK-M surface to air missile is launched during the 'Iron Fist 2013' exercise, in Pokharan. Indian Air Force's first day-night exercise showcases more than 30 types of platforms and Weapons Systems amounting to a participation of about 230 aircraft - AP
Frontline fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft of Indian Air Force on Friday displayed their operational and precision fire power capabilities during the force's first day-night exercise in a range in Thar desert in Rajasthan.
The military exercise event was titled as Iron Fist 2013.
Watched by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the exercise, one of the biggest conducted by the force, saw air–to-ground weapons firing and precision bombing by IAF aircraft at the range near Jaisalmer.
"This is the demonstration of man, machine, weapons and technology interfaces before the supreme commander of the armed forces", who is the President, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne said.
Exhibiting their tremendous control over the flying machines, the pilots demonstrated their skills in manoeuvring a range of frontline planes like SU-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MIG-21, MIG-27, MIG-29 besides Hawk trainers.
A highlight of the display was aerobatics and target bombing by indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and flying by Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). Besides, the fire power demonstration IAF's helicopter team Sarang gave a thrilling aerobatics demonstration.
The Air Force also showcased its surface-to-air missile systems. The show was also witnessed by Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and defence attaches of friendly countries at the sprawling Pokhran Range.
The exercise highlighted IAF's capabilities to operate in a network-centric environment round-the-clock, the lethality and precision of its ground-based weapon systems and the efficiency of its special forces. Giving an insight into the exercise and the level of modernisation in the force, Air Chief Marshal Browne said IAF has progressed to execute seamless network-centric operations.
"By integrating our new inductions like the Su-30 MKI, C-130J, Mi-17 V5 helicopters and force enablers like AWACS and air refuellers into our overall operational matrix, we have ensured that the precious operational assets entrusted under our care are employed in the most effective manner. With the total integration of our sensors under the IACCS network, we have progressed closer to our goal of executing seamless network-centric operations," Browne said.
He said that IAF is fully geared to simultaneously conduct operations with sister Services- Army and Navy- at the tactical, operational and strategic levels.
"Also, continuing with our time honoured traditions, we remain ever committed to the important nation building tasks – be it while providing prompt relief to our distressed countrymen during natural calamities or while supporting our para-military forces deployed on various internal security assignments," he added.
The Air Chief said IAF has for the first time permitted a few young Flying Officers to take part in the demonstration on the HAWK trainers. "It is a fitting tribute to the confidence that the Air Force places in its future generations of young men and women as they perform in front of their Supreme Commander," he said.
After the opening remarks by Browne, the firepower exercise commenced with flag trooping by Mi8 helicopters and 'journey of IAF and indigenous package flypast', followed by another packages including one of 'net enabled operations'.
The opening of the thrilling grand exercise with helicopter fly past was followed by sorties by vintage aircraft Tiger Moth, the first basic trainer aircraft of the IAF.
As the show moved on, Swiss trainer aircraft 'Pilatus PC-7', the latest procurement by the IAF, displayed manoeuvres. A sonic boom generated by Mig-27 rocked the area which was followed by mixed flying by fighters and then helicopters. Fighter aircrafts performed fire power demonstration and destroyed mock targets on the ground.
Two types of bomb – iron bombs and laser guided bombs - were fired in the exercise. Targets which were successfully destroyed by the pilots were mock radar sites, tanks marshalling yards, terrorist camps, runway, BMP, communication hub and convoys among others.
Three SU-30 formed Trishul formation leaving people at the ground platform awestruck. The first prototype of LCH performed breathtaking manoeuvres such as moving back in the sky which are not possible in conventional helicopters. In addition, troop inspection of Garuds (IAF's special force) and NSG to neutralise a mock terrorist camp and display by para jumping team ‘Akash Ganga’ were demonstrated in the event.
In the daring feat, the IAF displayed more than 30 types of platforms and weapons systems amounting to a participation of over 200 aircraft.
Air Defence Operations, Counter Surface Force Operations, Urban Warfare and Combat Search Rescue Operations were among various aspects of fire power the force displayed in the event in which 'Air Warrior Drill Team' and 'Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra' also performed
