The Pokhran range near Jaisalmer echoed with resounding explosions and applause on Saturday as the Indian Air Force (IAF) presented an enthralling demonstration of its offensive capabilities.
The event, graced by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, as the chief guest, unfolded with a series of breathtaking aerial maneuvers, leaving spectators awestruck.
The spectacle commenced with three Chetak helicopters displaying the National Flag and the Air Force ensign, flying past the grand-stand, as the National Anthem played. Following this grand opening, a Rafale aircraft created a perfectly timed ‘Sonic Boom,’ setting the stage for an extraordinary display of aerial prowess. Two Jaguar aircraft swiftly followed, capturing high-fidelity reconnaissance images of the terrain below.
Embracing the theme of this year’s exercise, dubbed ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky,’ over 120 aircraft showcased the IAF’s offensive capabilities both by day and night. Fighter jets including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas, and Hawk executed precision strikes on simulated enemy targets with deadly accuracy.
Utilising an array of Precision Guided Munitions, conventional bombs, and rockets, the IAF demonstrated its unwavering commitment to ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat,’ with the indigenous Tejas aircraft delivering a remarkable swing-role capability.
In a nod to technological advancements, a long-range unmanned drone showcased its precision by annihilating a simulated enemy radar site.
As per the Press Information Bureau, an IAF Rafale also successfully engaged an aerial target with a beyond visual range air-to-air missile. Further, combat support operations by transport aircraft included a Containerised Delivery System drop by a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft and an assault landing by a C-130J carrying IAF Special Forces, Garuds.
The Apache attack helicopter demonstrated its firepower in this event for the first time, by engaging targets with Air to Ground guided missiles, while Mi-17 helicopters engaged ground targets with rockets. Joint operations included the IAF and Indian Army’s weaponised version of the Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-IV devastating simulated enemy targets using their rockets and swivel guns.
Joint operations with the Indian Army featured the rapid deployment of combat assets, including the airlifting of M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers by IAF Chinook helicopters, facilitating the prompt destruction of ground targets.
As dusk descended, Garuds inserted by Mi-17 helicopters carried out an ‘Urban Intervention’ demonstrating their prowess in anti-terror/insurgency operations aimed at clearing hideouts of inimical elements. The indigenous Air Defence Systems, Akash and SAMAR missile systems were also showcased, destroying multiple aerial targets.
Nighttime events unveiled the capabilities of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand,’ effectively neutralising designated targets with rockets. Additionally, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI aircraft showcased strategic bombing capabilities by dropping heavy calibre weapons under cover of darkness.
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Throughout the display, approximately 50 tonnes of ordnance were dropped within a span of two hours over a designated area, underscoring the IAF’s lethal precision targeting capabilities.
In a symbolic gesture of jointness, a Tri-service band performed at the event. The event also included a free fall drop by the Akashganga team and flare dispensing by C-130J by night.
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