Watch: IAF’s Fighter Jets Perform Dusk-Night-Dawn Operations During Biggest-Ever Combat Exercise

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently conducting its biggest-ever combat exercise, Gagan Shakti 2018, to check its operational preparedness.

As part of the exercise, which began on 10 April and is likely to continue till 23 April, the Air Force has mobilised more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft to practice the real-time war scenario. More than 300 officers and 15,000 airmen have also been mobilised to participate in the exercise.

IAF’s fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Mig-21s, Mig-27s, Jaguars and Mirage-2000s are taking part in the exercise alongside transport planes and helicopters including C-17 Globe Master, C-130 Super Hercules, Mi-35 and Mi-17V.

In an attempt to showcase round the clock operational preparedness, fighter jets have undertaken what the IAF calls “incessant Dusk-Night-Dawn operations”.

The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is taking part in the exercise for the first time and has performed both offensive and defensive missions.

During the exercise, IAF fighter jets will undertake close to 4,000 sorties through the day and night across the length and breadth of the country. Fighters will also perform simulated strike missions deep into the Indian Ocean.