Exercise Indradhanush! A group of Indian Air Force personnel today successfully completed an India-UK air and ground exercise that saw Indian Sukhoi Su-30s pitted against their Royal Air Force counterparts flying Eurofighter Typhoon.

During the Exercise Indradhanush (Rainbow), which began on July 21, different elements of the IAF contingent operated from separate RAF bases – the Sukhois from Corningsby, combat support elements from Brize Norton and the Garud Special Forces from Hunnington.

The IAF team has flown combat training missions along with RAF, involving contemporary tactics. The troops practised various missions in urban warfare which also included combat missions in a near-realistic scenario,” the statement added.
The two air forces also operate common combat support platforms, namely the Globemaster and the Super Hercules, the defence ministry said in a statement.Mutual exchange of ideas as regards operational philosophy for tactical and strategic missions has provided invaluable learning for both sides. The IAF Garud regiment of Special Forces is operating with the RAF regiment in various.

Aim of the exercise

• Began on July 21 and ended on July 31, was to enhance mutual operational understanding between the two Air Forces and to provide ample opportunity for exchange of ideas relating to concept of operations in a dynamic warfare environment.
• The fighter aircraft, according to a press release, were based at 3(F) Squadron and worked with Typhoon fighter aircraft. 3(F) Squadron, one of the Typhoon squadrons based at RAF Coningsby, was the first Operational Typhoon Squadron.
• The SU30MKI aircraft are part of No. 2 Squadron (Winged Arrows) a unit dedicated to close air support based at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, an IAF Base near Kharagpur. The squadron has as its emblem an arrow with spread wings, with the No. 2 attached to the shaft. On a scroll below this crest is inscribed “Amogh Lakshya” (Unwavering Aim).
• The RAF and IAF fighter pilots, who participated in Exercise Indradanush, said they were full of admiration for each other’s capabilities and aircraft.
• The two-week exercise provided a rare opportunity for RAF pilots to test themselves against the fourth generation Russian built fighter. Over the course of two weeks the complexity of the training sorties increased, starting from 1 v 1 dogfight to sorties involving up to 20 fighters.
• Wing Commander Chris Moon, the Officer Commanding 3(F) Squadron, said: First impressions of the Flanker are very positive. It is a superb airplane and it’s a privilege to operate our Typhoon alongside it.
• The RAF and IAF both pride ourselves on operating some of the leading edge technical equipment in the world.