New Delhi, April 23: After carrying out war drills along the borders with China, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had also carried out extensive war-like operations on the locations from where the Chinese can gain entry into the Indian waters. During the second phase of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) mega war-drill, Gagan Shakti-2018, Sukhoi-30 MKIs fitted with BrahMos missiles carried out strikes in the Malacca Strait. Malacca strait is the entry point Chinese military is likely to enter the Indian Ocean region.

The aircraft also carried out a sortie of over 2,000 kilometers where they were provided mid-air refuelling by Ilyushin 78 tankers and direction by the Airborne Early Warning Systems (AWACS), India Today reported citing sources. The Sukhoi -30 MKI launched BrahMos missiles which showcased the capability of the aircraft to destroy enemy’s fighter jets from a distance of 300 km.

The Gagan Shakti 2018 which was concluded yesterday was the biggest war-exercise carried out by the IAF. The two-week long exercise was conducted in two phases along the borders with Pakistan and China. In the first phase, its western command and south-western air command showcased the capability to suppress the enemy on the western front while in the second phase, the formations focused on the Chinese frontiers.

Entire fleet strength of the Indian Air Force took part in the exercise. Sorties were carried out across the entire length and breadth of the country. Mid-air refueling, evacuation of causalities from border to military hospitals, Advance Landing Ground Operations are performed during the exercise. The main aim of this exercise was to check the war preparedness of the force. Joint maritime operations were also conducted by the IAF in coordination with the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa also reviewed the exercise. Around 1,100 IAF aircrafts participated in the exercise.

 

 

 

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2018 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).