Know which multi-national Exercise IAF is participating in world’s largest air-space

Eight Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force, one C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and one IL-78 (Russian) air-refueller are participating in the exercise.

IAF in Exercise ‘Red Flag 24’

New Delhi: Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jets and air crew have reached Alaska to take part in the US multinational exercise ‘Red Flag 24’. The exercise is going to be held in the world’s largest air-space.

Eight Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force, one C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and one IL-78 (Russian) air-refueller are participating in the Red Flag exercise which will last till June 14, 2024. The exercise is going to be held in an area of about 77,000 square miles.

According to the Air Force, the Rafale fighter jet has taken a ‘transatlantic flight’ with the help of IL-78 and C-17. Enroute to take part in the exercise. The IAF fighter jets and the team of airmen also halted in Greece and Portugal.

Describing the aircrew as ‘diplomats in flight suits’, the IAF Force said that the aim of this two-week-long aerial combat training exercise is to integrate airmen in a multinational environment.

The Red Flag (Alaska) exercise is conducted by the US Pacific Air Force, which is held in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range. Since 1975, the US has been conducting this exercise with its friendly countries.

This year, air forces of a total of four countries, including the US and India, are participating in this exercise. The Indian Air Force took part in this exercise for the first time in the year 2008.

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