Date:13/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/13/stories/2003021302931200.htm

National

IAF breaks ground, uses fighters in joint exercise with France

By Sandeep Dikshit

Two Mirage 2000 of the Indian Air Force's Tiger Squadron take off during the Indo-French air exercise `EX-GARUDA' at the Gwalior Air Base on Wednesday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena

GWALIOR FEB. 12. The Indian Air Force expects to become tactically enriched through exercises with fighter aircraft of other countries, according to senior officials supervising the first-ever fighter-oriented practical, being held with the French Air Force here.

In the past, the exercises had primarily been oriented towards transport aircraft and helicopter operations. Now, allowing the combat forces to practise with foreign fighter aircraft could lead to more interaction, possibly even with the Sukhois of the IAF and the F-16s of the U.S. Air Force.

The 10-day exercises, during which various war-like situations are being simulated by fighter aircraft of both countries, are helping the IAF address two issues of urgent importance — air-to-air refuelling and beyond visual range combat.

The four French Mirage 2000 covered 10,000 km, flying from their bases in northern France to Gwalior in a single hop. The fighters were accompanied by a refueller, which provided them replenishment in mid-air, "clearly bringing out the advantage of air-to-air refuelling".

It is a learning experience for the young IAF pilots when they take the back seat in the sole two-seater Mirage brought by the French and watch the lead pilot manoeuvre the plane towards the refueller's nozzle for a five-minute nourishment which dramatically alters the plotting of battle tactics.

"Aircraft are most vulnerable when they are landing or taking off. Refuellers will enable them stay airborne for up to three hours," said J.S. Panesar, Commanding Officer of the Gwalior Air Station, home to the country's two Mirage squadrons.

Both countries are flying Mirage-2000, but the French version is superior. The advanced radars enable the French pilots to liquidate targets even if they are not visible. The IAF finds itself lacking in this regard as most of its fighter aircraft do not have BVR capability.

"The French have upgraded radars and we need to do this as it increases combat capability," said Ajit Bhavnani, Senior Air Staff Officer of the Central Air Command.

He should know. As the French Air Force chief, D.A.R. Wolsztynski, revealed, Mr. Bhavnani has been associated with Mirages for 18 years, just a year lesser then him.

While the Indians learnt about the advantages of BVR and air-to-air refuelling, they interacted as equals while exchanging notes on actual combat situations.

The 1/12 French squadron, which lent the four Mirages, took part in the campaign in the Balkans. The four Mirages of the IAF's Battleaxes squadron was seen in action in Kargil and in Gurez in July last (referred to as Kargil-II), when it bombed out Pakistani troops occupying a hill in Indian territory.

Both sides also attended each other's presentations on precision-guided munitions and the manner in which major air force exercises are conducted by either side.

Present on the occasion, the French Ambassador, Dominique Girard, said his country had realised that the aeronautics sector would provide a major impetus to bilateral ties with India. This was reflected in the strong presence at the Bangalore air show, led by the French Prime Minister. "The French industry is interested in cooperation for production and research in the aviation sector,'' he said.

Asked about the status of major defence deals, Mr. Girard said the Rs. 7,000-crore deal for six `Scorpene' submarines was in the "final stages" and "we expect end of the process soon" but negotiations for purchase of over 100 advanced Mirage-2000 aircraft was "not at the same stage".