Iron Fist 2016: Indian Air Force’s greatest show of air power

Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan became famous after India’s nuclear tests, code-named ‘Smiling Buddha’ in 1974 and the ‘Shakti’ series in 1998. Spread over 100s of square kilometres of thinly populated area, it is the largest practise and test firing range in India. On March 18, Indian Air Force (IAF) put up its greatest ever show of air power. The event was witnessed by the President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cabinet ministers and political leaders, and the entire military brass. Also present were the air attachés of various countries. The attachés of China and Pakistan were not invited as these countries do not invite their Indian counterparts for similar exercises. The event earlier called ‘Vayu Shakti’ got its current name ‘Iron-Fist’ when last held in 2013. The exercise logo shows an Iron Fist with a long arm to depict the long reach of the IAF. The Himalayan eagle perched on top with wings spread wide portrays IAF’s readiness for flight.

Welcoming the guests, Air Chief Arup Raha said “IAF’s glorious history was replete with saga of professional and boundless energy displayed by our Air warriors in the face of insurmountable odds. Exercise Iron Fist was aimed at showcasing the operational strength of a transforming IAF and assuring the nation that the safety of its sovereign skies lies in very capable hands.” Earlier the Vice Chief Air Marshal BS Dhanoa, in a press conference, cited former US president Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, "Speak softly and carry a big stick".

A set of bombs exploding on the ground.

The event was a showcase of all facets of air power and was packaged into six themes covering IAF’s transformation, net-centric operations, air-defence, combat support, night ops and soft power. All manned and unmanned aircraft, air-to-air and surface-to-air weapons, and Special Forces took part. This demonstration of accuracy and lethality was a time to show the business end of IAF and its capability to punish and to send deterrence signals to adversaries. 181 aircraft flew in 69 missions. The 103 fighters included the indigenous Tejas (LCA), Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, MiG-27 UPG, MiG-21 Bison and the Hawk advanced jet trainer. The 59 helicopters included the Mi-17 variants, Mi-35 attack helicopters, the indigenous Dhruv ALH and the Light Combat Helicopters. The aircraft took off from different IAF bases and in a continuous flow arrived over target in a synchronised manner. The range was prepared with a large number of realistic looking structures simulating a variety of targets. Two huge screens in front of stands gave crew details and also the IR/Optical picture from the ‘Heron’ UAV flying overhead. The events were spread over day, dusk and night. It began with three Mi-17s carrying the flags of India, IAF and South Western Air Command. A sonic-salute to the President meant a MIG 29 breaking the sound-barrier over the stands. A MiG-27 streamed the Exercise logo banner. The vintage Tiger Moth and Harvard aircraft flew as a reminder of IAF’s past. Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) coordinated arrivals at designated Time-over-Target (ToT).  Joint-man-ship was displayed with the Army and National Security Guard (NSG) participating in specific exercise scenarios.

Russian fighters MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI flying in formation.

The unfolding Make in India success in military aviation was on showcase. A special feature was the swing role capability displayed by the Tejas which in the first pass dropped a laser-guided bomb on a ground target and then fired an air-to-air R-73 missile on a simulated air target. Tejas was fresh after its maiden foreign display at Bahrain air show. Tejas had recently successfully firing the BVR Derby Air-to-Air missile at Jamnagar and now awaits clearance to fire the Close Combat Missile Python-5 in the near future. The Su-30, in public for the first time, fired the DRDO designed Astra air-to-air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile. The DRDO’s Akash surface-to-air missile was also demonstrated. The HAL LCH fired rockets on simulated tanks. There was also a simulated aerial combat demonstration. The spectators also got to witness the less seen A50 AWACS and DRDO AEW&C. A Short Landing and Take-off by C-130J Super Hercules was demonstrated on an unpaved runway. Mid-air fuel transfer from the IL-78 to Su-30s was showcased.  Combined Ops by NSG and Garud dropped by a Mi-17 V5 in an urban scenario were greatly appreciated by the dignitaries.

LCH firing rockets.

The night event was a military version of Diwali. Night bombing run was performed by Mirage2000, Mig-27, Jaguar and Su-30 fighters and the Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters. Boeing C-17 and An-32 aircraft paradropped Army’s Special Forces at night. All aircraft fired Infra-red flares at night to show themselves to the crowds. 128 rockets leaving a Mi-17 in three seconds can obliterate any target in the battle area. The ten thousand pounder bombs that the AN-32 dropped shook the visitors stand.

C-17 dropping paratroops.

IAF’s most enthralling soft power included an aerobatic display by the highly manoeuvrable Su-30 MKI, and synchronised aerial ballet by the Sarang and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic teams. The IAF Symphony orchestra and Drill Team engaged the spectators during the refreshment break. IAF once again showcased that it is not just the fourth largest air force in the world, but also a potent fighting machine with the all-weather capability to deliver lethal fire power. Presumably, the politicians and bureaucrats could see what the money invested would actually do and got the confidence that country was in safe hands. Hopefully, they will be more conscious when they push the files ‘Up or down’. The foreign attachés would have got the signals of the strength from this emerging power. IAF’s brethren in Army and Navy will feel more secure.  IAF continues to give importance to the ‘human behind the machine’ and uphold its mission statements— “People First, Mission Always" and “More you sweat in peace, Less you bleed in war”.