In a show of high preparedness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) held big-ticket combat exercises on Thursday (April 24), practicing attacks on mountain and ground targets. The exercises saw IAF's frontline fighter jets at the forefront, with Rafale jets spearheading the formations.
The exercises include high-intensity missions, such as ground attacks and electronic warfare simulation, defence sources quoted by ANI said. "IAF assets have been mobilised from several bases, including the eastern sector," the sources further stated, emphasizing the pan-India scope of the operation.
The exercises are at a time of increased vigil after the recent terror strike in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. With tensions mounting along the western border, the IAF has stepped up its training on different terrains, particularly in mountain warfare situations.
The IAF has two Rafale squadrons currently — one based at Ambala and one in West Bengal. These upgraded planes, integrated with Meteor air-to-air missiles and precision weapons such as Rampage and Rocks, provide the IAF an important advantage on the battlefield.
This constant drill also has involvement from top pilots, who are commonly called "Top Guns," flying under the command of experienced instructors. Air Headquarters is keeping a close watch on the operations, as the exercises mirror the strategic significance of the operations.
The operational readiness of the Indian Air Force has taken a revolutionary jump since the Balakot air strikes of 2019, following the Pulwama terror attack. Along with the arrival of Rafales, induction of the S-400 air defense system provided a vital defensive cover against airborne threats, ranging from spy aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft to drones.
In the meantime, Pakistan has also intensified its military sabre-rattling. It recently alerted a scheduled test of a surface-to-surface missile off the coast of Karachi and held firing exercises at Tilla Range. Although Islamabad has claimed no hand in the Pahalgam terror attack, international pressure builds on.
Indian defence authorities continue to be on tenterhooks, closely following events on either side of the border.
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