Countdown Begins for IAF Ex 'Gagan Shakti'

New Delhi, Aug 29: Seeking to validate new strategies developed to address contemporary threats, the Indian Air Force proposes conducting Exercise 'Gagan Shakti' next month in the Western and South Western Air Command areas of responsibility.

The exercise -- from September 4 to 27 -- will also test the integration of new sensors and weapon systems inducted in the IAF in the recent past, according to Wing Commander Mahesh Upasani, the IAF spokesperson here.

Wg Cdr Upasani observed that in short -- and sharp -- conflicts of the future, air dominance will play a major role -- and the thrust towards this would be achieved by eliminating the threats posed to air assets -- both from the air and ground.

To validate the plans, a large number of aircraft and systems on IAF's inventory will take part in Ex 'Gagan Shakti' which will also integrate space-based assets and operational networks, simulating a real-time operational scenario, Wg Cdr Upasani said.

IAF has, over the past few years, participated in bi-lateral exercises with foreign Air Forces and has proved its capabilities as being among the foremost air forces of the world.

In order to revalidate its tactic and concept in a realistic operational scenario, Ex 'Gagan Shakti' is being conducted as a major exercise towards operationalising the important lessons.

The exercise will have many unique features. It would not only involve joint operations with Army and Naval forces but would also interface and enable coordination with agencies such as the Defence Research&Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Wg Cdr Upasani said recently inducted force-multipliers have been closely networked to enable minimal response times. These systems would be operationally exercised using air and space-based assets.

The exercise has also been planned in a manner so as to cause least interference with the civil air traffic.

The aircraft and combat support assets would be exercised within their entire operational envelope to support Effects-Based Operations. Flying missions during the exercise will culminate in actual firing at various air-to-ground firing ranges of the IAF.

Ex 'Gagan Shakti' is a major exercise which is being coordinated by Air Headquarters. While addressing the participants, Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, exhorted the air warriors ''to ensure optimum employment and integration of Force Multipliers and available space based assets''.

He emphasised the need to draw important lessons to enhance the combat potential of the IAF. He advised the participants ''to utilise the opportunity to validate and refine tactics and concepts which would be available in a near real-time scenario during the exercise''.

''With the IAF inducting new force-multipliers and growing into a major Strategic Force, there is a need to exercise operational networks within the IAF in joint war fighting with the Army and the Navy, '' the Vice Chief said.

UNI