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IAF inducts first Su-30 MKI squadron in south India

Last updated on: January 20, 2020 19:53 IST

The Indian Air Force on Monday commissioned a squadron of Sukhoi-30 MKI at the Air Force Station in Thanjavur, the first such base in south India for the high profile fighter jets, seen as a gamechanger in guarding the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.

IMAGE: Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron lands at the Thanjavur airbase during its induction ceremony into the Indian Air Force. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo

The 'Tigersharks' squadron of Sukhoi 30 MKI jets integrated with the BrahMos cruise missiles was inducted by Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat in the presence of top officials including Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.

The Su-30 MKI is a state-of-the-art all weather multi-role fighter aircraft capable of undertaking varied air defence, ground attack and maritime missions.

IMAGE: Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron prepares to take off. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo

A defence release said with the operationalisation of the 222 Squadron, the air defence capabilities of the IAF, particularly in the Southern Air Command area will be strengthened.

IMAGE: IAF's Tejas aircraft flying at the induction ceremony of the first Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron at the Thanjavur airbase. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo

"This would also provide protection to our island territories and sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean Region. The IOR is increasingly gaining importance and the presence of a fighter squadron will provide security cover to all our strategic and vital assets in the region."

WATCH: Sukhoi 30 MKI recieves water cannon salute

The squadron that was inducted was raised at Ambala in 1969.

During the IAF exercise Gagan Shakti-2018, the capabilities of this aircraft were amply demonstrated.

IMAGE: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawatwith IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief AK Jain addresses media at the induction ceremony of the first Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron at the Thanjavur airbase. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo

Also, it showcased an extended air operational range with the help of air to air refuelling by the IL-78 flight refuelling aircraft.