Indo- Russian Air Force exercise Avia Indra 2014 commences at Astrakhan

With the aim to bolster ties between the Indian Air Force and Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF), Ex Avia Indra-2014 commenced today at Astrakhan region, near the Caspian Sea in Russia.

The exercise which has begun today will go on till September 05. This year's is the first exercise of its kind between the two Air Forces and is seen as a major milestone in military relations.

This involves participation of fighter pilots, helicopter pilots, missile combat crew, as well as engineers from the Indian Air Force (IAF) along with their counterparts of the RFAF.

During the exercise, fighter and helicopter pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in missions alongside Russian pilots in aircraft of the Russian Federation Air Force (Su-30SM fighter aircraft, Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters), while missile combat crew will interact with their counterparts from the Russian Air Force and participate in Air Defence exercises.

It will also provide an opportunity to both the forces for exchange of best practices and will cement the foundation for a more professional interaction and growth in the future.