AWACS to participate in Indo-UK Air Force Exercise

KOLKATA - The Indian Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) will for the first time participate in an Indo-UK Air Force Exercise named ‘Ex-Indradhanush’ that would be held at Kalaikunda Air Force Station in West Bengal’s West Midnapur District from October 18 to November 3.

This would be for the first time when Royal Air Force Typhoons would be seen in a joint operational scenario in India.

The IAF would be participating in this exercise with its SU-30 MKI, Mirage 2000s, Mig 27s and Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) Aircraft. The Royal Air Force would also be deploying its AWACS (E-3D) and Air to Air refuellers (VC-10).

Besides aiming to improve cooperating at international level, the aim of this joint exercise is to enhance mutual understanding and refine procedures for future joint exercise between the two Air Forces.

“The exercise Indradhanush is an opportunity for both the Air Forces to get an insight into each others operational philosophies and work cultures. This will greatly enhance the understanding of our Air Force to operate in scenario involving state of the art technologies,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command.

“This exercise will prove to be a boon for both the nations to fine tune their procedures for multi-national operations, which are likely to happen with greater frequency in future,” said Air Marshal LK Malhotra, Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command, in a written brief to the participating aircrew.

“It will help fine tune tactics for large force engagements and also share each others experience to hone up the skills even more,” he added.

During the exercise Indradhanush, specific emphasis will be on exposing more Indian Air Forces aircrew and controllers to missions like ‘Large Force Engagements’, and protection of ‘High Value Aerial Assets’ roles routinely undertaken by Royal Air Force as apart of coalition/expeditionary force deployment around the globe.

The other novel exposure that is expected during the joint exercise is that logistical management will be needed to move large forces for a possible out of area contingency.

The Indian Air Force has earlier done exercises with Airforces of other countries in various parts of the world such as USA (mainland), Alaska, France, South Africa and Oman. (ANI)