Indian Air Force(IAF) is conducting a drill for complex ground attack missions for operations in different terrains, including plains and mountainous areas, according to sources as reported by news agency ANI. The drill is being done at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have risen after the Pahalgam attack.
The IAF is carrying out 'Exercise Aakraman' over a large area in the central sector involving its mainstream fighter aircraft fleets led by the Rafale fighter aircraft, the news agency also reported, citing sources. The IAF operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft, which are based out of Ambala and Hashimara in West Bengal.
"The cutting-edge technology fighter jets are carrying out complex missions involving ground attack and electronic warfare drills," defence sources told ANI. "The assets of the Indian Air Force have been moved from multiple airbases, including from the eastern side," added the defence sources.
The Indian Air Force has been practising for complex ground attack missions, and the top pilots of the Indian Air Force are taking part in a rhetorical exercise under the close watch of highly qualified instructors, according to the sources.
The Indian Air Force also holds an edge over its adversaries in the South Asian region with the induction of Meteor air-to-air missiles and the induction of long-range high-speed low-drag missiles like the Rampage and Rocks. The Indian Air Force has acquired the Rafale fighter jets since then, and they have revived its edge over the rivals in the region.
The Indian Air Force had used the Mirage 2000 fighter jets in 2019 but has indicted many force multipliers like the S-400 air defence system, which can be very effective against the airborne early warning and control aircraft of the adversaries.
*With Agency Inputs
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