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This is an archive article published on November 16, 2007

IAF gets Rs 100 cr for Red Flag

Brushing aside the Left8217;s objections to pursuing close defence ties with the US, the UPA Government has sanctioned...

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Brushing aside the Left8217;s objections to pursuing close defence ties with the US, the UPA Government has sanctioned an expenditure of Rs 100 crore to the Indian Air Force along with a formal approval to participate in the prestigious Red Flag advanced aerial combat exercises in Nevada with the Americans and other NATO allies in August 2008.

While CPI8217;s A B Bardhan has openly objected to IAF8217;s participation in the Red Flag exercises, CPIM general secretary Prakash Karat has opposed any strategic relationship with the US on grounds that it is aimed at containing China. However, last Saturday, Defence Minister A K Antony signed the expenditure sanction and a formal participation approval was sent to the Air Headquarters.

Government sources said the IAF has been allowed

to take around nine SU-30 MKI fighters, an IL-76 M mid-air refueller and two IL-76s for logistical purposes for 17 days. The exercises will be held between August 11-22, 2008 at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, US. Air Forces from Australia and New Zealand are expected to participate in these exercises along with India.

Antony gave the green signal to the Air Force after top officials convinced him that the participation in the prestigious Red Flag exercise is only by invitation and that it was vital for the IAF to compete with the big boys in their F-16 and F-15 fighters. The Red Flag exercises are spread over an area of 6,000 nautical miles in Nevada with participating air forces simulating real combat situations.

 

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