Pictures : Iron Fist 2016

Pictures : Iron Fist 2016 

Su 30 MKI, MiG 29 UPG, MiG 27

Su 30 MKI firing Astra BVR AAM

Left Akash, right OSA AK

OSA AK SAM firing

C 130 J popping flares

Akash SAM night firing

An 32 popping flare

Air force statement on Exercise Iron Fist 2016

Air force statement on Exercise Iron Fist 2016

Indian Air Force’s day-night exercise demonstrating its combat and fire power was conducted on 18 Mar 16 at Rajasthan’s Pokhran firing range in the presence of Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Air Staff in his welcome address gave an insight into the exercise and the modernisation in the Indian Air Force. During his address, he stated that the primary objective of this exercise is to reassure the nation about our commitment and capabilities in safeguarding our national interests. 

 The Air Chief said that the IAF moves ahead on its transformation path despite certain constraints, maintaining a high combat potential for meeting challenges.

The event comprised six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 aircraft, including fighters, transport and helicopters participated.

Fly Past.

 The great journey of the IAF over eight decades was summed up by means of this package, with the aircraft of yesteryear flying wing to wing along with the latest acquisitions of the Indian Air Force. A MiG-27 aircraft heralded the commencement of the flypast by towing the Ex “Iron Fist” banner, which was followed by Supersonic run by the MiG-29 aircraft. 

 The “real time recce” capability of the IAF was displayed by a Jaguar aircraft. Vintage aircraft flypast by “Tigermoth” evoked the memories of the birth of military aviation in India and was followed by the Pilatus, the latest trainer aircraft of the IAF. The fly past by a mixed formation comprising a MiG-21 Bison, MiG-27 Upgrade, MiG-29 and the mighty Su-30, showcased the transformation of the IAF over the decades.

Net Enabled Operations.

 This segment commenced by the majestic fly past of the indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control System and the display of AWACS aircraft. The flypast was followed by a synchronized multiple aircraft weapon delivery demonstration of precision based bombing at simulated enemy targets by Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27 Upgrade aircraft and the Jaguar.

Air Defence Operations. 

After demonstrating the offensive capabilities, the exercise demonstrated the multi-layered Air Defence Operations of the IAF. It comprised of the fly past by the Flight Refuelling aircraft (IL-78 FRA) along with two Su-30 aircraft and the indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’, which displayed its swing role attack capabilities by delivering Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) followed by firing an air to air missile, engaging both targets with deadly precision.

 The phase also included Surface to Air Guided Weapons like the IGLA shoulder-fired missile system and the OSA-AK missiles striking down airborne targets successfully. There was also a spectacular simulation of a Combat Search and Rescue operation carried out by the IAF’s versatile helicopters, the Mi-35, Mi-25 and Mi-17V5.

Combat Support Operations.

 This phase showcased the very important role played by the Indian Air Force in support of the ground forces. There were numerous targets simulating the enemy’s vital assets, engaged on the ground from the air by a variety of aircraft on the IAF’s inventory. Apart from the fighters, the assault landing capability of versatile C-130 J aircraft and the fire fighting capability of the Mi-17V5, were also displayed in this phase.

Flying Displays. 

 After the demonstration of live weapon, an array of aerobatic displays by the Sarangs, the Suryakirans and the Su-30 added a dash of colour to the evening. The Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) and Air Force Symphony Orchestra (AWSO) enthralled the audience with their performances.

All Weather Operations. 

As the night drew upon the desert skies, the night capabilities of the IAF came to the fore. A number of targets were engaged in this phase by fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters using rockets as well as bombs. The “Search light” and Slithering Operations engaged the attention of the audience while the Combat Free Fall during the night phase showed how the IAF could take on insertion of troops in the enemy territory undetected.

 The Akash Missile firing was a first in the history of Fire Power Demonstration. The exercise inched towards a close by a beautiful and awe-inspiring display of Flare dispensation by a C-130J and an An-32 aircraft. The final event of the exercise was the awesome display of firepower by a MiG-27 Upgrade aircraft, giving a befitting close to a grand display.

The event showcased more than 22 types of platforms and Weapons Systems. Frontline fighter aircraft including Sukhoi-30, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, Attack helicopters, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and high tech AWACS displayed their potential during the show in which prestigious indigenous project – Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas” was also a part. 

 Transport aircraft like An-32, Embraer, IL-76, IL-78 and C-130J participated in all their glory while medium lift helicopters (Mi-17, Mi-17 1V, Mi-17 V5) and attack helicopters (Mi-25, Mi-35) constituted the rotary wing ingredients.

Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parikar, Hon’ble Rajasthan Governor Shri Kalyan Singh, Chief Minister Smt Vasundhara Raje and Chiefs of Indian Army and Indian Navy were among others present during the Exercise.

The President, Prime Minister and the Defence Minister complimented Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Air Marshal RK Dhir, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command for the excellent Fire Power Demonstration.

-PTI 138170

IAF's firepower demonstration Iron Fist at Pokhran 18 Mar 16

IAF's firepower demonstration Iron Fist at Pokhran 18 Mar 16

The Indian Air Force is demonstrating its combat and firepower on 18 Mar 16 at Rajasthan's Pokhran firing range in the presence of the Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. During the event, the IAF would showcase its capability delivering fire power both by day as well as by night.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff would be welcoming the Hon'ble President and the Hon’ble PM at Pokhran. The primary objective of this exercise is to demonstrate the IAF's capability to safeguard our national interests. During the exercise, the IAF would also project its transformational state-of-the-art combat potential for meeting challenges be it from the air, land or sea.

The event comprises six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters are participating.

First on the show, would be a flypast showing IAF's journey over eight decades, with the aircraft of yesteryears like Tiger Moth flying along with the with the latest acquisitions of the IAF. The flypast by a mixed formation comprising MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and the mighty Su-30, would represent the transformation of the IAF over the decades.

Next package would comprise net-enabling operations aircraft. This would commence with fly past by the indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft, which would then be followed a synchronized weapon delivery demonstration comprising precision based bombing at simulated targets by Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27 and the Jaguar.

After demonstrating offensive capabilities, the IAF would showcase its multi-layered Air Defence operations. It will comprise fly-past by Flight Refuelling aircraft, IL-78 FRA along with two Su-30 aircraft which will demonstrate the ability to extend on-station endurance and strategic reach of fighter aircraft.

This phase would also include Surface to Air Guided Weapons like the IGLA shoulder-fired missile system and the OSA-AK missiles striking down airborne targets. Capability demonstration of the indigenously developed 'Tejas' aircraft to deliver Laser Guided Bomb and fire a Air-to-Air Missile and the capability of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter to carry out rocket firing would be carried out for the first time.

This would be followed by a spectacular simulation of a Combat Search and Rescue operation carried out by the IAF's versatile helicopters such as MI-35 and Mi-17V5. The firing of Akash Missile would be undertaken for the first time in the IAF's history of Fire Power Demonstration.

The next phase would highlight the important role played by the Indian Air Force in support of the ground forces. This phase involves striking of targets that would simulate the enemy's vital assets which would be engaged from the air by a variety of aircraft in the IAF's inventory. In addition, the assault landing capability of the versatile C-130J aircraft and the fire fighting capability of the Mi-17V5, would also be displayed.

After the demonstration of live weapons, an array of aerobatic displays by the Sarang Team, the Suryakiran Team and the Su-30 would add fervour to the evening. The Air Warrior Drill Team and Air Force Symphony Orchestra would then enthral the audience with their performances on Terra Firma.

As night draws down upon the desert skies, the night capabilities of the IAF would come to fore. A number of targets would be engaged in this phase by fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters using rockets as well as bombs. The Combat Free-Fall jumps during the night would showcase, how the IAF could take on insertion of troops deep into the enemy territory, undetected.

The entire event would showcase more than 22 types of platforms and Weapons systems. Frontline fighter aircraft including Sukhoi 30, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, Attack helicopters, Remotely Piloted Aircraft(RPA) and high tech AWACS would display their potential during the show.

Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ and LCH the prestigious indigenous projects, would also be a part of air display. Transport aircraft like the An-32, Embraer, IL-76, IL-78 and C-130J would participate in all their glory while medium lift helicopters(Mi-17, Mi-17 1V. Mi-17V5) and attack helicopters(Mi-25, Mi-35) would also showcase their capabilities.

 - PTI  138123

Air force readies for Iron fist fire drills

Air force readies for Iron fist fire drills

    The Indian Air Force would demonstrate its Combat and firepower capabilities at Pokhran on 18 Mar 16. This mammoth exercise in the Thar Desert would involve the participation of 181 aircraft departing from multiple bases, and demonstrate a synchronized aerial ballet that would showcase its deadly combat capability over the entire spectrum of aerial operations.

This exercise holds special significance as it represents the lethal face of the Indian Air Force in its pre-eminent role as the cutting edge of our nation’s military capability. This exercise holds special significance as it represents the lethal face of the Indian Air Force in its pre-eminent role as the cutting edge of our nation’s military capability. The exercise shall showcase the journey of the IAF’s transformation over the years and cover its glorious history.

Glimpses of an exponential increase in the operational capabilities of the Air Force with focus on the concept of all weather, network-centric operations, precision weapon delivery and ability to deliver lethal firepower would be on display during the exercise. The exercise shall also bring to light the multifaceted nature of Indian Air Force through its ability to showcase itself with aerobatic displays by modern combat aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, Sarang, and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic team.

Air force confirmed that nearly 181 airborne assets will be used to show the air power. Which include fighter jets, transport planes, special mission aircraft's, attack helicopters, transport helicopters, unmanned airborne vehicles. for the ground variety of surface to air missile systems, man-portable air defense missiles, IAF commando's and NSG commando's also involved in this special mission.

Iron fist 2013 is the first fire drill conducted by the IAF, which showcases IAF's all weather, day-night capability of operations. Same like this years Iron fist also involves day-night operations which include a nighttime commando raid exercise. During Kargil, IAF ill-equipped to conduct air support missions in the night.

IAF plans to showcase more Indian made weapon systems in the fire drill, which include the Akash missile system, Astra missile, and plans to use many of the homemade guided bombs, which include OFB made runway denial bombs and laser guided missiles.

It's almost confirmed that Tejas also deployed to conduct live fire drills, Tejas already proved it's laser guided striking capability in Iron Fist 2013, by dropping a laser guided missile and firing an R 73 infrared guided missile in very short time. It's believed this time also it will perform multiple bomb drops as show off his close air support capability.

Air force's workhorse Jaguar also deployed in Iron Fist exercise, where it will showcase it's SEAD capability by conducting anti-radar missile firing capability, terrain hugging capability and dropping runway denial bombs across the simulated targets.




IAF also plans to showcase the unmanned aerial vehicles, India currently operates a variety of  UAV's most of them bought from Israel, It's also believed air force showcases the home made Rustom drone  too.

Airforce also plans to use the modern tactical air lifters like C 130 J and An 32 to conduct commando operations like sabotaging, hostage rescue, combat search and rescue missions, Helicopters like Mi 17 and Dhruv also planned to be used for this operation.Live demonstration by IAF Guards and special heliborne operations shall be a ‘highlight of the proceedings of the event which shall straddle both day and night.

IAF also showcase it's special mission aircraft's like flying airborne control center flight like A 50 Phalcon and the airborne refueling planes like IL 78. Transport fleet like C 17 also conducts para drop missions too.

 The final day of exercise will be witnessed by the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, Prime minister and other bureaucrats.The event also will be broadcasted live on National television for the nation to witness the prowess of its Air Force.