IAF to Conduct Three Mega Exercises with Focus on Joint Warfighting
As part of the defense forces' transition towards establishing theatre commands, the Indian Air Force is set to conduct three significant exercises, emphasizing joint operations and integration for future warfare. The inaugural exercise, VayuShakti-2024, will take the form of a major firepower demonstration in Jaisalmer. It will feature a display of firepower by prominent fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, Su-30MKIs, LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29s. During the event, these aircraft will demonstrate their capabilities by launching various missiles and bombs at designated targets, as outlined by defense officials.
The Indian Army and Indian Navy elements including attack helicopters are expected to demonstrate their prowess in the Vayu Shakti. The exercise is scheduled to be held on February 17 in Jaisalmer. The next exercise planned by the Indian Air Force is the Exercise Gaganshakti which would see the entire Indian Air Force getting activated from Ladakh to the Indian Ocean Region and from Bhuj to Arunachal Pradesh, the officials said.
The scheduled wargame in April this year is set to involve the activation of nearly all fleets, comprising fighter aircraft, transport planes, helicopters, and drones, across various frontiers. These units will engage in both offensive and defensive missions, aligning with their assigned tasks. Additionally, it is anticipated that the S-400, also known as the Sudarshan long-range air defense system, will be operational on both the western and northern fronts during the war games.
The Gaganshakti exercise, conducted on a pan-India level every five years, is anticipated to witness close coordination between the Su-30s and other fighter aircraft squadrons with naval assets. This collaboration will involve maritime-role fighter aircraft working in tandem with naval assets such as the P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and MiG-29K fighters. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff, has been actively striving to enhance joint operations with the other two services.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan has prioritized the augmentation of integration in the operations and day-to-day functioning of the defense forces. The Department of Military Affairs under his leadership has initiated numerous measures and studies, resulting in progress across various fronts to enhance jointness.
