181 aircraft to participate in IAF’s Iron Fist exercise

Apart from the live firepower demonstration, the exercise will also bring to light the multifaceted nature of IAF through its ability to showcase itself with aerobatic displays by the Sarang and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic team. IAF Garud commandos and special heliborne operations will also be showcased during the event.

The aim of the exercise, according to IAF officials, is to demonstrate a synchronized “aerial ballet” that would showcase IAF’s deadly combat capability over the entire spectrum of aerial operations. The exercise will send a statement to India’s adversaries about the preparedness of the IAF to meet the national security challenges faced by India. But India’s adversaries are also aware of the challenges faced by the IAF.

Notwithstanding the impressive plans for Iron Fist, questions about the depleting strength of fighter squadrons in the IAF still remain unresolved. Instead of the 42 fighter squadrons authorized to the IAF, it currently has only 34 squadrons in its fleet. Plans to induct HAL’s indigenous Tejas fighters have been delayed pending a Final Operational Clearance by the IAF, while negotiations continue with the French for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft. The government will have to promptly find a solution to this pressing crisis of numbers if Exercise Live Fist has to achieve its full potential.