Air Force to showcase combat capability at Iron Fist-2016

At least 181 aircraft of the Indian Air Force will come together over Thar desert this month in a breathtaking aerial ballet during Exercise Iron Fist-2016 to showcase the force's combat capability across the entire spectrum of aerial operations.
Defence Attaches from various countries, except those of Pakistan and China, are scheduled to attend the event that will project India's deterrence power.
Asked whether the Defence Attaches of Pakistan and China, will also be part of the diplomatic delegation, Air Marshal B S Dhanoa, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, said "No".
He later explained that this was a joint decision of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Defence Ministry.

A attraction at the exercise, to be held in Pokhran on March 18, would be indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas firing US and Russian-origin missiles.
Dhanoa said the mammoth exercise in Thar desert would involve the participation of 181 aircraft from multiple bases across the country.

All the frontline fighters in IAF's inventory, including the Su-30 MKI, will participate in the exercise.
The Air Marshal said the aim of the exercise is to demonstrate a synchronised "aerial ballet" that would showcase IAF's deadly combat capability over the entire spectrum of aerial operations. The exercise will display the 'capability to punish', he said.

The IAF had demonstrated its day-dusk-night operational capabilities during Iron Fist-2013.
He said the exercise holds special significance as it represents the lethal face of the Indian Air Force in its pre-eminent role as the cutting edge of the nation's military capability.
The exercise will showcase the journey of the IAF's transformation over the years and cover its glorious history.
Glimpses of an exponential increase in the operational capabilities of the air force with focus on the concept of all weather, network-centric operations, precision weapon delivery and ability to deliver lethal firepower would also be on display.
The exercise shall also bring to light the multifaceted nature of Indian Air Force 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.

Live demonstration by IAF Garuds and special heliborne operations shall be a highlight of the proceedings that would take place both during day and night.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have consented to attend the event.