What makes 'Red Flag' exercise more challenging is the more realistic practice of 'Kill Removal' by which the pilots and aircraft assumed to be shot at by an enemy is removed from the mission, he said.
During the next fortnight, the exercise will progress to tougher levels, testing the nerve of the pilots and straining the machines to the maximum.
The IAF will be spending about Rs 100 crore in the exercise that would be witnessed by Vice-Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal P V Naik for three days from August 13.
The IAF has attached great importance to its pilots and aircraft participating in the exercise, as it would provide India with an insight into NATO war practices.
Image: A French Air Force ground crewman guides a Rafale fighter to its parking spot upon arrival at Nellis Air Force Base.
Photograph: US Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt Gary Emery