Indian warplanes wind up successful war games in Singapore
By David Boey : Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore: Warplanes from the Indian Air Force (IAF) left for home this morning after spending two weeks in Singapore for air defence war games, codenamed Sindex.
Photo credit : David Boey.
Five Mirage 2000 fighters, from the IAF's 9th Squadron (Wolf Pack) and five Jaguar ground-attack aircraft (6th Squadron "Dragons") were involved in the exercise. Supporting their deployment to the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Paya Lebar Air Base were three of India's Ilyushin Il-76 Candid medium-lift transport aircraft.
The Mirages and Jaguars took off in two waves this morning from Paya Lebar Air Base. The fighters were accompanied by the Il-76s which probably helped the fighter pilots with navigation during the long, over water flight to their respective home bases in India.
The exercise, which was held from December 8 to 22, marks the first time Sindex was conducted in Singapore skies. Some air-to-air manoeuvres were held over the South China Sea.
The previous three exercises were held in India and the RSAF deployed F-16C/Ds to Indian air bases for the war games.
By all accounts, Sindex was a success for both air forces.
Asked if the Indian Air Force would return some day, IAF Team Leader Group Captain S Chhabra said:"Of course, we would love to. From the way the exercise has gone, from the way we've had the beautiful interaction, we'd love to do that. But that's for the higher organisation to decide. We're the operators, we're the fliers. That's for somebody else to decide."
RSAF's Exercise Director, Colonel Lim Yeong Kiat, said:"Exercise Sindex is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force. We're glad for the opportunity to train in India. With our Indian friends coming over to Singapore, it's a good opportunity to reciprocate the excellent hospitality they've shown us.
"Through this exercise, we have learnt alot from one another. I think it has improved our interoperability and enhanced our mutual understanding for each other. So I think it's a good way forward for defence relations."
Alert5 wishes the Indian Air Force a safe journey back to India. Jai Hind!
Many thanks to the IAF and RSAF personnel who assisted with the photo shoot on Wednesday December 20 at Paya Lebar Air Base.
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