Eastern Air Command begun its fighter plane operations exercise from six civilian airfields in North East and West Bengal.
In a press note, PRO(Defence), Lt Col Sumit Sharma informed that the exercise is being held in Dimapur, Guwahati, Imphal, and Kolkata airports in the first phase between October 16 and 19, while Andal and Pasighat will host the exercise in the second phase from October 29 to November 1.
The exercise is a part of capability build-up and operational training from dispersed locations in case of hostilities, PRO stated.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will use SU-30 MKi multi-role air superiority fighters and Hawk 132 jets in this exercise. The exercise will familiarise the IAF crew with the procedure of flying at these busy airfields and coordinate with civilian counterparts, the official said. The exercise will also help in familiarising the civilian functionaries at these airfields in the conduct of military operations.