IAF set to show its 'Iron Fist' in Thar desert

The Indian Air Force will on March 18 execute its biggest ever display of combat and firepower capabilities at the Chandan field firing range in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district.

The massive exercise code-named Iron First 2016 would involve the participation of 181 aircraft departing from multiple bases, and demonstrate a synchronized aerial ballet that would showcase its deadly combat capability over the entire spectrum of aerial operations.

Glimpses of an exponential increase in the IAF’s operational capabilities with focus on the concept of all-weather, network centric operations, precision weapon delivery and ability to deliver lethal firepower would be on display during the mammoth exercise, a statement said.

The exercise shall also bring to light the force’s multifaceted nature through its ability to showcase itself with aerobatic displays by modern combat aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, Sarang and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic team.

India's indigenous multi-role fighter aircraft, the LCA Tejas, will also be part of the exercise and the public can see the aircraft firing the R-73, a short-range air-to-air missile of the Russian origin and the Griffin missiles, precision-guided munition from Raytheon, a US defence company.

LCA Tejas has been hogging the limelight following its participation in the Bahrain International Airshow 2016, where it showcased its aerobatic skills.

Live demonstration by IAF Garuds and special heliborne operations shall be a ‘highlight of the proceedings of the event which shall straddle both day and night.

According to the India Defence Research Wing website, the Su-30 MKIs will be testfiring the Astra missile. This follows the developmental and captive trials of the missile from the Su-30 MKI platform.

The Astra, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, has a range of 60km and is developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. If this happens, then it will be the first time that public would be witnessing it.