Operation Indra Dhanush: The Indian view

Given below is an excerpt from the official release by the Indian Ministry of Defence after the Indo-British Operation Indra Dhanush, held in the UK recently:

Even as the Su-30 MKIs, F3 Tornadoes and Eurofighter Typhoons of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF), battle it out in the sky during Indra Dhanush 2007, elsewhere discreetly and unseen at the Control and Reporting Centreâ (CRC) of RAF Scampton, a team of fighter controllers (FC) from both Air Forces remain closeted and deeply engrossed on computer screens, albeit keeping a close watch on the proceedings.

Of marked significance during the exercise is the role of FCs accompanying the IAF contingent. In an airspace that is normally bereft of any liberties, fighter pilots invariably depend on them for manoeuvring tactically when engaging enemy targets in the air.

"It is team work," says Wing Commander Jaswinder Singh, a Master Fighter Controller (MFC) on the IAF side. FCs undertake the crucial job of airspace management by coordinating and controlling the conduct of missions, while providing regular updates on target information.

IAF FCs hone their controlling skills while their winged colleagues manoeuvre in all dimensions in the air. Their exposure to the Airborne Warning and Control (AWAC) systems is expected to go a long way since the IAF, with its modernisation plans of inducting new radars, aerostats and AWACs in place, is all set to enhance further its existing surveillance and control capabilities.

Some of the MFCs had some prior exposure to the scenario during the last Indra Dhanush exercise held in India. They keenly observed the E3D Sentry's controlling prowess from the air during the current exercise too.

"Since they have been at it for more than 20 years, we have a great deal to learn from their experience," echoes Squadron Leader Achin Pillai, an MFC. "The RAF controllers have been very forthcoming in sharing their experience and we are coping very well too," he further added on the quick assimilation, adaptation and professional acumen of the IAF FCs, a fact acknowledged by the RAF FCs too.

The missions being undertaken in the current exercise mostly conform to the NATO / RAF methods of operations. The missions are vastly diverse and include the conventional 1v/s1 to large force engagements, involving several aircraft of different types. This increases the challenge for the FCs and requires skills extraordinaire. And significantly, they also enhance flight safety.