IAF Chief ACM Bhadauria witnesses exercise between air forces of India and Oman

Oman: Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief ACM RKS Bhadauria on Friday witnessed the ongoing joint military exercise “Eastern Bridge” between air forces of India and Oman at Masirah air base in Oman.Exercise Eastern Bridge is a biennial exercise between IAF and RAFO.

The aim of this exercise is to provide operational exposure to all the  participants and undertake mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing operational capability of both the Air Forces, an IAF official said.

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.

During the visit, ACM Bhadauria met IAF & RAFO contingents participating in the exercise.

He was briefed in detail about various aspects of the exercise & its progress.

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 in India.

The fouth edition of the exercise saw 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 October 17-26.

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.