Priya Bharti The Indian Air Force has decided not to deploy its aircraft for Exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 in the United Kingdom,as keeping in mind the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War,
Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was expected to participate in the military exercise, its debut in overseas war games.
In a statement, Indian Air Force (IAF) said: “In light of the recent events, IAF has decided not to deploy its aircraft for Exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 in UK.”
The multi-nation air exercise ‘Ex Cobra Warrior 22’ at Waddington, UK was planned from March 6 to March 22.
For enhancing combat capability and forging bonds of friendship, the exercise was aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating Air Forces.
The exercise is one of the largest annual Royal Air Force exercises and aims to train both pilots and other air specialists in planning and executing complex airborne missions.
These exercises are, as per the RAF, “the most challenging training for aircrew and the final step for those seeking to qualify as Qualified Weapons Instructors (QWI), Qualified Multi-engine Tactics Instructors, QWI Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and [for the] Qualified Space Instructors Course”.
On February 23, IAF had said that five Tejas fighters would fly out to the United Kingdom. It was also a platform for LCA Tejas to demonstrate its maneuverability and operational capability.
Initially, this month, a 44 member contingent of Indian Air Force participated in the ‘Singapore Air Show-2022’ where the force showcased LCA Tejas capabilities.
The Air Show was held from February 15 to February 18. Singapore Air Show is a biennial event that provides a platform for the Global Aviation Industry to showcase its products.
Source: Indo-Asian News Service
By: Priya Bharti
