In an impressive display of the wide array of aerial strike capabilities and prized possessions, the Fire Power Demonstration ‘Iron Fist 2016’ of the Indian Air Force left every one tongue-tied here on Friday. The display showcased the missile firing capabilities of the indigenous Tejas and the Akash missile for the first time.
IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said that the mammoth exercise was just a tip of the iceberg as compared to the actual capability of Indian Air Force. He also said that Iron Fist 2016 was aimed at assuring the nation of IAF’s commitment and capability to defend sovereignty of the Indian aerospace.
The IAF chief welcomed the President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Manohar Parrikar apart from Army chief general Dalbir Singh Suhag, naval chief admiral R K Dhowan. Senior defence and state officers and defence attaches of friendly foreign countries also gathered to witness the day and night at the Chandan field firing range at Pokhran. Pakistani and Chinese Defence attaches were conspicuously absent with the senior IAF officials earlier having stated that it was a joint decision of MEA and MoD, not to invite the same.
Raha while outlining the transformation of IAF over the years lending an ‘unprecedented operational capability’ in Indian peninsula also underlined the joint operations of all the three armed forces of India. IAF Chief also reiterated the resolve and focus in terms of 24/7 strike capability of IAF. The IAF chief further stated the operational readiness for integrated operations at tactical, strategic and operational levels of all the three armed forces of India. The air chief said that the IAF moves ahead on its transformation path despite certain constraints, maintaining a high combat potential for meeting challenges
Distinguished guests gathering sat glued with eyes fixed on to skies when they were caught by surprise with a ‘sonic boom’ by a Su-30 MkI aircraft flying overhead. The event comprised six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 aircraft, including fighters, transport and helicopters participated demonstrating the day, dusk and night operational capabilities of IAF.
While the first package included a flypast showing IAF’s journey over eight decades, with the aircraft of yesteryears like Tiger Moth flying along with the latest IAF acquisitions. This was followed by a synchronized offensive weapon delivery demonstration comprising precision based bombing at simulated targets by Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27 and the Jaguar. Next in the sequence was showcasing of multi-layered Air Defence operations including Surface to Air Guided Weapons like the IGLA shoulder-fired missile system and the OSA-AK missiles striking down airborne targets.
This was 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 next phase involved striking of simulated vital enemy assets in addition to display of landing capability of versatile C-130J aircraft and the fire fighting capability of the Mi-17V5. A performance by Sarang Team, the Suryakiran Team and the Su-30 added fervour to the evening. The last phase demonstrated the night strike capabilities of the IAF including the Combat Free-Fall jumps and undetected insertion into enemy territory.
The entire 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 in addition to Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ and LCH the prestigious indigenous projects. Transport aircraft like the 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-17V5) and attack helicopters(Mi-25, Mi-35) also showcased their capabilities. Night strike capabilities of the IAF including the Combat Free-Fall jumps and undetected insertion into enemy territory left audience impressed.