Navy to send pilots to Russia for training in operations of MiG-29K; Army successfully tests UAV’ in the ongoing exercise 'Sudharshan Shakti'
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    • According to reports, the Indian Navy will be sending a team of 10 pilots to Russia for training in operations of MiG-29K fighter planes from the warship, ahead of the proposed induction of Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier by end of next year. India had signed a deal with Russia in 2004 for purchasing the carrier along with 16 MiG 29K's. As per the understanding between the two countries, a team of 10 pilots will be in Russia for around three months before the scheduled induction of Admiral Gorshkov in December next year. In India, such training will take place later at the naval air base, Hansa, in Goa. Naval pilots are already flying the MiG 29K's, several of which have already been commissioned at its base in Goa. The aircraft are carrying out shore-based operations and will continue to do so till the arrival of the carrier. India has also signed a contract with Russia for providing another 29 MiG 29K planes for its future requirements. All these aircraft would be deployed on the Russian-made warship.1

    Meanwhile, in a significant development, reports noted that the Indian Army has successfully used its military satellites and UAV's in the ongoing exercise 'Sudharshan Shakti' in the deserts of Rajasthan. A real-time picture and information of the war zone was provided to battlefield commanders with the use of India's hi-tech military & space assets. The aim of these high intensity war games is to validate and integrate the use of all available assets, including satellites and UAV's to assist commanders in taking dynamic and proactive operational action in a fluid battlefield situation. An important facet being validated is the real-time links between sensor and shooter which enables commanders to take instant decisions even as information is being shared among platforms and personnel to order the weapons to be deployed. Further, aerial assets provided by Indian Air Force (IAF) like Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft and AWACS have also been used to provide a real-time data of the war zones. A total of 60,000 troops and 300 tanks are participating in the massive desert exercise which has brought together all elements, including air power on one single platform. Apart from 120 artillery guns and an array of missiles and rockets, the exercise involves operation by aircraft such as Su-30 MKI, Jaguars, MiG-27 and MiG-21, AWACS and helicopters.2

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