In a unique display of strength and preparedness, the Indian Air Force carried out an air-to-air refuelling display as part of its Gagan Shakti 2018 exercises. The video shows pilots preparing for a Sukhoi Su-30 jet being refuelled.
According to a report by NDTV, the Sukhoi Su-30 jet that took off from Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal's Kharagpur engaged multiple targets over the area of Lakshadweep before it returned. The Sukhoi jet was refuelled twice, on its way towards Lakshadweep as well as during the return flight after the mission.
In a joint operation with the Indian Navy, the IAF conducted maritime air operations on the Western Sea-board, with the clear aim of air dominance and deep strike validation over the extended area of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The Su-30s, airborne from a base on the Eastern Coast engaged multiple targets in the Western Sea-board, at distances in excess of 2200 Km.
These aircrafts then landed at a Southern Base, thus covering a total distance of 3,600 km in a single mission. These staggering ranges were made possible by IL-78 FRA (Flight Refuelling Aircraft).
The joint operations with the Indian Navy has the P-8i aircraft in tandem with the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) flying reconnaissance missions, in the build up towards the simulated strikes, as an initial step toward information gathering. The Air Defence fighters of the Indian Navy are an integral part of the combined might and will provide air support to the formidable Carrier Battle Group.
The biggest ever Indian Air Force (IAF) combat exercise, Gagan Shakti, that began on 11 April, saw the participation of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for the first time. This exercise is unique as the India-made LCA Tejas is being deployed at forward bases.
A senior IAF officer told ANI on the condition of anonymity: "The exercise will cover from the heights of 20,000 ft to the extreme hot areas of the desert and also the maritime scenarios. We will be utilising all the Air Force firing ranges. The IAF will be conducting landing at Advanced Landing Grounds, Improvised Airstrips and helipads.
In order to maintain optimum turn around, keeping the aircraft Combat ready; Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be placing their technicians at the maintenance bases. Apart from the Defence assets there is participation of the railways and civil aviation manpower and machinery.
(With inputs from IAF, ANI and NDTV)
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