Fwd: Local Release..........2

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jun 14, 2010 at 4:22 PM
Subject: Local Release..........2

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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EXERCISE 'GARUDA' BEGINS

Kolkata: Monday, June 14, 2010.

 

The Indo-French Air Exercise began today at Istres Air Base in Southern France. The fourth round of Air Exercise 'GARUDA' which began today would conclude on 25 of June 2010.

 

During the Exercise Garuda, the Indian Air Force and French Air Force would be engaged in various missions ranging from close combat, engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, and protecting and engagement of high value aerial assets. According to the contingent commander of IAF, Group Capt. J. Mishra, "The focus of the Air Exercise is learning from each other's best practices. The Air Defence Operations would be central to our various maneuvers. These would take place in AWACS and non-AWACS environment. The intensity of the exercise would be gradually increased throughout its duration so that we learn and absorb maximum from the exercise".

 

During the exercise the IAF's Special Forces 'Garuds' would also be proactively participating and shall be carrying out jumps along with the French Special Forces. The IL-76 aircraft would practise static line drops with the French Special Forces. The IAF is participating with six SU-30 MKIs, three IL-78s and one IL-76 aircraft.

 

The Istres Air Base houses some of the world's finest fighters and helicopters and serves multiple functions, including a repair facility and training grounds. The Air Base was built before the World War II and has been of immense historical and operational importance.

 

The Republic of Singapore Air Force is also participating in the Ex-Garuda with the F-16 aircraft. The French Air Force assets such as the mid air refueller, Mirage 2000s and Rafael Aircraft have commenced their participation in the exercise.

 

sc/dk/kol/16:11 hrs.

 

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/