The Indian Air Force (IAF) started a 10-day-long Gagan Shakti 2024 exercise on April 1. The exercise will be conducted in a realistic environment across air force bases spread throughout the country, and the IAF will showcase its capabilities to carry out high-octane operations successfully. The exercise will conclude on April 10.
Key highlights
- The exercise will involve both the western and northern fronts.
- The Indian Army will facilitate the exercise by supporting the movement of around 10,000 IAF staff as well as ammunition to validate the Operational Rail Mobilisation Plan (ORMP) part of the IAF.
- The army will provide 12 passenger trains, named Sanyukta Express.
- The exercise was last conducted in 2018 and aimed at testing the readiness of the IAF for a two-front fight with Pakistan and China.
Recently held exercises and future exercises
- The IAF recently conducted the Vayu Shakti-2024 exercise in February, followed by the tri-service Bharat Shakti exercise.
- The IAF will host a mega exercise, Tarang Shakti, later this year, in which 12 global air forces will participate to strengthen interoperability. It will be the biggest multilateral exercise on Indian soil.
About the Indian Air Force
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) was founded in 1950 with the objective of securing Indian airspace. However, it had been functioning as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire since October 8, 1932, under the name Royal Indian Air Force.
- The President of India guides the IAF as its Supreme Commander.
- Besides protecting Indian airspace, the IAF actively participates in UN peacekeeping missions.
- October 8 is observed as Air Force Day and is celebrated every year.
