US F-15 E has an Indian connection

Though he has been in the city only for the last few days, he has struck an instant rapport with Indian pilots here. ‘‘We interacted with MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30 pilots and I must say, I find a lot of similarities among us. I had a great time discussing flying techniques and manoeuvres with them. They are all extremely well-trained and highly skilled pilots,’’ he added.

Clad in a flying suit, Capt Chari first dreamt of flying when he was 13 and struggled all the way to climb into the cockpit. ‘‘It is not always easy. You have to make many sacrifices, give up some fun stuff. I have to stay away from my wife for long periods. But it’s worth all the effort. Flying this craft is an indescribable experience. Every day, I am glad that I am here, working for a higher cause.’’

He has been flying the F-15 E for a little less than two years now, before which he flew trainers for three years.

The Indian Express caught up with him just as he was leaving to see relatives in Hyderabad. ‘‘I would love to fly this craft there, it’s unfortunate I am taking a civilian flight,’’ he joked.

And his advice for aspiring pilots in the country: ‘‘Always keep your eyes on the goal and be prepared to put in plenty of hard work.’’

‘IAF Garuds to fight insurgents in J-K’

The IAF special forces, Garuds, are all set to head for the Kashmir heights from next month. As part of its decision to add more teeth to anti-insurgency operations in the Valley, the Centre has cleared the deployment of Garud commandos in Jammu and Kashmir. The personnel, sources said, would be moved latest by March-end. ‘‘Garuds will be deployed in J-K during March this year,’’ sources said. One unit of the highly trained special force is now in the city to counter any terrorist threat at the ongoing Aero at Yelahanka Air Force station.-ENS