The Made in India Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will fire air to air missiles. (File Photo)
Highlights
- Air Force to showcase its combat and fire power at 'Exercise Iron Fist'
- President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi present at the event
- 'Made in India' aircraft and weapons to be showcased
The Indian Air Force is showcasing its combat and fire power in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan at what is called "Exercise Iron Fist" this evening. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending.
Here are the latest developments:
With a focus on Made in India, the IAF will demonstrate 22 types of platforms and weapons systems to show its combat potential for meeting challenges from the air, land or sea.
The day-night event will comprise six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters will participate.
The Made in India Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will fire air to air missiles. The indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter, to be inducted into the Air Force soon, will fire rockets.
The Akash surface to air missile will also be fired. The Indian made missile is being demonstrated for the first time.
The air force will showcase its network centric operations with an Indian-made airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) system.
"The primary objective of this exercise is to demonstrate IAF's capability to safeguard our national interests," an air force statement said.
It exercise will begin with a flypast showing the IAF's journey over eight decades, with the oldest member of its fleet, the de Haviland Tiger Moth, flying alongside its latest acquisitions. The mixed formation will include MiG-21s, MiG-27s, MiG-29s and the Su-30.
A synchronised weapon delivery demonstration will see precision bombing at simulated targets by a Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27 and a Jaguar.
Flight refuelling aircraft IL-78 FRA will fly along with two Su-30 aircraft to demonstrate the IAF's ability to extend on-station endurance and the strategic reach of its fighter aircraft. Surface to air guided weapons like the IGLA shoulder-fired missile system and the OSA-AK missiles will show how airborne targets are struck down.
Night bombing and firing will be demonstrated from about 7.20 pm. Exercise Iron Fist, first held in 2013, is scheduled to end today a little before 8 pm.
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