The Indian Air Force has decided not to deploy its combat jets in a multilateral air exercise in the UK next month in view of the situation arising out of the crisis in Ukraine.
The announcement by the IAF to not send its aircraft for the 'Cobra Warrior' exercise came just three days after it confirmed its participation in the drills from March 6 to 27 at Waddington in the United Kingdom.
“In light of the recent events, #IAF has decided not to deploy its aircraft for Exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 in UK,” the IAF tweeted.
Though the IAF did not clearly mention the reasons for the pull-out, it is learnt that the deepening crisis in Ukraine following the Russian military attack in that country prompted the decision.
The announcement by the IAF came hours after India abstained from voting on a UN Security Council resolution on the Russian military aggression against Ukraine.
Official sources said by abstaining from the resolution, India retained the option of reaching out to all relevant sides to find a middle ground and foster dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
On Wednesday, the IAF had announced that it will participate in the 'Cobra Warrior' exercise with a fleet of five Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).
The IAF said the exercise 'Cobra Warrior 22' is aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating air forces.
It said the exercise will be a platform for the indigenously developed Tejas aircraft to demonstrate their manoeuvrability and operational capability.
"The exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating air forces, thereby enhancing combat capability and forging bonds of friendship," the IAF had said.
"Completely False": Kremlin Denies Putin, Trump Spoke Over Phone Russia, Ukraine Launch Biggest Drone Attacks Yet On Each Other Donald Trump Dials Putin, Urges Him Not To Escalate War In Ukraine: Report "Officials To Pay From Salary": Top Court Guidelines On 'Bulldozer Justice' Top Roles For Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy In Donald Trump's Cabinet "Never Thought He Would...": Cop Who First Arrested Lawrence Bishnoi ICAI Releases Mock Test Paper Series For January 2025 CA Inter Exams 14 Dead As Bus With Wedding Guests Falls Into River In Pak, Bride Survives Goods Train Derails In Telangana, 20 Trains Cancelled Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.