The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started its biggest ever war exercise Gagan Shakti at the borders of Pakistan and China in Jaisalmer. The drill started on April 8 and will continue till April 22. In the first phase, the power was showcased at the Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer.
Reportedly, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa, and other officials will reach Pokhran on April 13. The Defence Minister is likely to fly via Air Force Special Flight from Delhi to Jodhpur from where she will take a helicopter to the Pokhran field in Jaisalmer.
The Gagan Shakti drill at the Pokhran field firing range
The Gagan Shakti drill at the Pokhran field firing range witnessed fighter planes like upgraded Mig 21, Mig 27, Hawk and others that demonstrated their flying skills and firing power. These jets can hit the targets and enemy’s fake radars, weapon consignment, laser controlled bombs, army troops, petrol pumps, missiles, and front gun.
The exercise is carried out with the aim of real-time coordination, deployment, and employment of air power in a scenario with a short and intense battle. This drill demonstrates that if Indian forces were to fight against Pakistan and China at the same time, IAF will be capable of shooting on both fronts at the same time.
Gagan Shakti drill is a big boost to the Make in India campaign and will act as a landmark for the indigenous aircraft development project. With more than 1100 fighter aircraft and 1500 personnel participating in the drill, day and night exercises will be carried out in two phases. The first phase is being carried out in the western part while the second will be exercised in the north-eastern part.
With the help of this drill, the Indian Air Force is testing the entire machinery to assess its war-waging capabilities. With each exercise, the lessons learned in the previous one will be put to test for developing new concepts. This time, IAF is going to test some tactics in real time scenario.
