Chanakyaa
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As part an upgrade and to evolve new tactics in aerial warfare, Indian Air Forces (IAFs) Gwalior-based Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) will for the first time receive frontline fighters Sukhoi-30MKI by the end of this year.
Gwalior is essentially a base for French Mirage-2000 fighters. TACDE is an aerial warfare training institution which devises combat tactics for its Top 1% Fighter Pilots.
The Sukhois will replace MiG-27s, which will go back to their original bases in Kalaikunda, Hashimara and Bagdogra in the east.
A source said the new Sukhois being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be based in Gwalior. The numbers are not certain as of now, but it could beanything close to a squadron.
An assortment of fighters in the IAF inventory are sent to TACDE to evolve tactical procedures for various aircraft, implement standard operating procedures and train pilots in operational doctrines.
TACDE was conferred presidential standards in November 2009.
At present, its training inventory includes MiG-21 Bisons and MiG-27s. While the existing Sukhois are being upgraded, the Union cabinet recently cleared an order for 42 more to be manufactured by HAL, raising the IAF Sukhoi s
Crest and Motto
The unit crest consits of a pair crossed swords bracketing a winged torch on a red background. Spaced equally around the two swords are seven stars encircled in blue border with the establishment's name on the top and the Indian Air Force below.
Around this is circle of laurel leaves with the Ashoka Capital on top. Below this is a golden scroll inscribed with "TEJAS TEJASWI NAMAHAM" as the motto of the unit.
The symbolism of the crest well signifies the aim and the role of the unit. The crossed swords are indicative of combat. The winged burning torch symbolises teaching the art of air-to-air combat and it being passed on. The red background is the bloodied battlefield over which air combat reaches its peak.
The seven stars stand for the `Sapta Rishi' constellation symbolising astro-navigation and capability to conduct operations by night. The motto has been taken from Bhagwat Gita which means " I am the glory of the glorious". Thus, the crest truly symbolises the role of the establishment as any achievement by IAF in war would largely depend on the highly specialised training imparted in the field of air combat and weapon delivery systems.
Brief History
After independence, the IAF followed the doctrines and tactics of the RAF for some time. The need for an institution devoted purely to the development of combat tactics for modern fighter aircraft was strongly felt in the IAF. This requirement gathered momentum due to wars in quick succession and led to the formation of Tactics and Air Combat Squadron (TACS), on 01 February 1971 at Adampur, under the Command of Wg Cdr AK Mukherji. The primary task of the establishment today is operational training of all aircrew and ground crew of the IAF. This encompasses study and evolution of tactical procedures for various aircraft, their implementation in the form of standard operating procedures and training of pilots in these operations, doctrines and tactics. TACDE is divided into two wings : one dealing with development of tactics and the other for training of aircrew and SAGW crew.
During the 1971 operations, the TACS was assigned the operational role of single aircraft night counter air strikes on major Pakistani airfields. The squadron was quick to react and launch counter air missions against enemy airfields, starting from the early hours of 04 Dec 71. For the next three nights, the squadron continued to attack enemy airfields. These daring single aircraft missions were carried out with great accuracy. That the attacks had a considerably demoralising effect on Pakistani pilots, has been confirmed by a captured PAF MiG-19 pilot. For its wartime work, TACS won one Vir Chakra, thirteen Mentions-in-Despatches, one Vayu Sena Medal and four Commendations by AOC-in-C.
Presently, the establishment is conducting professional courses for fighter and helicopter pilots, fighter controllers and ground crew of missile units. Besides this, the Development Wing is evolving tactics as per the changing scenario.
The success of the Establishment can be judged from the fact, that the last Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AY Tipnis was a graduate of this Establishment, who topped the Fighter Combat Leader Course. In addition, Air Marshal PS Brar, the then Vice Chief, was a founder member of this establishment.
PS :::
SHOULD INDIA BUY A SQUADRON OF F16s from any Friendly Country Even US (The Second Hand Ones) and ACTUALLY Practice Against It ?
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