Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
Pokhran range near Jaisalmer reverberated with thunderous explosions and applause as the Indian Air Force showcased its offensive capabilities through an enthralling and formidable display of its firepower. Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The event began with three Chetak helicopters trooping the National Flag and the Air Force ensign, flying past the grandstand with the National Anthem playing in the background. This was followed by a perfectly timed 'Sonic Boom' created by a Rafale aircraft. Two Jaguar aircraft flying at low levels followed the Rafale, taking high fidelity reconnaissance images of the area.
(SUBHEAD)In keeping with this year's theme of the Exercise, 'Lightning Strike from the Sky', over 120 aircraft displayed the lAF's offensive capabilities by day as well as by night. Fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and Hawk attacked and destroyed simulated enemy targets on ground and in the air with deadly precision.
Combat support operations by transport aircraft included a Containerised Delivery System drop by a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft and an assault landing by a C-130J carrying IAF Special Forces, Garuds.
The Apache attack helicopter demonstrated its firepower in this event for the first time, by engaging targets with Air to Ground guided missiles, while Mi-17 helicopters engaged ground targets with rockets.
As the sun set on the horizon, Garuds inserted by Mi-17 helicopters carried out an ‘Urban Intervention' demonstrating their prowess in anti-terror/insurgency operations aimed at clearing hideouts of inimical elements.
Night events displayed for the first time the capabilities of indigenous Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand' wherein it neutralised designated targets with rockets.
The event also included a free fall drop by the Akashganga team and flare dispensing by C-130J by night.
During the display, approximately 50 tonnes of ordnance was dropped in a short span of two hours over an area of two square km.
