Tale of two war games: Indian forces involved in bilateral defence exercises with Russia & US

The Indian Navy interacts with Russian Federation Navy on many fronts, which include operational interactions, training, hydrographic cooperation and exchange of subject matter experts in various fields through the medium of Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks. Exercise INDRA NAVY-18 would help further strengthen mutual confidence and inter-operability and also enable sharing of best practices between both the navies, it said.

The US has sent a fleet of F15 C/D and C-130 military aircraft. The IAF is participating with the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, C-130J and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft.The US and Indian air forces are enhancing their overall cooperation as part of deepening of defence and security ties between the two countries.

The exercise will be yet another milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two navies and will serve to reinforce the long-standing bond of friendship between the countries, the Indian Navy said.

Air Force chief B S Dhanoa visited the Kalaikunda Air Force Station Tuesday to interact with participating forces of ongoing Ex Cope India 18 between India and the US, according to an official statement.

Dhanoa was briefed in about various phases of the exercise and was apprised of its progress. During the interaction, Dhanoa emphasised on the importance of joint exercises as they create an environment of camaraderie and an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices in enhancing operational synergy.

The primary aim of the exercise is to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies, develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

Glimpses of operations from AFS Panagarh

Initiated in 2003, the INDRA NAVY exercise has matured over the years with the increase in scope, complexity and level of participation.

The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather air superiority fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). The aircraft has been in active service in USAF since 1976.

Su-30 MKI is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi & built under licence by India's HAL for IAF. The aircraft was inducted in IAF in Jun 199