The Indian Air Force is “ever prepared” to meet any contingencies and the recent largest-ever pan-India exercise Gagan Shakti 2018 showcased the “operational capability and readiness of the IAF,” said Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa on Monday.
“During the exercise, more than 11,000 sorties were flown, which include 9,000 sorties by fighter aircraft. Over 1,400 officers and 14,000 men were deployed for the exercise... Focussed efforts enabled us to maintain a very high dispatch rate of combat assets and combat support systems,” he said, addressing the force on the occasion of the 86th Air Force Day at the Hindon Air Force Station.
The exercise was conducted to practise real-time coordination, deployment of forces, and employment of air power in a realistic short and intense battle scenario.
Detailing the force modernisation being undertaken, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said: “The acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft, the S-400 missile systems, Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters will further enhance our capability.”
Impressive parade
To commemorate the anniversary, the IAF put up an impressive air parade. The Dakota-DC3 aircraft, which played a vital role in the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war, made its maiden fly past, after it was refurbished and presented to the IAF by MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar early this year. The IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team, comprising nine Hawk 132 aircraft, and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, too performed manoeuvres.
