Learning important Air-Force Exercise is crucial for UPSC Prelims. These military exercises give insights into how countries interact, their preparedness for conflicts, and broader geopolitical dynamics. In a nutshell, knowledge of military exercises is essential for understanding current affairs and global politics for competitive exams like UPSC.
Important Air-Force Exercises:
Bright-Star 23 Exercise:
- Biennial multilateral tri-service exercise initiated in 1980 as part of the US-mediated peace accord between Egypt and Israel.
- Inclusion of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23 marks a first-time participation.
- Participating nations include the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar.
- The Indian Air Force contingent comprises five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130, and two C-17 aircraft.
- Personnel from IAF’s Garud Special Forces and Squadrons 28, 77, 78, and 81 will take part.
- Exercise aims to enhance joint operations planning and execution while fostering cross-border bonds and strengthening strategic ties.
Exercise Cope India:
- Cope India 2023 takes place at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda (West Bengal), and Agra (Uttar Pradesh) after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the last edition held in 2019.
- The initial phase of the exercise emphasizes air mobility and involves transport aircraft and Special Forces from both countries.
- Both sides deploy C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the addition of an MC-130J by the USAF. Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew serve as observers.
- Japan’s participation as an observer began in December 2018 following an agreement reached during the Defense Ministerial Meeting in 2018.
- The subsequent phase of the exercise features the involvement of B1B Bombers and USAF F15 Aircraft.
- The IAF contributes frontline platforms such as Rafale, Sukhoi 30 MKI, Tejas, and Jaguars, along with military assets like aerial refuelers, Airborne Warning and Control System, and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
Shinyuu Maitri:
- A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF). It is being conducted concurrently with the Indo-Japan Joint Army Exercise, Dharma Guardian.
- The IAF contingent brings one C-17 Globemaster III for participation in the exercise.
- Initial discussions in the first phase will revolve around transport operations and tactical maneuvering, followed by flying drills in the second phase involving IAF’s C-17 and JASDF’s C-2 transport aircraft.
- The exercise aims to bolster mutual understanding and interoperability between the two air forces.
Learn important army exercises for UPSC Prelims from here.
INIOCHOS:
- INIOCHOS is an annual multinational air exercise led by the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, adhering to the Single Base Concept, meaning it operates exclusively from one air base.
- INIOCHOS-23 will be held at Andravida Air Base in Greece with the aim of fostering international cooperation, synergy, and interoperability among participating air forces.
- The exercise will simulate a realistic combat scenario involving various air and surface assets, providing an opportunity for professional interactions and sharing of best practices among contingents.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) will contribute four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft to the exercise.
- In addition to Greece, participants include the USA, France, Italy, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others, reflecting a diverse range of international involvement in INIOCHOS-23.
Exercise Cobra Warrior:
- The exercise involves multiple Air Forces including those of Finland, Sweden, South Africa, USA, and Singapore, alongside the UK’s Royal Air Force and the Indian Air Force.
- The primary objective of the exercise is to engage in varied fighter aircraft scenarios and exchange best practices.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) contributes five Mirage 2000 fighters, two C-17 Globemaster aircraft, and an IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft to the exercise.
Desert Flag Exercise:
- The UAE Air Force hosts an annual multinational large-force employment warfare exercise.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) will join with five Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
- Participants include Air Forces from the UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, the UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, the Republic of Korea, and the USA.
Exercise Rannvijay:
- The Indian Air Force recently concluded Exercise Ranvijay, a series of integrated wargames focused on enhancing fighter pilots’ skills.
- Objectives included enhancing pilot skills, sharpening operational capabilities, and promoting coordination among different combat assets.
- Conducted from air bases under the Central Air Command. The exercise saw active participation from various squadrons and units within the Indian Air Force.
- Exercise Ranvijay underscored integrated operations and the importance of coordination. It also emphasizing the role of electronic warfare capabilities in modern warfare.
- Joint exercises like Ranvijay aim to improve coordination and interoperability among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Following successful joint exercises, plans for establishing theatre commands, integrating operational capabilities across the military branches. Have gained momentum, reflecting the commitment to enhancing jointness and efficiency in addressing security challenges.
Other relevant Exercise:
