Click to play videoGwalior Airbase: The Air Force of India and Britain, who share a common legacy, took each other on in an air combat exercise in Gwalior.
The last time India and Britain engaged in a joint air combat exercise was in the wake of the Chinese aggression on India, 43 years ago.
However, over the last fortnight at the Gwalior and Agra airbases, the two sides appeared to be making up for the lost time in Exercise Indra Dhanush.
Aided by the Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), the Royal Air Force fielded Tornado fighters. For the British, being pitted against a largely Soviet-era fleet again brought a sense of déjà vu.
“It’s great for me. I was brought up on the Central Front in Europe in the depts. Of the Cold War,” said RAF Exercise Director, Air Commodore Julian Stinton.
While competition appeared to be keen, there was no telling on which side got the better of the exchange.
"Kills not important. The aim was to learn from each other which we did,” said IAF Exercise Director, Group Captain C Hari Kumar.
But for those who were expecting a Lagaan rematch in the air, there was disappointment. Neither side was playing for a win. Instead, the two teams are learning to cope with an uncertain world, where the enemy is deadly, but faceless.
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