Indian and Russian Air Forces have started their bi-annual exercise Aviaindra at Lipstek in Russia. The bilateral exercise Aviaindra will go on for 11 days from 17 to 28 September.
This is the second drill of Indian military with Russian forces in the last two months. A contingent of Indian Army supported by an unit of Indian Air Force had last month participated in SCO peace exercise in Chebarkul Russia along with the militaries of China, Pakistan and forces from other SCO member countries.
India Air Force crew with Russian counterparts in Lipstec Russia, September 2018.
However, India was not invited to participate in the biggest military exercise in the history of Russia – Vostok Exercise in far east Russia in which nearly 3 lakh Russian troops have participated. Russia has invited Chinese and Mongolian forces to join in the Vostok exercise.
Indian Air Force: “The aim of the exercise is focused towards anti-terrorist operations in a bi-lateral scenario.”
It said the exercise would further enhance the co-operation and understanding about each other’s concept of operations.
Second leg of Aviaindra exercise will be conducted in India between 10 to 22 December in western state of Rajasthan in India.
India Air Force crew with Russian counterparts in Lipstec, Russia, September 2018.
Indian Air Force contingent comprises of 30 officers from different branches including four women officers from flying, administration and medical branch.
Sukhoi-30 SM, Mig-29, Sukhoi-25, Mi-8 and An-26 aircraft are participating in the exercise.
