NEW DELHI, Jan 30: The Indian Air Force has kick-started a mega exercise covering the Northeastern region to check its combat readiness amid a fresh spike in tension with China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.
The IAF’s frontline fighter jets including the Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft, and other assets deployed in the region are engaged in the exercise named ‘Poorvi Aakash’.
“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 exercise will involve activation of the Command’s assets for routine practice of aerial drills, including joint exercises,” the IAF’s Shillong-based Eastern Air Command said.
There has been a fresh spike in tension between India and China after troops from the two sides engaged in the clash along the LAC at Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9.
All frontline air bases and some key Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in the Northeast are being involved in the exercise. (PTI)