Indo-UK fighter exercise was successfully conducted at 5 Wing from 18 Oct to 03 Nov 10. This was the first exercise with the Eurofighter (Typhoon) in India. The exercise included Typhoon, E-3D operating from KKD and VC-10 operating from Kolkata. This was also the first International exercise where Indian AWACS was utilised for controlling of missions. Joint planning was carried out by the White Force of IAF and RAF and a scenario was created for conduct of the missions.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) of the UK jointly commenced the 5th edition of Exercise Indradhanush at Air Force Station Hindan on 24 February. The focus of this edition of the exercise is ‘Base Defence and Force Protection’.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated in a Press communication that this theme is of significance considering the recent threats to military establishments from terror elements. Exercise Indradhanush provides a platform for the IAF and RAF to share and jointly validate strategies and tactics to counter terror threats to their installations.

The RAF team comprises of 36 specialised combatants of the RAF Regiment while the IAF will comprise of 42 combatants of the Garud Commando Force, the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. Both teams will execute missions based on jointly worked out plans and scenarios. Both sides will also exercise specialised weapons, equipment, and vehicles, and validate joint employability.

Special missions will encompass airfield seizure, base defence and anti-terror operations in urban built up zones. These exercises will include para drops from C-130J aircraft, tactical insertions by Mi-17 V5 helicopters, and use of various airborne sensors.

The IAF as well as the RAF are expected to gain significantly from each other’s operational experience, training philosophies, contemporary technologies, and best practices followed. Social, sports, and cultural events have been interspersed during the exercise to enhance bonhomie and mutual understanding. The Exercise will conclude on 29 Feb.