Ex Dakshin Prahar to showcase IAF's flexi use of air space

New Delhi, Feb 16 (ANI): To showcase the ability to sustain operations for a prolonged period of time and flexi use of the air space, the Indian Air Force is set to carry out the second edition of Exercise Dakshin Prahar.

The weeklong unique operational exercise which, has become an annual feature, starts from February 18 under the aegis of the Southern Air Command (SAC).

The fighter aircrafts of the IAF would practise modern tactics in carefully crafted corridor in coordination with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) so that civil and military air operations can be conducted smoothly and simultaneously.

Air Marshal S. Radhakrishnan, AOC-in-C, SAC, said the air exercises of this nature not only increases the operational preparedness of the IAF, but also strengthens the process of coordination between the AAI and the Air Force for handling and eventuality requiring use of combat air power at short notice.

State-of-the-art fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi 30 MKI, Mirage 2000 and upgraded versions of maritime Jaguar will take part in the exercise in order to cover the vast area of responsibility of the SAC which extends far and wide covering not only the peninsular airspace, but also the offshore installations on the east coast and Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands in the South West.

All the combat aircrafts are capable of air-to-air refuelling by the IL- 78s, which are strategically positioned to increase the reach of fighters to go around the peninsula without refuelling.

AN-32s, Avro and Mi-8 would provide vital transport support and perform communication duties during the exercise. (ANI)