A firm warning to Pakistan? Rafales, Su-30MKIs roar as IAF launches war drill simulating assault scenarios
The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a war drill, 'Exercise Aakraman' on Thursday, amid the ongoing tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack which left 26 people dead.
The exercise, which has been dubbed routine, involved the frontline fighters Rafales and Su-30MKIs, MiG-21s, the S-400 air defence system, airborne warning and control system (AWACS), mid-air refuellers and Garud commandos, according to media reports.
The Print reported that the exercise simulated assault scenarios across various terrains, including plains to high-altitude mountain passes.
“Top pilots have been flown in and every sortie is being overseen by highly experienced weapons instructors, ensuring that the servicemen master both day-and-night operations,” an official has been quoted as saying.
The IAF operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft, based out of Ambala and Hashimara in West Bengal.
“The cutting-edge technology fighter jets are carrying out complex missions involving ground attack and electronic warfare drills. The assets of the IAF have been moved from multiple airbases, including from the eastern side," news agency ANI quoted defence sources as saying.
ALSO READ: INS Surat test fires surface-to-air missile amid tensions with Pakistan after Pahalgam attack
The exercise by the IAF comes even as the Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Surat test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile, with an approximate range of around 70km.
"The Indian Navy's latest indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Surat has successfully carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Navy's defence capabilities," the Navy had said.
Defence