Final phase of India -UK air exercise begins in Kolkata

Kolkata Oct. 28, (ANI): The final phase of India-United Kingdom Air Exercise 'Indradhanush' began here on Thursday with increased number of launches and full scale Large Force Engagement (LFE) missions at Air Force Station Kalaikunda.

The joint air exercise between the IAF and RAF (Royal Air Force) began on October 18 at Kalaikunda Airbase in West Bengal's West Midnapur District.

On October 20,the flying missions commenced with an aim to enhance mutual operational understanding and to refine the procedures.

Over 120 missions of the exercise have already been flown successfully so far.

In the final phase of the air exercise, the RAF is participating with its Euro-fighters, VC-10 mid- air refuellers and E 3 D Sentry Airborne Early Warnings and Control Systems (AWACS).

The IAF has fielded the SU 30s, Mirage 2000s, Mig-27s and the newly acquired AWACS, which are taking part in a joint exercise for the first time.

A large number of aircraft in offensive and defensive roles are expected to be launched in 'Waves' in a limited airspace.

The AWACS of both the nations with a large number of aircraft would be launched in a limited airspace and the skills of both the fighter pilots and the controllers would be put to test.

The High Value Air Asset (HVAA) protection missions would also be carried out simultaneously drawing a large number of aircraft.

The exercise 'Indradhanush' 2010 is scheduled to conclude on November 3. (ANI)