NEW DELHI, Oct 6 (KUNA) — Indias Defence minister A K Antony Saturday asserted that the participation in multi-national and bilateral exercises by the countrys Armed forces would hone their operational skills. “There was nothing new in holding or participating in such exercises as it gave an opportunity to the country’s forces to get acquainted with advanced technology, weapons system and platform,” Antony told reporters at Delhi today on the sidelines of a function to inaugurate the Molecular Imaging and Research Center of Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation.
On whether the Indian government would allow the Indian Air Force (IAF) to participate in the ‘Red Flag’ exercises conducted by the US Air Force (USAF) for its NATO and other allies, Antony said, “If such exercises are highly essential to test the preparedness of the armed forces, the government can give its approval.” “India has been holding such exercises for quite some time now. There is nothing new in it,” he said, adding, “We will be holding joint exercises with China in the future.” The IAF has sought permission to take part in the world’s most advanced aerial combat training exercises labelled ‘Red Flag’ conducted by the US. The exercises are conducted in four to six cycles a year by the 414th Combat training squadron of the USAF.