The Indian Air Force (IAF) has asked for government’s approval for taking part in Red Flag, the most advanced aerial combat training exercises of the world, hosted by the US- a move that may again raise the ire of the Left parties.
?The IAF wants to take part in the exercises slated for January 2008 and has sought government?s clearance,? said the Air Force chief Fali Homi Major.
If the government gives the nod, this would be the second time in months that the Indian armed forces would be engaged in war games with its NATO allies and US.
Talking to mediapersons on the eve of IAF day on Friday, the chief said, ?It will be good learning curve for our fighter pilots. We have bid to take part in the exercises in 2008, which are most sought after by air forces the world over.?
Responding to queries about Chinese airbases coming up near the Sino-Indian border in Tibet and Yunnan, Major pointed out that IAF was constantly monitoring all such developments. Outlining future plans for the 75-year-old IAF, which at present is below squadron levels, the air chief said that it would regain its optimum fighting capability within the five years.
?In five years, IAF would have longer reach fighters in the shape of new multi-role combat aircraft, new line of helicopters and transport planes, armed and anti-radiation unmanned aerial vehicles(UAV) and new range of offensive and defensive missiles,? he said.