IAF to participate in 'Exercise Red Flag' in US

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has invited the Indian Air Force to take part in the Air Exercise, "Ex-Red Flag-16-1" which is scheduled from April 28 to May 13, 2016 at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

The Exercise Red Flag is a multinational air exercise, originally conceived in 1975 by USAF to provide operational exposure and mutual exchange of Op capability of friendly Air Forces.

The IAF contingent along with the aircraft departed from Jamnagar on April 3, 2016 for Eielson Air Force Base Alaska in USA.

The contingent led by Group Captain H Assudani would aim to demonstrate its ability to project air power in transcontinental deployment of a task force comprising Su-30 MKI, Jaguars, IL-78 tankers and C-17 strategic airlift aircraft.

During the exercise, Su-30 MKI and Jaguars along with USAF fighters will be operating in composite formations under various near realistic scenarios.

The exercise will provide ample opportunity for exchange of ideas relating to concept of operations in a dynamic warfare environment.

This multinational air exercise assumes importance in view of the continued engagement of the IAF with Foreign friendly countries.