Country-wide IAF exercise to prepare for two-front threat posed by China, Pakistan

Note4students

Mains Paper 3: Internal Security | Security challenges and their management in border areas

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Particulars of the exercise

Mains level: The two-front threat posed by China and Pakistan is a reality. The exercise will help in enhancing operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force.

News

Gagan Shakti: A country-wide training exercise

1. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning for Gagan Shakti, scheduled to take place during April 11-21
2. It is conducted every two years

Important particulars

1. The exercise will be conducted in two separate phases for western and northern borders across India and deep over the Indian waters
2. the first phase of Gagan Shakti will see practice by forces deployed along the western border while the second phase will be for practice along the northern border
3. More than 15,000 IAF personnel, including 300 officers, will move from their bases during the exercise which will see the involvement of over 1,100 aircraft
4. This would mean 3,000 to 4,000 sorties per day during the exercise

Participation of the Tejas

1. This is the first time indigenously manufactured Tejas LCA fighter jets will participate in the exercise