Jodhpur: The country's first woman fighter pilot, who leads a Sukhoi-30MKI squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF), would be part of the Indian contingent that will feature in aerial wargames with Japan. SU-30MKI Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi will leave for Japan shortly to participate in the aerial wargames.
While women fighter pilots have been part of aerial wargames in the country with foreign contingents, including the French air force, this would be the first instance of a woman air warrior leading an Indian fighter sqaudron on foreign soil. The exercise, titled 'Veer Guardian 2023', will be held from January 16 to January 26 at the Hyakuri Air Base and its surrounding airspace in Omitama, and the Iruma Air Base in Sayama, Japan.
Group Captain Arpit Kala, who heads an Indian Su-MKI30 fighter squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, told ANI that the aircraft packs a unique blend of advanced avionics from across the world and high-calibre weapons. "What makes the Indian Su-30MKI different from the flankers (Su-30 combat aircraft), which are operated across the world, is that it represents an integration of various weapons, sensors and avionics from all over the world," Group Captain Kala said.
"Its long-range vectors (missiles), including indigenous air-to-air and air-to-ground versions, give it a cutting edge over other fighter aircraft. It is one of the best fighters in the world," he added. The Air Force officer said while the aircraft packs a punch and rivals the best in the business, the aircrew training of the IAF is also considered one of the best in the world.
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He said the integration of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Astra air-to-air missiles have made the India Su-30MKI more lethal. Officers Bhavna Kanth and Mukul Bawa, who lead separate Su-30MKI squadrons, also termed the aircraft as one of the best and most lethal platforms armed with indigenous weapon systems.
Squadron Leader Bhavna Kanth said, "The Su-30MKi is a versatile multirole combat aircraft which can carry out both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions simultaneously. It can carry out manoeuvres at both high and low speeds." Squadron Leader Mukul Bawa said, "Owing to its size and advanced avionics, any modern weapon can be integrated easily into the SU-30MKI. It helps keep the fighter abreast with modern technology in the Air Force domain."
Group Capt Arpit Kala, along with Squadron leaders Bhavna Kanth and Mukul Bawa on Saturday demonstrated the advanced avionics and combat capabilities of the Su-30MKI in Jodhpur. While women fighter pilots have been part of aerial wargames in the country with foreign contingents, including the French air force, this would be the first instance of a woman air warrior leading an Indian fighter sqaudron on foreign soil.
Officials said the long-range air-launched BrahMos missiles, which can hit targets much beyond 500 kms, would enable the aircraft to take down air defence systems of enemy forces while remaining out of their reach. The defence ministry has also cleared the acquisition of the next-generation anti-radiation missiles for the Su-30MKIs, enabling them to strike enemy radars from a range of more than 100 kms.
