Kolkata, Oct 21 || The latest edition of SINDEX, a bilateral exercise between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF), got underway at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Bengal on Monday.
“This is the 12th edition of the Joint Military Training (JMT) between the two forces. The RSAF is participating with its largest contingent till date,” a senior Ministry of Defence (MoD) official said.
The JMT will comprise two phases. For the first three-odd weeks, the IAF and RSAF will practice separately. The bilateral phase of the Exercise will start from November 13 and continue till November 21.
While the RSAF has sent F-16 and F-15 squadrons, accompanied by G-550 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) and C-130 transport aircraft, the IAF is participating in the JMT with Rafales, Mirage 2000 ITIs, Su-30 MKIs, Tejas, Mig-29s and Jaguars, it was confirmed by the MoD.
AFS Kalaikunda offers a great opportunity for forces like the RSAF to practice. The air base, with the latest facilities, offers an air-to-air firing range over the Bay of Bengal apart from a designated air-to-ground one at Dudhkundi, barely a few km away.
The skies above Kalaikunda are also generally free of commercial air traffic, allowing combat aircraft a free run during practice sessions and exercises. Even then, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to ensure that commercial pilots stay away.