Exercise Gaganshakti 2018: IAF to conduct biggest combat exercise along Pakistan, China borders

Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to conduct Exercise Gaganshakti 2018, biggest air combat exercise along Pakistan, China borders between April 10 to 23, 2018.
The aim of this exercise is real time coordination, deployment and employment of air power in short and intense battle scenario. Though it is IAF centric exercise, it will also be executed keeping in mind “Joint Operational Doctrine” so that requirements of other services are also met.

Key Facts

The exercise is aimed at coordinating operations, maintenance and administrative responses to achieve stated objectives of IAF, in case of any contingency. This exercise will hone war fighting skills of air warriors in real time scenario thus affirming IAF’s role as cutting edge of India’s military capability.
In this pan India synergised exercise, IAF will mobilise its all assets in  war like scenario within 48 hours of orders from Air Force Chief. It will mobilise more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircrafts to practice real time combat scenario that will be conducted day and night with enemy encompassing along Pakistan border in Western areas and along China border in Northern areas.
The IAF in this exercise will showcase its multi spectrum capabilities, both offensive and defensive. It will conduct all terrain operations- high altitude, desert, maritime scenarios and special operations in the real time. During the exercise, 1100 aircrafts will be flying three-four sorties in day with cumulative sorties reaching to tcount of 3300 to 4400 in day.
The exercise will put to test logistics stamina of IAF and its ability to sustain continuous operations through day and night. Apart from wartime drills, IAF will also practice and validate various Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018