IAF to demonstrate its firepower at Iron Fist-2016

With the security situation in the subcontinent continuing to be inimical to India, the defence forces from time to time undertake exercises to demonstrate their firepower and skills.

The Indian Air Force, which has evolved into a capable fighting force, will undertake a Fire Power Demonstration (FPD) code named Exercise Iron Fist-2016 at Pokhran in Rajasthan's Thar desert on March 18.

Air Marshal BS Dhanoa, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, said the mammoth exercise in the 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 elaborated that the aim of the exercise is to demonstrate a synchronized "aerial ballet" that would showcase IAF's deadly combat capability over the entire spectrum of aerial operations. The exercise will also represents the lethal face of the IAF in its pre-eminent role as the cutting edge of India's military capability.

From the days of flying vintage aircraft like the Tiger Moth and the Harvard in the pre-Independence era, the IAF, which in the fourth largest in the world, is now a modern fighting force. Iron Fist-2016 will also 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 IAF with focus on the concept of all weather, network centric operations, precision weapon delivery and ability to deliver lethal firepower would be on display during the exercise.

Apart from the live firepower demonstration, the exercise will also bring to light the multifaceted nature of IAF 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 Garud commandos and special heliborne operations shall be a highlight of the proceedings of the event which will take place both day and night.

The Air Marshal pointed out that while upgrading its inventory in terms of aerial platforms, sensors and weapon systems, the IAF has also simultaneously improved upon the capabilities of the ‘human behind the machine’ whilst rightfully upholding its mission statement, “People First, Mission Always".

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also witness the proceedings of the exercise at Pokhran along with Chief of IAF Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and other senior officers.