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Josy Joseph in New Delhi
The Indian Air Force and their French counterparts would hold combat aircraft exercise in India next year, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy said on Tuesday, as the IAF marked its 70th anniversary with a stunning air display in New Delhi.
The aerobatics show by various IAF fighters and the parade marked an 'eventful year', Krishnaswamy said, pointing out that the 'IAF aircraft have reached farther than any time before as ambassadors of our country, flying our flag amongst other friendly air forces'.
He said an IL-76 transport aircraft was in Alaska, participating in an Indo-US joint exercise in which army and air force personnel and equipment of both nations were involved. "This is the farthest an IAF aircraft has ever flown," he said. "On way to Alaska, we were most touched by the warm reception given by the Self Defence Air Force of Japan when our aircraft passed through their air bases."
Krishnaswamy said a team of IAF personnel had recently visited China and had been regularly interacting with Russian, French, British, Israeli and the US air forces.
He said the nine Surya Kiran aircraft that put up the aerobatics show was among the best in the world. "The aircraft is 100 per cent designed and produced by Indians, in India and for India. The aerobatics team that we have today is of world class. They deserve wider recognition," he said.
He added that government permission would be sought for sending the team for displays outside India.
The Surya Kiran team, flying Kiran Mark II aircraft used for training pilots, put up a stunning show that impressed the crowd around the runway at the end of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which was closed during the entire show.
The recently inducted Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters also featured in the flypast. Besides, there were flypasts involving IAF helicopters.
The IAF chief said his force was looking forward to the development of an attack variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter.
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