Mega IAF exercise next week

◗ It is for the first time that efficacy and integration of LAC in the operational matrix of the IAF is being planned

In less than a week’s time, the Indian Air Force ( IAF) will embark upon “Gaganshakti” — one of its biggest war exercises of recent times where it will deploy all its assets in a nationwide effort that will be tested in a real time scenario.

In all, about 1,100 aircraft — including fixed and rotary winged — will use all landing strips across the length and breadth of the country including advanced landing strips ( ALGs) and landing- capable highways like the Agra Expressway to undertake sorties.

“This will be as real as it gets and there will be no holds barred where our combat readiness will be put to the extreme test. The all- encompassing exercise will involve the Army, Navy, various entities like the Indian railways, civil aviation, the civil administration and others,” a top IAF official said adding that the IAF “will utilise this opportunity to validate new strategies and tactics, especially to validate recently inducted or upgraded assets and equipments”.

Gaganshakti will comprise two stages where the entire range of IAF assets will be operationalised first in the western sector followed by the northern sector. Denying that the exercise will be nation- specific, the official said: “We will fight against capabilities not against nations.”

The 11- day long exercise is expected to take place between April 8- 22.

“The aim of this exercise is real time coordination, deployment and employment of Air Power in a short & intense battle scenario,” a defence ministry release said.

It is for the first time that efficacy and integration of the light combat aircraft in the operational matrix of the IAF is being planned.