In a bid to enhance synergy between the forces in combating modern-day warfare, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the army conducted a joint exercise in the areas covering central sector of India. The exercise tested the operational readiness of both services by deploying various weapon systems and aircraft to meet any potential challenge.
The central sector, which comprises Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, falls within the LAC, while the western sector covers Ladakh, and the eastern sector includes Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
This joint exercise follows the recent strategic missions undertaken by the IAF over the Indian Ocean region, involving Rafale and Su-30MKI jets. Furthermore, the Indian Navy’s two aircraft carriers conducted an intense exercise in the Arabian Sea, deploying a total of 35 aircraft.
On Sunday, the IAF tweeted, “The #IAF recently concluded a joint exercise with the Indian Army in the central sector. Multiple combat assets were employed to simulate realistic combat situations for all participants.” However, specific details regarding the date and venue of the operations were not disclosed.
Just a few days ago, a fleet of Su-30MKI jets from the IAF carried out a strategic mission over the Indian Ocean region for eight hours. This mission followed a similar operation carried out by four Rafale aircraft. The Su-30MKI jets demonstrated their operational prowess by flying over the South Western region of the Indian Ocean, while the Rafale fighter aircraft covered the eastern region in a six-hour mission last month.
These missions by the IAF coincide with China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region, which is largely considered the Indian Navy’s domain.
The Rafale jets, India’s most recent acquisition of fighter planes in 23 years since the import of Sukhoi jets from Russia, possess the capability to carry a wide range of potent weapons.