Article Posted on : - Sep 16, 2008

NEW DELHI (BNS): A triumphant Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned home after taking part in the just concluded ‘Red Flag -08’ Exercises in Nellis Air Force Base, US. The IAF contingent received applause from one and all who participated in the exercises. India, being a non-NATO country had the privilege of taking part in these exercises, which are usually meant for the US, NATO and allied countries.

An impetus to this was given by Union Defence Minister AK Anthony on October 27 last year, after a formal invitation was extended by US Air Force Chief General T Michael Moseley to the Chief of Air Staff Fali Homi Major on February 24, 2007.

The IAF contingent that took part in the Red Flag-08 exercises comprised of eight Su-30 MKI aircraft of 20 Squadron, which is one of the most war decorated units. Two IL-78 Flight Refueling aircraft and one IL-76 transport aircraft supported the Squadron.

The brave IAF contingent flew over hundred sorties with the US Air Force team 2 comprising F-16s & F-15s making full use of the training infrastructure at its disposal.
During the exercises, IAF pilots flew Offensive Air Operations, Large Force Engagements and Dynamic Targeting missions, while the IAF Special Force 'GARUDS' practiced hostage rescue operations in urban warfare scenarios.

Recreating the present day air campaign, the IAF took part along with the South Korean Air Force flying the F-15K aircraft and the French Air Force with their latest Rafale aircraft, apart from the USAF F-15 and F-16s at the Nellis Air Force Base.
During the war games, IAF and other visiting Air Forces were part of the friendly 'Blue Forces' that were engaged in combat with the aggressors, the 'Red Forces'. The Red Forces comprised F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) such as SA2, SA3, SA6 and SA8 along with long and short-range quick reaction missiles were always ready to neutralise the friendly Blue Forces during the exercise.

The Blue Force pilots encountered all kinds of problems with ease during the war games. IAF's Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft successfully participated in Suppression of Enemy Air Defence, air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. During the exercises, the IAF pilots were exposed to real war like scenario with nearly 80 aircraft taking part at one time in any exercises. It can be noted that IAF’s role in war games will prove beneficial when India acquires the AWACS.

It was kudos for the IAF in the US, as all participating members lauded the skills of the pilots and ground crew. IL-78 tankers in refueling the Su-30MKIs in mid air provided splendid support. The IL-76 aircraft also undertook tactical transport operations and large force engagement operations. One must not forget IAF's special force commandos 'Garuds' role in putting to test in simulated conditions and demonstrating their mission capability by neutralising an enemy radar site, capturing an airfield and carrying out combat search and rescue operations effectively.

Prior to the main exercise, there was a fortnight of warm up training at Mountain Home Air Base, Idaho, US.

On its return, the IAF contingent took part in weeklong exercises at Al-Dafra, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and participated in an air exercise with Mirage-2000-9 and F-16 aircraft of UAE Air Force and Air Defence.