IAF CONDUCTS DAY – NIGHT EXERCISE ‘IRON FIST’ IN RAJASTHAN

Jaisalmer 19^th March 

Jaisalmer. Indian Air Force’s day-night exercise demonstrating its combat and fire power was conducted on 18 Mar 16 at Rajasthan’s Pokhran firing range in the presence of Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee welcomed by Superintendent of Police Jaisalmer Dr. Rajeev Pachar at Pokhran Field Firing Range

                                                                                                                                                                       

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Air Staff in his welcome address gave an insight into the exercise and the modernisation in the Indian Air Force.During his address, he stated that the primary objective of this exercise is to reassure the nation about our commitment and capabilities in safeguarding our national interests.  The Air Chief said that the IAF moves ahead on its transformation path despite certain constraints, maintaining a high combat potential for meeting challenges.

The event comprised six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 aircraft, including fighters, transport and helicopters participated.

Fly Past. The great journey of the IAF over eight decades was summed up by means of this package, with the aircraft of yesteryear flying wing to wing along with the latest acquisitions of the Indian Air Force.  A MiG-27 aircraft heralded the commencement of the flypast by towing the Ex “Iron Fist” banner, which was followed by Supersonic run by the MiG-29 aircraft.  The “real time recce” capability of the IAF was displayed by a Jaguar aircraft.  Vintage aircraft flypast by “Tigermoth” evoked the memories of the birth of military aviation in India and was followed by the Pilatus, the latest trainer aircraft of the IAF.  The fly past by a mixed formation comprising a MiG-21 Bison, MiG-27 Upgrade, MiG-29 and the mighty Su-30, showcased the transformation of the IAF over the decades.

Net Enabled Operations. This segment commenced by the majestic fly past of the indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control System and the display of AWACS aircraft.  The flypast was followed by a synchronized multiple aircraft weapon delivery demonstration of precision based bombing at simulated enemy targets by Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27 Upgrade aircraft and the Jaguar.

Air Defence Operations. After demonstrating the offensive capabilities, the exercise demonstrated the multi-layered Air Defence Operations of the IAF.  It comprised of the fly past by the Flight Refueling aircraft (IL-78 FRA) along with two Su-30 aircraft and the ingenuously built Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’, which displayed its swing role attack capabilities by delivering Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) followed by firing an air to air missile, engaging both targets with deadly precision.  The phase also included Surface to Air Guided Weapons like the IGLA shoulder-fired missile system and the OSA-AK missiles striking down airborne targets successfully.  There was also a spectacular simulation of a Combat Search and Rescue operation carried out by the IAF’s versatile helicopters, the Mi-35, Mi-25 and Mi-17V5.
 

Night photo​ of Ex Iron Fist 2016

Combat Support Operations. This phase showcased the very important role played by the Indian Air Force in support of the ground forces.  There were numerous targets simulating the enemy’s vital assets, engaged on the ground from the air by a variety of aircraft on the IAF’s inventory.  Apart from the fighters, the assault landing capability of versatile C-130 J aircraft and the fire fighting capability of the Mi-17V5, were also displayed in this phase.

Flying Displays. After the demonstration of live weapon, an array of aerobatic displays by the Sarangs, the Suryakirans and the Su-30 added a dash of colour to the evening.  The Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) and Air Force Symphony Orchestra (AWSO) enthralled the audience with their performances.

All Weather Operations. As the night drew upon the desert skies, the night capabilities of the IAF came to the fore.  A number of targets were engaged in this phase by fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters using rockets as well as bombs.  The “Search light” and Slithering Operations engaged the attention of the audience while the Combat Free Fall during the night phase showed how the IAF could take on insertion of troops in the enemy territory undetected.  The Akash Missile firing was a first in the history of Fire Power Demonstration.  The exercise inched towards a close by a beautiful and awe-inspiring display of Flare dispensation by a C-130J and an An-32 aircraft. The final event of the exercise was the awesome display of firepower by a MiG-27 Upgrade aircraft, giving a befitting close to a grand display.
 

A Missile Firing Demo

The event showcased more than 22 types of platforms and Weapons Systems.  Frontline fighter aircraft including Sukhoi-30, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, Attack helicopters, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and high tech AWACS displayed their potential during the show in which prestigious indigenous project – Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas” was also a part.  Transport aircraft like An-32, Embraer, IL-76, IL-78 and C-130J participated in all their glory while medium lift helicopters  (Mi-17, Mi-17 1V, Mi-17 V5) and attack helicopters (Mi-25, Mi-35) constituted the rotary wing ingredients.

Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parikar, Hon’ble Rajasthan Governor Shri Kalyan Singh, Chief Minister Smt Vasundhara Raje and Chiefs of Indian Army and Indian Navy were among others present during the Exercise.

The President, Prime Minister and the Defence Minister complimented Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Air Marshal RK Dhir, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command for the excellent Fire Power Demonstration.

Deficit in number of foreign tourists in Jaisalmer

 

Jaisalmer. The ‘Golden City’ is witnessing a drop in number of foreign tourists this season which may affect tourism business even as there is a spurt in number of domestic visitors here.

Jaisalmer Tourist Officer Mr. Khemendra Singh Jam said that Tourism season has started on a good note as the arrival of tourists has been quite high during the last few days which are the peak time.

Tourism Business Person Vikram Singh Nachana said that the number of French tourists is usually high, but this time it is quite low. Turnout of British tourists are also low.

“Decline in the number of foreigners is set to affect business because they spend a lot on purchasing handicrafts, carpets and other items compared to domestic tourists,” he said.

“Global issues like terrorism as well as economic factors may be the major reason behind the decline in number of foreigners this year,” Mr. Singh added.

Of late, the ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer has turned into a tourist hub, with people, mostly domestic, visiting Heritage sites like Golden Fort, Patwa Haveli, Nathmal Haveli, Salam Singh Haveli along with Sam Sand Dunes.

Tarun Chouhan who runs a hotel inside Fort said, “The number of tourists is at its peak these days since most of them prefer to celebrate new year’s eve on sand dunes here. But it is not likely to remain the same after that.”

Tourism season in Rajasthan, famous mainly for forts and palaces, starts in October and continues till April, during which lakhs of tourists visit Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Udaipur.

‘Jaisalmer War Museum’

Showcase the traditional bravery of the Indian Army

‘Jaisalmer War Museum’ has been established in the Military Station of Jaisalmer to showcase the traditional bravery of the Indian Army and also to commemorate the sacrifice of its heroes displaying valor and courage of exceptional order during the India’s wars. This immaculately laid out war museum was inaugurated by Lieutenant General Ashok Singh, General Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Command on Monday 24 August 2015 in a simple but elegant ceremony.   

Defense Spokesperson Lt Col Manish Ojha said that a large number of service officers and civil dignitaries graced this historic occasion. The War Museum is located 10 km short of Jaisalmer on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway. The inauguration of the museum in the Golden Jubilee celebration year of 1965 war has also be a befitting tribute to all gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the motherland.  The Army Commander has also inaugurated a war memorial at Longewala which has included an amphitheatre and section defended post which has depicted the actual war of 1965.

 

He said This War Museum which is the first of its kind on the Western Front traces the evolution of the Indian Army and covers in detail its inspiring contribution in all combat operations and other nation building activities. It will surely become a ‘must visit’ destination for the large number of tourists and visitors thronging Jaisalmer besides the local populace of the region.  The Indian Air Force has also pitched in by presenting a Hunter aircraft for the museum, which was used during the Battle for Longewala. 

The entry to the war museum will be free for all visitors.

Land of nuclear explosion seems hidden in the dark

Jaisalmer. Witness of 6 nuclear tests of 1974 and 1998; Pokhran area of Jaisalmer district, which has made India stand at international level and lead in the queue of nuclear powerful country, today, seems hidden and stands in the dark.

Former legislator of Jaisalmer and resident of Loharki Village Gulab Singh Rawlot said that in the Khetolai village which is 80 KM far from the district head office, everything is very normal here. There is silence in Khetolai village. It doesn’t seem now that few years ago, world’s biggest incident had occurred here. The same condition is of Loharki village which is slightly away from Khetolai village where on 18^th May 1974 first nuclear test was conducted.

(from left) The then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpyee, defense minister George Fernandes, A PJ Abdul Kalam, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and army officials at Pokran after the nuclear test on 1998. 

Sarpanch of Khetolai Village, Ramrakh Vishnoi said that in Khetolai village, it doesn’t seem now that on 11^th and 13^th May 1998, the land has tolerated 5 nuclear blasts on these dates. Now, only media people somehow visit here.

Social worker Dr Harivansh R Vyas of Pokhran area said that now only few people must be aware about the first nuclear test centre of Loharki village of Pokhran sub division of Jaisalmer district. This was outstanding in its own way as it created an impact worldwide. No signs are left now on this first prestigious area of India. Same situation can be seen in Khetolai Village.

The site of one of the 1974 nuclear test.

Old man of Khetolai village, Kishna Ram Vishnoi said that he has witnessed 6 nuclear tests till now and he feels proud about that. Till now his village has not been improved about which he feels sad.

President of Welcome Vikaas samiti of Khetolai Village, Aasuram Vishnoi said that after nuclear test, no one bothers about the villagers. Neither is the administration worried nor are the people concerned. Villagers feel bad as Prime minister has also never heard their voice and have never visited their place. Along with this, none of their demands has been fulfilled, be it cash payment or special funds.

Animal breeder of the village, Jeevana Ram said that after the nuclear test, animals were majorly affected. Most of the cows of the village have started giving less milk. And even in nearby villages effects can be seen. The entire village is in drought condition. District administration hasn’t opened any drought proof work or not even has opened any fodder depot.

·         Prime Minister Indra Ghandhi at the site of Pokran after the nuclear test on 1974.

Old woman of Khetolai village, Harkhi said that in the village, water, electricity, medical or education fields have not been improved. The condition is as it is. Neither improvement is made nor are any efforts which are being made for the betterment.

Pokhran-II

Pokhran-II was the series of five nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by India at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in May 1998. It was the second Indian nuclear test; the first test, code-named Smiling Buddha, was conducted in May 1974.

Pokhran-II consisted of five detonations, of which the first was a fusion bomb and the remaining four were fission bombs. These nuclear tests resulted in a variety of sanctions against India by a number of major states, including Japan and the United States.

On 11 May 1998, Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II) was initiated with the detonation of one fusion and two fission bombs; the word "Shakti" (Hindi: शक्ति) means "power" in Sanskrit. 



On 13 May 1998, two additional fission devices were detonated  and the Indian government led by prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee shortly convened a press conference to declare India a full-fledged nuclear state.

Many names are attributed to these tests; originally they were called Operation Shakti–98 (Power–98), and the five nuclear bombs were designated Shakti-I through Shakti-V. More recently, the operation as a whole has come to be known as Pokhran II, and the 1974 explosion as Pokhran-I.