Sayan Chatterjee
NEW DELHI: Ex-AVIAINDRA, a service specific exercise between Indian Air Force and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFSAF), is ongoing at Air Force Station Jodhpur, as was scheduled from 10-21st of Dec 2018. The inaugural IAF-RFSAF Ex AVIAINDRA was conducted in 2014. AVIAINDRA-2018 is the second in the series of bilateral joint exercise between IAF-RFSAF.
The exercise is planned in two phases. The exercise is unique wherein the foreign participant does not bring its air assets. In Russia, the IAF pilots flew alongside their Russian counterparts in RFSAF aircraft at Lipetsk from 17 Sep 18 to 28 Sep 18. In India, the RFSAF pilots will fly alongside their Indian counterparts in the IAF aircraft, which are common to both the Air Forces.
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff visited Air Force Station Jodhpur on 19 Dec 2018 to review and interact with the participating forces of ongoing Ex AVIAINDRA 2018 between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF). Chief of the Air Staff was received by Air Commodore Philip Thomas Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
The second edition of Ex AVIAINDRA is aimed at exposing RFASF and IAF pilots to single/multi aircraft missions in a Counter Terrorism Scenario within the predefined scope. The 30 member RFASF contingent comprises of fighter, transport and helicopter pilots.
The Chief of the Air Staff was briefed in detail about various phases of the exercise and was apprised of its progress, thus far. Post briefing, Chief of the Air Staff visited the RFASF and IAF detachment, wherein he interacted with the personnel of both the Air Forces.
During the interaction, Chief of the Air Staff welcomed RFASF team and emphasized the importance of joint exercises, as they create an environment of camaraderie and provide an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices. He spoke about the long standing military partnership between RFASF and IAF and the common equipment that both the nations operate. He complimented the efficacy of Russian equipment, as it has played a pivotal role during various IAF air campaigns.
EX-AVIAINDRA, is a testimony of the Indo-Russian Military relationship and would enhance mutual cooperation and understanding between IAF and RFASF.
