IAF & Army conduct joint exercise in central sector

New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) has carried out a joint exercise with the Indian Army in the central sector with deployment of multiple combat assets to check the operational readiness of the two forces.

The exercise follows the IAF's two strategic missions over the Indian Ocean region that involved Rafale and Su-30MKI jets.

It tweeted, "The #IAF recently concluded a joint exercise with the Indian Army in the central sector. Multiple combat assets were employed to simulate realistic combat situations for all participants."

It, however, did not divulge the details such as date and venue of the operations. 

Earlier, Sukhoi jets of IAF flew for nearly eight hours on different axis over Indian Ocean Region (IOR) last week.

The purpose of these flights, which lasted for around eight hours, was to improve the air force's operating capabilities and keep a strong presence in the strategically important area. 

The aircraft were supported by mid-air refuelling aircraft and covered both the eastern and western seaboards of the country, the Indian Air Force said. The number of aircraft involved in the operation is not known. 

It also carried out the same exercise with Rafael aircraft in IOR. The six-hour mission involving the Rafale fighter aircraft last month covered the eastern region of the Indian Ocean.

The IAF carried out the two missions at a time when China has been ramping up its presence in the Indian Ocean region, which is largely considered as the backyard of the Indian Navy. 

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