New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has started a mega exercise covering the Northeastern region to check its combat readiness if border tensions with China escalate. Frontline fighter jets including the Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft, and other assets deployed in the region.
The exercise is carried out by the Shillong-headquartered Eastern Air Command and it is called 'Poorvi Aakash'. All frontline air bases and some key Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in the Northeast are being involved in the exercise.
"Eastern Air Command has commenced its annual Command level exercise Ex- POORVI AKASH today. Conducted after a gap of two years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ex will involve activation of the Command's assets for the routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises," the IAF's Eastern Air Command tweeted.
After the clash along the LAC at Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9, the tensions between India and China have spiked and several reports from officials indicate that Beijing has no plans to withdraw. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Parliament on December 13 that the Chinese troops tried to "unilaterally" change the status quo in the Yangtse area but the Indian Army compelled them to retreat by its firm and resolute response.
The Army and IAF have been maintaining a high state of operational readiness in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim along the Line of Actual Control for over two years now.