IAF seeks nod for US exercise

“We have bid for Red Flag exercise in 2008. It is one of the most sought after exercises in the world. Nellis Airbase has the facilities to simulate any kind of aerial combat possible,” Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major said at a media interaction on Friday.

For the IAF, which recently sent four Jaguar aircraft to the navy’s Malabar exercise in the Bay of Bengal, participating in Red Flag will prove their capability to operate in coordination with NATO countries.

Meanwhile, Major said a new look Air Force would emerge in the next decade with the induction of new systems and aircraft. He said modernisation of the current fleet is also underway and the crucial upgrades of MiG 29 and Mirage 2000 fighters would be finalised by the year-end.

IAF has also sent global tenders for the acquisition of four new mid-air refuelers to add to its fleet of six IL 78 tankers. Major said India was close to inking the deal for joint development and manufacture of the fifth generation fighter and multi-role transport aircraft with Russia.