Iron Fist 2016: IAF showcases combat capabilities in Pokhran

A spectacular display of the Indian Air Force's combat and firepower capabilities began on Friday in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Manohar Parrikar at the firing range here in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district. More than 180 fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters are participating in 'Exercise Iron Fist', which comprises of six different themes which showcase the operational capabilities of the IAF. 

#IronFist2016: Suryakiran Aerobatics display at Chandan field firing range, #Rajasthan.#AIRPics: Prasoon Tiwari pic.twitter.com/ZLlIaCCU3F

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 18, 2016

#IronFist2016: Simulated target destroyed by fighter plane#AIRPics: Prasoon Tiwari pic.twitter.com/NlpMvZUFUV

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 18, 2016

WATCH: Surya Kiran team at Indian Air Force firepower demonstration ‘Iron Fist 2016’ in Pokhran (Rajasthan)https://t.co/XdqMrfYTZS

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 18, 2016

@ANI_news @writetake how is that explosion so delayed after these jags have left the scene?

— sky-high (@saikanomie) March 18, 2016

Homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will be an attraction at the exercise, where India will display its firepower to demonstrate its state-of-the-art capabilities in meeting challenges be it from air, land or sea. The dignitaries were welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and other senior officers. Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present. 

All the frontline fighters in IAFs inventory, including the Su-30 MKI, will participate in the exercise close to the Indo-Pak border. The IAF had demonstrated its day-dusk-night operational capabilities during Iron Fist 2013. The exercise will showcase the journey of the IAFs transformation over the years and cover its glorious history while presenting its lethal side.