The air forces of India and Singapore began their third joint exercise in Kalaikunda, West Bengal on Wednesday.
NEW DELHI: The air forces of India and Singapore began their third joint exercise in Kalaikunda, West Bengal on Wednesday.
An IAF spokesman said the exercise, named “Sindex,” would carry on for three weeks. It would be “Extremely beneficial towards enhancing mutual co-operation,” the spokesman said. It is not clear if the exercise is part of a proposal to facilitate the training of space-starved Singapore Air Force to train in Kalaikunda for a payment. There was no official statement on the issue. In the past, the two sides have discussed leasing of Kalaikunda air base to Singapore Air Force for training.
The Singapore Air Force is fielding American-made F-16 fighters, while the IAF is fielding MiG-27 and upgraded MIG-21 Bison fighters. IAF has shown great interest in F-16 fighters because of their presence in Pakistan Air Force.
The spokesman said, besides the pilots, fighter controllers, air traffic controllers and radar system operators of both the air forces would participate in the exercise. “A host of other support staff will also be involved in managing engineering, logistics and administrative issues,” he said in a statement.
Kalaikunda, which has been upgraded into international standards, is set to witness several joint air exercises in the future.
The first one after the present exercise with Singapore would involve the French and Indian air forces in February next year. Both the air forces are set to field their Mirage 2000s, giving the pilots on either side to prove their mettle.
Kalaikunda, one of the earliest air force bases in India, came into existence during the World War II as a forward airfield and has played a vital role in wars fought after independence.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}