Russian air force team in Punjab for bilateral exercise

An 18-member Russian Air Force team is participating in an Indo-Russian bilateral exercise being held in Punjab, a defence spokesman said here Wednesday.

The exercise, "AVIA-INDRA" is being held at Air Force Station, Halwara, near Ludhiana, 135 km from here. This is Phase II of the joint exercise. Phase I of the exercise was held in Russia for two weeks during August-September this year.

"The Russian delegation is headed by Major General Alexander N. Lyapkin and consists of fighter and helicopter aircrew as well as air defence crew, among other members. The Russian team is in India up to Nov 28," the defence spokesman said.

 

During the exercise, the Russian team is flying the Su-30 MKI, Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters with the Indian Air Force (IAF).