‘Exercise Iron Fist’: 10 Points You Need To Know

Hello Warriors! The Indian Air Force today showcased its combat and fire power in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan at Exercise Iron Fist this evening. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event.

The cutting-edge aircraft of the Indian Air Force displayed the full breadth of their capability. It not only showed the battle preparedness of the Indian Air Force but also sent a message to the enemy!

Here is all about ‘Exercise Iron Fist’:

1. The Iron Fist exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force is a showcase of capabilities of the world’s fourth largest air force. The day-night combat exercise included more than 181 aircraft including frontline aircraft like Su 30Mki.
2. The exercise began with a flypast showing the IAF’s journey over eight decades, with the oldest member of its fleet, the de Haviland Tiger Moth, flying alongside its latest acquisitions. The mixed formation included MiG-21s, MiG-27s, MiG-29s and the Su-30
3. The dignitaries were welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and other senior officers. Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present.
4. ‘Iron Fist Exercise 2016’ saw the participation of 181 aircraft, 103 of them fighter planes, which comprised of six different themes which showcased the operational capabilities of the IAF.
5. All the frontline fighters in IAFs inventory, including the Su-30 MKI, participated in the exercise close to the Indo-Pak border.
6. The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was an attraction at the exercise, where India displayed its firepower with 22 types of platforms and weapons systems to demonstrate its state-of-the-art capabilities in meeting challenges be it from air, land or sea.
7. The Made in India Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fired air to air missiles. The indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter, to be inducted into the Air Force soon, fired rockets including Akash surface to air missile.
8. The Air Force showcased its network centric operations with an Indian-made airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) system.
9. Night bombing and firing was demonstrated from about 7.20 pm. The exercise ended today, on 18^th March, a little before 8 pm.
10. The IAF had demonstrated its day-dusk-night operational capabilities during Iron Fist 2013. Today’s exercise showcased the journey of the IAFs transformation over the years and covered its glorious history while presenting its lethal side.