Article Posted on : - Mar 17, 2013

A Jaguar aircraft takes off at Jaisalmer Air Base. A file photo.

JAISALMER (BNS): The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started its biggest aerial exercise code named operation 'Live Wire' by deploying all its frontline aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 ,all MiG series platforms, mid-air refuellers, C-130J and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), from Sunday.

Live Wire is IAF's biggest exercise in a decade following the recently conducted 'Iron Fist' held in the deserts of western Rajasthan.

During the wargame, the IAF will practice for fighting both conventional and non-conventional warfare which would including manoeuvres to carry out surgical strikes.

The aerial exercise Operation 'Live Wire' will involve the assets of IAF's main operational formations including the Delhi-based Western Command and Gandhi Nagar-based South Western Command, IAF officials said.

The exercise is aimed at proving IAF's warfighting concepts under a networked atmosphere, as per reports.

The exercise of this scale is held after every five to six years but this edition is the biggest so far considering the fact that the IAF has also grown since 2007 when the last such operation took place.

After Iron Fist and Live Wire, an IAF team will prepare to leave for Red Flag exercise in the US, which is also taking place after a gap of five years.