An Indian Air Force contingent currently in the United Kingdom to take part in bilateral exercises with their British counterparts.
Starting today, the Indian Air Force [IAF] commences joint exercises with the British Royal Air Force [RAF] as part of its long-standing Indradhanush-series of engagement. In the 4th edition of this series [Exercise Indradhanush IV], this year, the IAF is being represented by:
- 190-strong personnel [including IAF Special Forces, the Garud]
- 4 Sukhoi Su-30MKI - SB065, SB138, SB167 & SB309
- Ilyushin IL-78 MKI aerial refueller - RK-3454
- Lockheed Martin C-130J medium-lift transporter - KC-3801
- Boeing C-17A heavy-lifter - CB-8008
Leaving Indian shores on the 15th of July, they stopped over in Saudi Arabia & Greece, before reaching their destination 2 days later, on the 17th. Operating out of 3 bases, during the 10 days of the exercise, Indian ‘Flankers’ would be ‘pitted against’/’flying alongside’ RAF Eurofighter Typhoons, supported by transporters & refuellers.
Enable fine-tuning of inter-operable SOP, confidence-building, facilitating mutual learning opportunities between 2 nations enjoying cordial relationship.
image courtesy: Peter H
Godspeed
Related: Exercise Garuda: Indian Air Force in France [French report]