Indian and Russian air forces conducting joint 'Aakraman' exercise: Is India prepared for offensive action against Pakistan? Indian Air Force comments...
Taking a Stand in the Midst of Tension: Amidst the ongoing diplomatic spat between India and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out the Exercise Aakraman—a large-scale, broad-spectrum drill sweeping across the central sector. This training operation, led by the Rafale combat aircraft, involves complex missions, including ground attacks and electronic warfare, employing cutting-edge technology.
The Timing and Intent:
While the IAF maintains that Aakraman is merely a part of their regular preparedness drills, the timing of the exercise, coinciding with the escalation in Indo-Pak tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, has raised strategic interest. The IAF aircraft repositioning from numerous airbases, including those in the east, further adds to the curiosity.
The Terrain and the Challenges:
Aakraman encompasses training operations in various terrains—both plains and mountainous landscapes, which serves as an excellent opportunity for the IAF to hone their skills in diverse combat situations.
The Arsenal:
The Exercise Aakraman features a host of advanced aircraft, most notably the Rafale, acclaimed for its advanced technology and unparalleled combat prowess, and the Su-30MKI. Furthermore, the IAF is equipping itself with formidable force multipliers, such as the S-400 air defense system, which provides substantial protection against enemy airbornewarn communications and control assets.
In essence, the ongoing Exercise Aakraman showcases the Indian Air Force's determination to maintain its at the forefront of the region's military landscape despite recent challenges. After its post-Pulwama attack strikes inside Pakistan in 2019 and the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, the IAF has showcased its ability to adapt and evolve according to the ever-shifting regional dynamics.
- The IAF's routine drill, Exercise Aakraman, has been quoted as a strategic multiplier, given its timing coinciding with Indo-Pak tensions and its focus on complex missions employing cutting-edge technology, like the Rafale.
- In the mountainous landscapes of the central sector, the IAF is utilizing Exercise Aakraman to sharpen their skills in diverse combat situations, including those involving the Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft.
- The Indian Air Force is not only showcasing its resilience in the face of current challenges but also preparing for future ones, as evident from the inclusion of formidable force multipliers such as the S-400 air defense system, during the Exercise Aakraman.
