IAF jets in SE Asia for first time for 'SINDEX-03'

New Delhi, Dec 11: In their first foray to South-East Asia, the Indian Air Force's deep penetration strike Jaguars and multi-role Mirage fighters are engaged in joint exercises with the Singapore Air Force in the island state, as part of the ''SINDEX'' series.

''The IAF has despatched ten aircraft -- five Mirages and five Jaguars -- for SINDEX-03, which began on December 6 and will go on till December 20,'' IAF spokesman Wing Cdr Mahesh Upasani told UNI.

The Indian fighters, led by Group Captain Sandeep Chabbra, are contending with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s F-16s.

The exercise is a follow-up to SINDEX-06, held at Kaliakunda airbase in November, where RSAF fielded six F-16s against the IAF's Mig-21 'Bisons' and MiG-27s.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi today visited Paya Lebar airbase, the venue of the exercise and interacted with personnel of both air forces participating in the exercise.

ACM Tyagi, who is also the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Comittee, called on Singapore's Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean in the morning and later met Acting Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Air Force Brigadier-General Ng Chee Khern.

UNI