The Indian Air Force's frontline Sukhoi-30MKI air superiority aircraft will cross swords with next generation fighters during the upcoming Indo-UK joint fighter exercises to be held in England early next month.
Eight Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, which have the reputation of having outwitted American F-16 fighters earlier would be pitted against the new Generation Eurofighter Typhoon during the ten-day exercises 'Indra Danush-07' to be held at Royal Air Force base in Wadington in central England from July 2 to 12, according to IAF sources here.
A contingent of eight SU-30MKI, two IL-78 mid-air refuellers and two IL-76 transport aircraft would leave their Pune base on June 24 for the joint exercises. This would be the second of the series of joint air exercises between Royal Air Force and Indian Air Force. During the earlier exercise held over the Gwalior air base, the Royal Air Force had pitted their Tornado fighters against IAF Sukhoi's, Mig-29 and Mirage 2000.
Though IAF fighters and pilots had matched their skills against F-16s during joint air exercises with US and Singapore air forces, this would be the first time that Indian pilots would come up against next generation fighters. Typhoons have just been inducted into the Royal Air Force and along with Swedish SAAB company's Grippen fighters are two of the most advanced fighters in the world.
Both Eurofighter Typhoon and Swedish Grippen are bidding for India's contract to purchase 126 multi-role fighter aircraft. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major would witness the exercises as he embarks on an official visit to United Kingdom from July 10 to 14.
Am I going to have fun !
Gary
