IAF joins hands with Royal Air Force of Oman for Eastern bridge exercise
By Newsmeter Network Published on 25 Oct 2019 3:07 PM GMT
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Eastern Exercise Bridge is a biennial exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) & Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). The aim of this exercise is to provide operational exposure to all the participants and undertake mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing the operational capability of both the Air Forces. The first edition of the exercise was conducted at RAFO AFB Thumrait in 2009. The second edition in 2011 & fourth edition in 2017, were conducted at AFS Base Jamnagar, India. The fourth edition of the exercise saw the participation of RAFO's F-16 fighter aircraft outside GCC for the first time. The third edition in 2013 was conducted at RAFO AFB Masirah, Oman.
The ongoing Eastern Bridge-V was conducted at RAFO AFB Masirah, Oman from 17 Oct- 26 Oct 19. The IAF team was led by Group Captain Brijesh Paul, comprising of Five MiG-29 Upgrade multi-role fighter aircraft.
IAF's MiG-29 UPG aircraft exercised along with RAFO's Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 & Hawks. This was the maiden participation by the IAF's MiG-29 UPG aircraft in an international exercise outside India. The Mig-29 UPG is a modern multi-role fighter jet of IAF, with air-to-air & air-to-ground capability, coupled with Air-to-air Refuelling.
The IAF contingent was provided transport support for induction & de-induction by two C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The larger objectives laid down for exercise were to foster closer ties between the forces of both countries & to promote interoperability through exchange of knowledge & experience, along with tactical lessons to be drawn as the exercise progressed.
During the exercise, the CAS ACM RKS Bhadauria was hosted by Air Vice Marshal Matar Bin Ali Al Obaidani, Commander RAFO at RAFO base Masirah on 24 Oct 19. He was accompanied by Ambassador of India to Oman, Shri Munu Mahawar.
Ex #EasternBridge19: IAF contingent arrived at Royal Air Force Oman (RAFO) base at Masirah Island, Oman, today.
? Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 17, 2019
Station Commander RAFO base Masirah, Air Commodore Hussain Al Zadjal, received & welcomed the IAF contingent for the bilateral exercise. pic.twitter.com/vPS9eDgMMP
During the visit, the CAS met IAF & RAFO contingents participating in Ex Eastern exercise Bridge V. He was briefed in detail about various aspects of the exercise & its progress.
The exercise will greatly enhance mutual understanding & further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. It was an exceptional learning experience for the participants and the IAF team will carry memories of this wonderful opportunity & interaction.
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