On Thursday, the Executive Steering Group Meeting (ESG) was concluded by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force. The IAF announced the successful conclusion of the meeting in a post on X.
The 25th edition of the Indian Air Force-United States Air Force was successfully conducted by the IAF from September 24 to September 26, with the objective of improving cooperation with the United States. The IAF stated in its post on X that the close ties between the two countries and the close cooperation between the two services were underscored by the visit of the USAF delegation led by Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces and the subsequent talks.
On August 30, Pacific Air Force units of the United States Air Force participated in the Tarang Shakti exercise at Jodhpur Air Force Station. The exercise, which was divided into two phases to facilitate the maximum participation of 10 nations and 18 observing nations, is the most extensive multinational exercise that India has conducted.
The Indian Air Force-led exercise, which was attended by a diverse array of participants, was designed to cultivate a network of connections that would enhance collaboration across a variety of capabilities, including airlift, air defense, close air support, reconnaissance, and counter-air.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II of the 25th Fighter Squadron, the F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 148th Fighter Wing, the KC-135 Stratotanker of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, and the C-130H Hercules of the 139th Air Wing were among the U.S. Air Force units and aircraft that participated. These airframes and units facilitate the integration of close air support, combat airlift, aerial refueling, and multirole fighter capabilities, which enhance the capabilities of the multinational fighters, reconnaissance, airlift, and attack aircraft crews and personnel.
The IAF participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska from June 4 to June 14, 2024, as part of its ongoing partnership with the USAF. The Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and the German Luftwaffe were among the international forces that participated in this sophisticated aerial combat training exercise.
The exercise marked a significant milestone in India’s participation in multinational combat training as the IAF’s Rafale aircraft participated for the first time.
The IAF contingent, which consisted of aircrew, technicians, engineers, and subject matter experts, was provided with support by IL-78 Air to Air Refuellers and C-17 Globemaster aircraft for the transportation of personnel and equipment. Despite the sub-zero temperatures and challenging weather conditions, the IAF maintenance crew maintained the serviceability of all aircraft, allowing for more than 100 sorties to be flown during the exercise.
Key insights obtained from Red Flag included the improvement of interoperability with international partners and the comprehension of operational employment philosophies in a multinational environment. The younger crew members acquired invaluable lessons from the experience of ferrying long distances with air-to-air refueling.
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