By IANS
New Delhi : The Indian Air Force (IAF) will, for the first time, field its frontline Sukhoi SU-30 combat jets in a western country when it conducts a joint drill with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Britain later this month.
This is also the first time the IAF will conduct a joint drill in Britain and only the second time with the RAF in an exercise code-named Indradhanush-2007. The previous such drill was held at Gwalior last October.
The IAF contingent for the June 24-July 19 exercise at the Waddington air base comprises six SU-30s, one IL-78 midair tanker and one IL-76 transport and some 200 personnel.
Ranged against them will be RAF Typhoon fighters, a VC-10 midair refuelling aircraft and an E-3D AWACS (airborne warning and control system) aircraft.
The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali Major will witness the exercise July 9-15. This will be Major's second visit abroad after assuming office in April. The first will be to the Paris Air Show that is now underway.
"The joint exercise aims to refine procedural aspects and enhance mutual operational understanding of the two air forces. A beginning was made at Gwalior and we will now take the process forward," an IAF officer said.
IAF has been participating in a number of bilateral exercises at home and abroad. Apart from the RAF, it has hosted the US, French and Singapore air forces.
The IAF had fielded the SU-30 for the first time abroad at a joint drill with the Singapore Air Force last year.
"Each exercise has given us valuable experience. Through these exercises, we have come to be regarded as a highly professional and motivated air force," the officer added.