Joe Shearer
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<sigh!>
Indian Air Force all set to hold war exercise Gagan Shakti
- Thread starter Shahzaz ud din
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<sigh!>
Areesh
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How about your retirement from posting?
Not possible again
Joe Shearer
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Hindustani78
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15-April, 2018 10:45 IST
Exercise Gaganshakti - 2018: Joint Operations Battalion Level Airborne Assault
As part of the ongoing IAF exercise ‘Gaganshakti-2018’, in a joint operation, the IAF and Indian Army Parachute Brigade undertook a Battalion level airborne assault on the evening and night of 14 Apr 18, in the desert sector. This assault included paradrop of 560 paratroopers, combat vehicles and GPS guided cargo platforms. The landing force was dropped behind the simulated enemy lines to soften up the likely resistance to our own armoured offensive. The airborne force comprised six C-130J and seven An-32 aircraft launched from multiple IAF bases. The force was provided aerial surveillance by AWACS and protected by a Flight of SU-30 Air Superiority Fighters.
Airborne operations are a means of aerial insertion of troops, equipment or supplies directly into the battle zone. Airborne operations are high risk operations which are based on accurate intelligence, dynamic air dominance by own forces and criticality of requirement by ground forces. Airborne assault is a subset of Airborne Operations wherein combat troops and equipment are para dropped into the tactical battle area. These troops have specific tasks like disrupting enemy lines of communication, capture/ destruction of critical enemy infrastructure.
The accuracy and outcome of the mission highlights IAF’s multi spectral capabilities and its efficiency in providing timely support to ground forces.
************
Air dominance: An Su-30 jet performs a tast and the light combat aircraft, Tejas, participating for the first time in such an exercise.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...gaganshakti/article23549746.ece?homepage=true
Operation Gaganskati simulates airborne assault, mass evacuation, deployment of air power in short and intense battles
The Indian Air Force is trying out a variety of new tactics and operational strategies during its ongoing exercise, Gaganshakti, in which over 1,100 aircraft are taking part. The exercise began on April 8 and will conclude on April 22.
On Saturday evening and night, the Air Force and the Army’s Parachute Brigade undertook a battalion-level airborne assault operation in the desert sector.
“This assault included paradrop of 560 paratroopers, combat vehicles and GPS-guided cargo platforms. The landing force was dropped behind the simulated enemy lines to soften up the likely resistance to our own armoured offensive,” the IAF spokesperson said.
Six C-130J transport aircraft and seven An-32 transport aircraft launched from multiple IAF bases for the operation.
AWACS (airborne warning and control system) provided aerial surveillance and a fleet of Su-30 air-superiority fighters gave protection.
Real-time operation
Gaganshakti covers real-time coordination, deployment and employment of air power in a short and intense battle scenario, and joint operations with other services, the IAF said. “Concepts of accelerated operations, network-centric operations, long-range missions with concentrated weapon releases across all air-to-ground ranges in India, inter-valley troop transfer, flexible use of airspace, joint maritime air operations with the Navy, joint operations with the Army, simulated combat search and rescue for effective extraction of downed aircrew behind enemy lines, special operations with Garuds, mass casualty evacuation from highway and ALG (advance landing ground) operations, to name a few, would be tested,” an Air Force press statement said.
For the first time in IAF history, the indigenously made light combat aircraft has been deployed to test its efficacy and integration in the operational matrix of the IAF.
Mass evacuations
Apart from wartime drills, the IAF is carrying out exercises to test its ability to carry out mass casualty evacuation in the northern sector.
The press statement said that in a simulation earlier this week, 88 “casualties” were airlifted from Leh to Chandigarh. A C-17 Globemaster aircraft was converted for this role by fixing support structures for stretchers in the main cabin.
“An indigenously developed patient transfer unit (PTU), capable of providing in-flight critical care to patients, was demonstrated during the exercise,” the IAF said.
After landing in Chandigarh, a green corridor was made available, in liaison with Chandigarh civil authorities, to transfer the “patients” swiftly to the Command Hospital in Chandimandir, the Air Force said. For the first time, the IAF formalised the concept of a forward surgical centre (FSC). It is set up in a remote forward location to enhance the medical capabilities of a forward base away from a service hospital, thus providing medical facility to IAF and Army personnel in remote areas.
Naliya is the first Air Force Station where such a centre has been operationalised, using men and material of the IAF, the statement added.
On April 14, the IAF conducted maritime air operations on the western seaboard, to validate its capabilities over the extended area of interest in the Indian Ocean region.
“In the long-range strike concept validation, the Su-30s, airborne from a base on the eastern coast, engaged multiple targets, in the western seaboard, at distances beyond 2,500 km and landed in a southern base, thus covering a total distance of 4,000 km in a single mission,” the IAF statement said.
During this operation, the IL-78 flight refuelling aircraft provided mid-air refuelling to the Su-30 fighters.
15-April, 2018 10:45 IST
Exercise Gaganshakti - 2018: Joint Operations Battalion Level Airborne Assault
As part of the ongoing IAF exercise ‘Gaganshakti-2018’, in a joint operation, the IAF and Indian Army Parachute Brigade undertook a Battalion level airborne assault on the evening and night of 14 Apr 18, in the desert sector. This assault included paradrop of 560 paratroopers, combat vehicles and GPS guided cargo platforms. The landing force was dropped behind the simulated enemy lines to soften up the likely resistance to our own armoured offensive. The airborne force comprised six C-130J and seven An-32 aircraft launched from multiple IAF bases. The force was provided aerial surveillance by AWACS and protected by a Flight of SU-30 Air Superiority Fighters.
Airborne operations are a means of aerial insertion of troops, equipment or supplies directly into the battle zone. Airborne operations are high risk operations which are based on accurate intelligence, dynamic air dominance by own forces and criticality of requirement by ground forces. Airborne assault is a subset of Airborne Operations wherein combat troops and equipment are para dropped into the tactical battle area. These troops have specific tasks like disrupting enemy lines of communication, capture/ destruction of critical enemy infrastructure.
The accuracy and outcome of the mission highlights IAF’s multi spectral capabilities and its efficiency in providing timely support to ground forces.
************
Air dominance: An Su-30 jet performs a tast and the light combat aircraft, Tejas, participating for the first time in such an exercise.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...gaganshakti/article23549746.ece?homepage=true
Operation Gaganskati simulates airborne assault, mass evacuation, deployment of air power in short and intense battles
The Indian Air Force is trying out a variety of new tactics and operational strategies during its ongoing exercise, Gaganshakti, in which over 1,100 aircraft are taking part. The exercise began on April 8 and will conclude on April 22.
On Saturday evening and night, the Air Force and the Army’s Parachute Brigade undertook a battalion-level airborne assault operation in the desert sector.
“This assault included paradrop of 560 paratroopers, combat vehicles and GPS-guided cargo platforms. The landing force was dropped behind the simulated enemy lines to soften up the likely resistance to our own armoured offensive,” the IAF spokesperson said.
Six C-130J transport aircraft and seven An-32 transport aircraft launched from multiple IAF bases for the operation.
AWACS (airborne warning and control system) provided aerial surveillance and a fleet of Su-30 air-superiority fighters gave protection.
Real-time operation
Gaganshakti covers real-time coordination, deployment and employment of air power in a short and intense battle scenario, and joint operations with other services, the IAF said. “Concepts of accelerated operations, network-centric operations, long-range missions with concentrated weapon releases across all air-to-ground ranges in India, inter-valley troop transfer, flexible use of airspace, joint maritime air operations with the Navy, joint operations with the Army, simulated combat search and rescue for effective extraction of downed aircrew behind enemy lines, special operations with Garuds, mass casualty evacuation from highway and ALG (advance landing ground) operations, to name a few, would be tested,” an Air Force press statement said.
For the first time in IAF history, the indigenously made light combat aircraft has been deployed to test its efficacy and integration in the operational matrix of the IAF.
Mass evacuations
Apart from wartime drills, the IAF is carrying out exercises to test its ability to carry out mass casualty evacuation in the northern sector.
The press statement said that in a simulation earlier this week, 88 “casualties” were airlifted from Leh to Chandigarh. A C-17 Globemaster aircraft was converted for this role by fixing support structures for stretchers in the main cabin.
“An indigenously developed patient transfer unit (PTU), capable of providing in-flight critical care to patients, was demonstrated during the exercise,” the IAF said.
After landing in Chandigarh, a green corridor was made available, in liaison with Chandigarh civil authorities, to transfer the “patients” swiftly to the Command Hospital in Chandimandir, the Air Force said. For the first time, the IAF formalised the concept of a forward surgical centre (FSC). It is set up in a remote forward location to enhance the medical capabilities of a forward base away from a service hospital, thus providing medical facility to IAF and Army personnel in remote areas.
Naliya is the first Air Force Station where such a centre has been operationalised, using men and material of the IAF, the statement added.
On April 14, the IAF conducted maritime air operations on the western seaboard, to validate its capabilities over the extended area of interest in the Indian Ocean region.
“In the long-range strike concept validation, the Su-30s, airborne from a base on the eastern coast, engaged multiple targets, in the western seaboard, at distances beyond 2,500 km and landed in a southern base, thus covering a total distance of 4,000 km in a single mission,” the IAF statement said.
During this operation, the IL-78 flight refuelling aircraft provided mid-air refuelling to the Su-30 fighters.
Hindustani78
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17-April, 2018 18:12 IST
Maritime Air OPS: Ex Gagan Shakti-2018
During both phases of Ex Gagan Shakti, the IAF is effectively exercising its Maritime war fighting concepts on both the Western and Eastern seaboards. Air Dominance, over the entire extended area of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in support of the Indian Navy (IN) is being demonstrated by employment of combat enablers like the FRA (Flight Refueling Aircraft) in conjunction with our maritime fighter forces of the Su-30 and Jaguar class carrying potent long distance anti shipping weaponry.
Missions have been flown in the initial phase to address both near and in depth targets over the Western Sea Board utilising Su-30 and Jaguar fighter aircraft equipped with the potent Brahmos and Harpoon Anti ship missiles respectively. The Su-30 ac has also showcased its strategic reach by operating from the eastern most air bases on the peninsula and engaging maritime targets well out into the western seaboard with support of AAR. After quick repositioning of Maritime Assets the focus has now shifted in Phase–II to addressing targets over the Eastern Sea Board right upto the Mallaca Straits. The full compliment of Maritime Assets would now operate from bases in the Southern peninsula and Andaman & Nicobar islands. Extensive missions would be flown by the Su-30 and Jaguar in conjunction with the IN P-8i MR ac using long range weapons to refine and practice offensive and defensive tactics against maritime targets.
Such demonstrations of extended reach utilizing potent standoff weapons in Joint coordinated Operations with the IN has adequately show cased the IAF ability to support the IN in order to dominate the IOR and effectively address any misadventure by an adversary in our area of interest.
*******************
17-April, 2018 18:12 IST
Maritime Air OPS: Ex Gagan Shakti-2018
During both phases of Ex Gagan Shakti, the IAF is effectively exercising its Maritime war fighting concepts on both the Western and Eastern seaboards. Air Dominance, over the entire extended area of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in support of the Indian Navy (IN) is being demonstrated by employment of combat enablers like the FRA (Flight Refueling Aircraft) in conjunction with our maritime fighter forces of the Su-30 and Jaguar class carrying potent long distance anti shipping weaponry.
Missions have been flown in the initial phase to address both near and in depth targets over the Western Sea Board utilising Su-30 and Jaguar fighter aircraft equipped with the potent Brahmos and Harpoon Anti ship missiles respectively. The Su-30 ac has also showcased its strategic reach by operating from the eastern most air bases on the peninsula and engaging maritime targets well out into the western seaboard with support of AAR. After quick repositioning of Maritime Assets the focus has now shifted in Phase–II to addressing targets over the Eastern Sea Board right upto the Mallaca Straits. The full compliment of Maritime Assets would now operate from bases in the Southern peninsula and Andaman & Nicobar islands. Extensive missions would be flown by the Su-30 and Jaguar in conjunction with the IN P-8i MR ac using long range weapons to refine and practice offensive and defensive tactics against maritime targets.
Such demonstrations of extended reach utilizing potent standoff weapons in Joint coordinated Operations with the IN has adequately show cased the IAF ability to support the IN in order to dominate the IOR and effectively address any misadventure by an adversary in our area of interest.
*******************
INDIAPOSITIVE
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For 48 hours on Monday and Tuesday, combat aircraft Su-30MKI (pictured) will practice hitting targets at high-altitude areas along the border with China.
After taking down the ‘enemy’ bases on the western frontier, the Indian Air Force’s biggest ever and almost real war game, Exercise Gaganshakti, has now moved to the mountainous borders on the Chinese front where the fighter aircraft will carry out strikes against targets in high altitude areas and airdrop troops.
In a humongous effort involving the heavy duty C-17 Globe master, Ilyushin-76, C-130J Super Hercules and the Antonov-32s, the entire focus of the exercise has shifted to the Chinese front now, as in the first phase, the Air Force has tackled the ‘threat’ from the Pakistan side.
According to sources, it is believed that the two-phased exercise is being carried out under the presumption that the threat initially emanates from the western front and is suppressed through a swift offensive in a short time frame.
In the second phase, it is learnt, the assumption would be that fazed by the crushing defeat of India’s western neighbour, the northern adversary also starts offensive operations along the 4,000 kilometer border for which the entire focus of operations of the Air Force is shifted to the eastern front.
“On Monday and Tuesday, for 48 hours, the combat aircraft including the Su-30MKI will practice hitting at targets at high altitude areas along the border with China as locating and hitting them at high altitude is comparatively difficult,” a government source told MAIL TODAY.
The radars also find it difficult to pick up hidden targets and the war games would also help the pilots improve their skills in this field, the sources said. During the war games to shift focus on to the mountainous terrain from the desert and plains of the western front, the transport aircraft would carry along the support equipment for the fighter squadrons of Mirage 2000, MiG 29 and Jaguars, while the mobile missile units have also moved swiftly in that region, the sources said.
“One of the biggest achievements of the exercise has been to achieve a high serviceability of 80 per cent in terms of fighter aircraft, which means almost 500 of the more than 600 aircraft fleet of the force is available for offensive operations. This figure is astonishing as it is comparatively lower in peace times,” they said.
Air Force officials also credited the support of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in extending support to achieve such high numbers in terms of serviceability as the public sector unit had deployed its technical teams at forward bases for support.
The Air Force would also deploy helicopters to carry out extensive Inter-Valley Troop Transfer drills, under which troops would be rapidly deployed from one place to other to counter a sudden intrusion by enemy troops in a high mountainous pass.
Sources said in the first phase of the exercise, the aircraft of the Delhi-based Western Air Command and the Gandhinagar-based South Western Air Command clocked 5,000 hours of fighter aircraft flying in three days which is more than the flying they do together in a month.
The exercise started on April 8 and is expected to continue till April 22, during which the force will validate all its warfighting concepts.
http://idrw.org/now-air-force-wages-war-on-china-border/
Hindustani78
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18-April, 2018 17:35 IST
Exercise Gaganshakti - 2018: ALG Operations
As part of the ongoing massive IAF exercise ‘Gaganshakti-2018', fighters, helicopters and transport assets have been deployed at the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG). The ALGs are short prepared / unprepared airstrips close to the borders in the valleys, which have limited rail/road connectivity due to challenging terrain. ALGs located strategically offer an opportunity for swift mobility of troops and equipment close to our Northern and North Eastern borders.
A large number ALGs have been operationalised and are being utilised for conducting Inter Valley Troop Transfers (IVTT), Special Heliborne Operations, Air Landed operations and Special Operations by SFs, close to the simulated objective areas. SU-30s have also been operating from most ALGs in the NE sector. The full gamut of support services has been mobilised & operationalised at these ALGs for seamless conduct of these operations.
The challenges faced by our pilots in landing at these ALGs are unpredictable weather, undulating terrain, narrow corridor of approach / manoeuvring and short runway lengths. Braving these odds, the IAF pilots are undertaking these daring operations with extreme precision and professionalism, thus giving strategic fillip to these tactical operations. IVTT operations were carried out in Uttar Bharat Hills and at the Tezu-Walong in the North East sector. The support to these operations was possible due to the presence of ALGs at these strategic locations.
This exercise has proven to be an excellent opportunity for honing the skills of our aircrew and the support services to carry out these exacting operations.
********
18-April, 2018 17:35 IST
Exercise Gaganshakti - 2018: ALG Operations
As part of the ongoing massive IAF exercise ‘Gaganshakti-2018', fighters, helicopters and transport assets have been deployed at the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG). The ALGs are short prepared / unprepared airstrips close to the borders in the valleys, which have limited rail/road connectivity due to challenging terrain. ALGs located strategically offer an opportunity for swift mobility of troops and equipment close to our Northern and North Eastern borders.
A large number ALGs have been operationalised and are being utilised for conducting Inter Valley Troop Transfers (IVTT), Special Heliborne Operations, Air Landed operations and Special Operations by SFs, close to the simulated objective areas. SU-30s have also been operating from most ALGs in the NE sector. The full gamut of support services has been mobilised & operationalised at these ALGs for seamless conduct of these operations.
The challenges faced by our pilots in landing at these ALGs are unpredictable weather, undulating terrain, narrow corridor of approach / manoeuvring and short runway lengths. Braving these odds, the IAF pilots are undertaking these daring operations with extreme precision and professionalism, thus giving strategic fillip to these tactical operations. IVTT operations were carried out in Uttar Bharat Hills and at the Tezu-Walong in the North East sector. The support to these operations was possible due to the presence of ALGs at these strategic locations.
This exercise has proven to be an excellent opportunity for honing the skills of our aircrew and the support services to carry out these exacting operations.
********
Hindustani78
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20-April, 2018 17:45 IST
Exercise Gagan Shakti-2018: IVTT operations In the Northern and North Eastern sector
As part of ongoing exercise ‘GaganShakti-2018’, the Operational Commands of the IAF planned and executed Inter Valley Troop Transfer (IVTT) in coordination with affiliated Indian Army Commands. IVTT, a major Joint Operation, was conducted in the high hills of Northern and North-Eastern Sector. The aim of the exercise was to validate the capability of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army to quickly transfer and redeploy acclimatized troops, in the simulated objective area. These operations are conducted to reposition troops from one valley to another, to counter any evolving threat and to surprise or offensively exploit the weakness of the adversary.
In the mountainous terrain the movement of the troops from one valley to another is a challenging task. The redeployment of forces from one area of interest to another may at times take couple of days. IVTT operations help to reposition the desired forces within a couple of hours.
All the three commands of IAF conducted a company level exercise in their area of operations, in a time sensitive environment. This tactical transfer of troops not only validated Joint Operations between the IAF & the Indian Army, but also showcased the capability of the IAF to operationalise forward ALG’s by setting up communications and refueling facilities, and preparing aircraft operating surface. C-130 and AN-32 tactical transport aircraft and Mi-17 V5 / ALH helicopters are used for these missions. Owing to their versatile maneuvering capabilities, these platforms are most adaptable in an extremely demanding high altitude terrain.
The operations were meticulously planned by the planning staff and the aircrew executed the demanding and rigorous operations by flying in a coordinated manner, giving due importance to the flight safety. In addition to the aircrew, the maintenance and administrative personnel, worked relentlessly through day and night, to ensure smooth conduct of these high intensity operations.
********
20-April, 2018 17:45 IST
Exercise Gagan Shakti-2018: IVTT operations In the Northern and North Eastern sector
As part of ongoing exercise ‘GaganShakti-2018’, the Operational Commands of the IAF planned and executed Inter Valley Troop Transfer (IVTT) in coordination with affiliated Indian Army Commands. IVTT, a major Joint Operation, was conducted in the high hills of Northern and North-Eastern Sector. The aim of the exercise was to validate the capability of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army to quickly transfer and redeploy acclimatized troops, in the simulated objective area. These operations are conducted to reposition troops from one valley to another, to counter any evolving threat and to surprise or offensively exploit the weakness of the adversary.
In the mountainous terrain the movement of the troops from one valley to another is a challenging task. The redeployment of forces from one area of interest to another may at times take couple of days. IVTT operations help to reposition the desired forces within a couple of hours.
All the three commands of IAF conducted a company level exercise in their area of operations, in a time sensitive environment. This tactical transfer of troops not only validated Joint Operations between the IAF & the Indian Army, but also showcased the capability of the IAF to operationalise forward ALG’s by setting up communications and refueling facilities, and preparing aircraft operating surface. C-130 and AN-32 tactical transport aircraft and Mi-17 V5 / ALH helicopters are used for these missions. Owing to their versatile maneuvering capabilities, these platforms are most adaptable in an extremely demanding high altitude terrain.
The operations were meticulously planned by the planning staff and the aircrew executed the demanding and rigorous operations by flying in a coordinated manner, giving due importance to the flight safety. In addition to the aircrew, the maintenance and administrative personnel, worked relentlessly through day and night, to ensure smooth conduct of these high intensity operations.
********
Hindustani78
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24-April, 2018 19:28 IST
Conclusion of Exercise Gaganshakti-2018
The Indian Air Force conducted pan India Exercise Gagan Shakti-2018 from 08-22 Apr 2018. The aim of the exercise was real time coordination, deployment and employment of air power in a short and intense battle scenario. For an exercise of such scale, the planning process started almost nine months back. During Gagan Shakti-2018, lAF exercised its entire war fighting machinery to validate its concept of operations and war waging capability. The focus of the exercise was to check the viability of our operational plans and learn meaningful lessons.
The exercise was conducted in two phases so that all Commands get adequate opportunity to test the efficacy of their preparedness. Phase-I of the exercise involved activation of Western, South Western and Southern Air Commands, with affiliated Army and Naval components. Phase-II of the exercise involved activation of Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Air Commands. Re-deployment for Phase-II involved relocating the forces so as to be effective at the new Iocations within a short span of 48 hours. This was made possible by round the clock operations of heavy lift transport aircraft like C-17 and IL-76 as well as by employing a large number of tactical airlift aircraft like C-130 and An-32 aircraft. IAF also used civil chartered flight and trains for mobilisation of resources.
During the exercise, all types of combat missions, encompassing all air campaigns, were conducted. Fighter aircraft undertook surge operations i.e. generating maximum number of sorties in a 24 hours cycle. These included long range missions with concentrated live and simulated weapon releases across all air to ground ranges in India, creation of Air Defence umbrella to facilitate operation of ground forces and Counter Surface Force Operations in support of Army in various sectors, during both phases Maritime Operations involving long range maritime strikes with Maritime Reconnaissance support by Indian Navy aircraft were also practiced. The efficacy and integration of indigenous LCA aircraft and Akash Missile system in the operational matrix of the IAF was also checked out. In addition, capabilities of upgraded Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft were tested for the first time in an operational environment. All types of aerial weapons, including standoff and precision weapons were employed to validate their use in the Air Operations Matrix.
Combat Support Operations involved missions by force enablers like AWACS and Air to Air refuellers, Special Ops comprising a Battalion Group paradrop, Special Ops with Garud Commandos, Combat Search and Rescue for effective extraction of downed aircrew behind enemy lines, sea rescue and operations from Advanced Landing Grounds. The transport aircraft also undertook mass casualty evacuation missions in all Commands employing C-17, C-130 and An-32 aircraft. Helicopter missions included Special Heliborne Operations, casualty evacuation, strike missions against enemy formations and Inter-Valley Troop Transfer.
For joint operations, lAF’s joint command and control structures with Indian Army and Navy, such as Advance HQ of IAF co-located with Army Commands, Tactical Air Centres, Maritime Air Ops Centre and Maritime Elements of Air Force etc, were activated. Army troops and combat vehicles were deployed to simulate Tactical Battle Areas in all Commands and some of the Army exercises were dovetailed with air operations for simulation of realistic battlefield environment. Ships were deployed, both in the Arabian Sea as well as in Bay of Bengal, for anti-shipping strikes by IAF maritime aircraft operating from bases on the east and west coast, as well as from island territories.
During the exercise, more than 11000 sorties were flown, which include approx 9000 sorties by fighter aircraft.
To sustain the tempo of operations on such a large scale, on a 24 x 7 basis, the training status of entire IAF was enhanced, especially the aircrew. All qualified and medically fit crew upto 48 years of age were made proficient and current by giving them re-validation training on combat assets, employed during the exercise. Even the technical manpower focused on their primary tasks and rehearsed their SOPs/ practices in the run up to the exercise. Over 1,400 officers and 14,000 men were pulled out of training establishments and deployed for the exercise, to augment existing resources.
Intense operations of this magnitude, in a short span of time, involved very close coordination with Airport Authority of India for airspace coordination. It was an endeavour of the IAF to conduct this exercise with negligible disruptions of civil traffic anywhere in the country. IAF had also activated a number of civil airfields to support combat operations during the exercise.
All operations were conducted in a Network Enabled scenario with a very high reliability of communications, networked air defence systems employing op enabling software.
A major highlight of the exercise was a very high availability and reliability of all combat assets including aircraft, missile systems and radars. High tempo operations also enabled the IAF to ascertain sustainability of the logistics chain.
IAF was able to achieve 80% serviceability of aircraft while radars and surface to air guided weapons maintained a serviceability of 97%, which included some of the legacy systems that were over 40 years old. Focused effort enabled a dispatch rate of more than 95% for the Combat Assets, 100% availability of Combat Support Systems and almost 100% dispatch rates of Combat Enablers. This had been possible due to good planning and dedicated efforts of our airwarriors as well as continuous support by DPSUs that is HAL, BEL and DRDO. Flight line unserviceabilities were promptly rectified by dedicated maintenance crew. The logistics stamina of the IAF and the ability to sustain continuous operations through day and night was put through a rigorous assessment. Contingencies such as repair of battle damaged aircraft and relocation, of essential services due to enemy air action were also practiced.
The exercise also focused heavily on base security aspects. Simulated drills involving infiltration into operational area by various means were practiced. Dedicated contingencies were conducted towards sustaining operations in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear attack scenario. Different techniques for repairing runway after bomb damage were practiced in addition to restoration of essential services and mass casualty evacuation at forward bases. Extensive coordination with Territorial Army Units and Local Civil Administration was undertaken to refine response during various security and administrative contingencies.
Exercise Gagan Shakti-2018 provided IAF with an excellent opportunity to practice its war time drills and undertake operations in realistic scenario. Activities were undertaken in a cohesive manner to achieve the stated objectives of the Indian Air Force, in case of any contingency. The exercise also enabled the IAF to validate operational efficacy of new platforms and refine existing Standard Operating Procedures. Joint operations with Army and Navy, conducted during the exercise, would help in achieving better operational synergy between the three services, in application of combat power.
************
24-April, 2018 19:28 IST
Conclusion of Exercise Gaganshakti-2018
The Indian Air Force conducted pan India Exercise Gagan Shakti-2018 from 08-22 Apr 2018. The aim of the exercise was real time coordination, deployment and employment of air power in a short and intense battle scenario. For an exercise of such scale, the planning process started almost nine months back. During Gagan Shakti-2018, lAF exercised its entire war fighting machinery to validate its concept of operations and war waging capability. The focus of the exercise was to check the viability of our operational plans and learn meaningful lessons.
The exercise was conducted in two phases so that all Commands get adequate opportunity to test the efficacy of their preparedness. Phase-I of the exercise involved activation of Western, South Western and Southern Air Commands, with affiliated Army and Naval components. Phase-II of the exercise involved activation of Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Air Commands. Re-deployment for Phase-II involved relocating the forces so as to be effective at the new Iocations within a short span of 48 hours. This was made possible by round the clock operations of heavy lift transport aircraft like C-17 and IL-76 as well as by employing a large number of tactical airlift aircraft like C-130 and An-32 aircraft. IAF also used civil chartered flight and trains for mobilisation of resources.
During the exercise, all types of combat missions, encompassing all air campaigns, were conducted. Fighter aircraft undertook surge operations i.e. generating maximum number of sorties in a 24 hours cycle. These included long range missions with concentrated live and simulated weapon releases across all air to ground ranges in India, creation of Air Defence umbrella to facilitate operation of ground forces and Counter Surface Force Operations in support of Army in various sectors, during both phases Maritime Operations involving long range maritime strikes with Maritime Reconnaissance support by Indian Navy aircraft were also practiced. The efficacy and integration of indigenous LCA aircraft and Akash Missile system in the operational matrix of the IAF was also checked out. In addition, capabilities of upgraded Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft were tested for the first time in an operational environment. All types of aerial weapons, including standoff and precision weapons were employed to validate their use in the Air Operations Matrix.
Combat Support Operations involved missions by force enablers like AWACS and Air to Air refuellers, Special Ops comprising a Battalion Group paradrop, Special Ops with Garud Commandos, Combat Search and Rescue for effective extraction of downed aircrew behind enemy lines, sea rescue and operations from Advanced Landing Grounds. The transport aircraft also undertook mass casualty evacuation missions in all Commands employing C-17, C-130 and An-32 aircraft. Helicopter missions included Special Heliborne Operations, casualty evacuation, strike missions against enemy formations and Inter-Valley Troop Transfer.
For joint operations, lAF’s joint command and control structures with Indian Army and Navy, such as Advance HQ of IAF co-located with Army Commands, Tactical Air Centres, Maritime Air Ops Centre and Maritime Elements of Air Force etc, were activated. Army troops and combat vehicles were deployed to simulate Tactical Battle Areas in all Commands and some of the Army exercises were dovetailed with air operations for simulation of realistic battlefield environment. Ships were deployed, both in the Arabian Sea as well as in Bay of Bengal, for anti-shipping strikes by IAF maritime aircraft operating from bases on the east and west coast, as well as from island territories.
During the exercise, more than 11000 sorties were flown, which include approx 9000 sorties by fighter aircraft.
To sustain the tempo of operations on such a large scale, on a 24 x 7 basis, the training status of entire IAF was enhanced, especially the aircrew. All qualified and medically fit crew upto 48 years of age were made proficient and current by giving them re-validation training on combat assets, employed during the exercise. Even the technical manpower focused on their primary tasks and rehearsed their SOPs/ practices in the run up to the exercise. Over 1,400 officers and 14,000 men were pulled out of training establishments and deployed for the exercise, to augment existing resources.
Intense operations of this magnitude, in a short span of time, involved very close coordination with Airport Authority of India for airspace coordination. It was an endeavour of the IAF to conduct this exercise with negligible disruptions of civil traffic anywhere in the country. IAF had also activated a number of civil airfields to support combat operations during the exercise.
All operations were conducted in a Network Enabled scenario with a very high reliability of communications, networked air defence systems employing op enabling software.
A major highlight of the exercise was a very high availability and reliability of all combat assets including aircraft, missile systems and radars. High tempo operations also enabled the IAF to ascertain sustainability of the logistics chain.
IAF was able to achieve 80% serviceability of aircraft while radars and surface to air guided weapons maintained a serviceability of 97%, which included some of the legacy systems that were over 40 years old. Focused effort enabled a dispatch rate of more than 95% for the Combat Assets, 100% availability of Combat Support Systems and almost 100% dispatch rates of Combat Enablers. This had been possible due to good planning and dedicated efforts of our airwarriors as well as continuous support by DPSUs that is HAL, BEL and DRDO. Flight line unserviceabilities were promptly rectified by dedicated maintenance crew. The logistics stamina of the IAF and the ability to sustain continuous operations through day and night was put through a rigorous assessment. Contingencies such as repair of battle damaged aircraft and relocation, of essential services due to enemy air action were also practiced.
The exercise also focused heavily on base security aspects. Simulated drills involving infiltration into operational area by various means were practiced. Dedicated contingencies were conducted towards sustaining operations in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear attack scenario. Different techniques for repairing runway after bomb damage were practiced in addition to restoration of essential services and mass casualty evacuation at forward bases. Extensive coordination with Territorial Army Units and Local Civil Administration was undertaken to refine response during various security and administrative contingencies.
Exercise Gagan Shakti-2018 provided IAF with an excellent opportunity to practice its war time drills and undertake operations in realistic scenario. Activities were undertaken in a cohesive manner to achieve the stated objectives of the Indian Air Force, in case of any contingency. The exercise also enabled the IAF to validate operational efficacy of new platforms and refine existing Standard Operating Procedures. Joint operations with Army and Navy, conducted during the exercise, would help in achieving better operational synergy between the three services, in application of combat power.
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Hindustani78
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China may have constructed 14 major airfields, advanced landing grounds and helipads on the Tibet Plateau, the IAF can conceivably outgun its numerically superior adversary. For one, the weapon and fuel-carrying capacity of Chinese fighters is limited due to the 9,000 to 10,000-feet altitude of their airbases.
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Ministry of Defence
31-May, 2018 16:35 IST
Raksha Mantri inaugurates IAF Commanders’ Conference
The First biannual IAF Commanders' Conference of 2018 was inaugurated today by Hon'ble Raksha Mantri at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan). Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, welcomed Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon'ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra. He introduced IAF Commanders to the Raksha Mantri.
CAS briefed RM on the current status of the IAF and on Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti', which was conducted in April this year. CAS highlighted that the exercise was very fruitful in testing IAFs surge operations capability, logistics supply chain, rapid augmentation of personnel, inter theatre move of forces, communication network and reliability of equipment & systems. It would be pertinent to recall that Raksha Mantri had visited North Eastern Sector during the Exercise to witness Air to Ground weapon delivery by IAF fighters and helicopters, operation from ALGs, accelerated fighter operations and Garud Assault Drill.
While addressing the IAF Commanders, RM praised the exemplary conduct of IAF's biggest exercise in the recent times. She complimented all personnel for sustaining round the clock operations in the most professional manner. She said that the focus of Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti' was to draw lessons for evolving the doctrinal loop which is an ongoing process. She mentioned that Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti' was a landmark exercise for IAF. She complimented the IAF for a leadership role in jointmanship which was evident during the exercise and congratulated the Army and Navy for supporting the Air Force in achieving the objectives of ‘Gagan Shakti’.
While laying down her vision for contribution of the IAF towards indigenisation, she emphasised that being a tech intensive service the IAF should pioneer in laying the roadmap for absorption and production of high end aviation technology products in India and propel India’s growth in these sectors as envisaged in Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ policy in the next 15 years.
The Raksha Mantri also commended the IAF for the key role played by it in nation building by way of promoting regional connectivity by rendering support towards the UDAN scheme. The IAF has opened up several of its airfields for civil aircraft operations in furtherance of the scheme.
RM complemented the IAF for setting a precedence on several aspects of jointness as suggested by the Prime Minister. She specifically highlighted the efforts of IAF for having issued a path-breaking order empowering the CINCAN to exercise full control over the IAF officers deputed to work with him.
The conference is planned for two days. Commanders will discuss the operational, maintenance and administrative takeaways identified during the Exercise and the way ahead.
*****************
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, at the inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on May 31, 2018.
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressing the IAF Commanders, at the inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on May 31, 2018. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa are also seen.
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman with the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, the Air Force Commanders and senior officials of Ministry of Defence, at the inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on May 31, 2018.
31-May, 2018 16:35 IST
Raksha Mantri inaugurates IAF Commanders’ Conference
The First biannual IAF Commanders' Conference of 2018 was inaugurated today by Hon'ble Raksha Mantri at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan). Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, welcomed Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon'ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra. He introduced IAF Commanders to the Raksha Mantri.
CAS briefed RM on the current status of the IAF and on Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti', which was conducted in April this year. CAS highlighted that the exercise was very fruitful in testing IAFs surge operations capability, logistics supply chain, rapid augmentation of personnel, inter theatre move of forces, communication network and reliability of equipment & systems. It would be pertinent to recall that Raksha Mantri had visited North Eastern Sector during the Exercise to witness Air to Ground weapon delivery by IAF fighters and helicopters, operation from ALGs, accelerated fighter operations and Garud Assault Drill.
While addressing the IAF Commanders, RM praised the exemplary conduct of IAF's biggest exercise in the recent times. She complimented all personnel for sustaining round the clock operations in the most professional manner. She said that the focus of Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti' was to draw lessons for evolving the doctrinal loop which is an ongoing process. She mentioned that Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti' was a landmark exercise for IAF. She complimented the IAF for a leadership role in jointmanship which was evident during the exercise and congratulated the Army and Navy for supporting the Air Force in achieving the objectives of ‘Gagan Shakti’.
While laying down her vision for contribution of the IAF towards indigenisation, she emphasised that being a tech intensive service the IAF should pioneer in laying the roadmap for absorption and production of high end aviation technology products in India and propel India’s growth in these sectors as envisaged in Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ policy in the next 15 years.
The Raksha Mantri also commended the IAF for the key role played by it in nation building by way of promoting regional connectivity by rendering support towards the UDAN scheme. The IAF has opened up several of its airfields for civil aircraft operations in furtherance of the scheme.
RM complemented the IAF for setting a precedence on several aspects of jointness as suggested by the Prime Minister. She specifically highlighted the efforts of IAF for having issued a path-breaking order empowering the CINCAN to exercise full control over the IAF officers deputed to work with him.
The conference is planned for two days. Commanders will discuss the operational, maintenance and administrative takeaways identified during the Exercise and the way ahead.
*****************
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, at the inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on May 31, 2018.
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressing the IAF Commanders, at the inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on May 31, 2018. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa are also seen.
The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman with the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, the Air Force Commanders and senior officials of Ministry of Defence, at the inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on May 31, 2018.
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