Sukhoi fighters; main attraction of MILAN-08

Port Blair, Jan 21 (UNI) Sukhoi, the multi-role combat fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force has become the main attraction of the five-day long mega-event MILAN-08, one of the biggest congregations of the littoral Navies of the Bay of Bengal and Asia, being held here, official sources said today.

The event is organised by Andaman and Nicobar Command, India's first tri-service joint command, based in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Apart from professional interaction between the visiting navies there will be an array of activities for the people which will include aerobatics display by Indian Air Force Sukhoi (SU-30) fighter aircraft for the first time, Captain M K Singh, the Administration and Personal officer of Andaman and Nicobar Command told 'UNI'.

The Naval Captain said the Sukhoi aircraft have already arrived at Andamans and will be participating in the City Parade of Milan-08 tomorrow at Port Blair.

'' Bringing Sukhoi in Andaman requires mid-air refueling and we want to covey a message to the world that we have all such capability, in these islands too,'' Captain Singh added.

However, he clarified that the message is for ''no specific country.'' The multi-role combat fighter-aircraft, Sukhoi (SU-30) came to these islands from mainland India and are being stationed at Car Nicobar Airbase, situated in Car Nicobar Islands of Nicobar District.

Apart from Sukhoi show, there will be impeccable and smart drill movements by the famous Air Warrior Drill Team, Water Para Jumps by the elite Marine Commandos from the Navy, display by Army Dare Devil Team and a colourful City Parade.

''Their social interactions and gatherings will go a long way in enhancing levels of camaraderie and bring out the best in human spirit irrespective of the vast differences in culture, language and habits,'' Singh added.

Milan, the biennial event started with four countries namely Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Sri Lanka in 1995, participation has grown over the years with nine countries participating in the last Milan held in 2006. Milan-08 is largest ever with participation from 11 countries namely Australia, New Zealand, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Brunei.

UNI SKR KK AM HT1820