Iron Fist is an Indian Air Force exercise held at Pokhran, Rajasthan. It has been held twice: 2013 and 2016.
The Iron Fist 2013 was the Indian Air Force's first day-night exercise. [1] It was conducted on 22 February 2013 at the Pokhran firing range. The main objective was to display network-centric operations capabilities of the Indian Air Force. More than 100 aircraft (equal number of aircraft were at standby) and 30 different weapon platforms participated. Along with aircraft, National Security Guard and Garud commandos displayed their tactical skills. [2] [3] [4] [5] The final day of the exercises saw several dignitaries arrive to see a demonstration of capabilities including President of India, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Chief of Indian Navy and several more. A four-hour live telecast of the event was broadcast by Doordarshan National.
The live telecast was an attempt by the IAF to showcase its capabilities. It was accompanied by music and live commentary describing the aircraft, capabilities, mission under progress, target, weapon details, pilot and crew names and also live footage from the cockpit.
The live telecast was divided into four phases.
The flypast was done with several aircraft to start the events of live exercise. It consisted of the following displays:
The Exercise showcased offensive operations like destroying communication centers, runways, hangars, fuel & ammunition buildings, etc. deep behind enemy lines. Major Offensive demonstrations:
After these live weapons demonstrations, several aerobatics display and other events continued before commencing of Phase 4: Night Operations.
Targets were briefed before the firing commenced. All aircraft fired flares before deploying targets to enhance visibility. Following operations were carried out:
Fighter Aircraft
Transport Aircraft
Trainer Aircraft
Rotary Wing Aircraft
UAV
NSG Commandos Garud Commandos Akash Ganga Sky Diving team
Iron Fist 2016 was held on 18 March 2016. It featured the participation of 181 aircraft, 103 of them fighter planes. It also included a display of the firepower of Tejas LCA for the first time. [6]
Highlights
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