Indian Air Force showcases its best in Pokhran

Giving a demonstration of its immense firepower, the Indian Air Force on Sunday showcased its frontline aircraft and latest weaponry at its air power show Vayushakti-2004.

The earth shook as the IAF's fighter jets and helicopters pounded 'enemy' targets at Pokhran air-to-ground weapons firing range with precision, cluster and dive bombs.

The IAF's latest induction, the Sukhoi-30 MKI, presented for the first time at the Vayushakti exercise, gave a breathtaking aerobatic demonstration of its extreme manoeuvrability.

The viewers, which included top defence officials, let out a collective gasp as the fly-by-wire aircraft shot straight up, then seemed to completely stop before coming down executing a double backflip.

Two other aircraft made their first appearance at the airshow, the Mig-21 Bison and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The UAV, which was present 15,000 feet above the ground throughout the exercise, photographed the entire proceedings and laser-designated a target for a Mig-27 aircraft, which took it out with a precision strike.

The Mig-21 Bison, the sixth Mig-21 variant, however, did not fare as well. Three planes missed their designated target, but Air Chief Marshall played it down, saying this was just a 'training exercise'.

Over 60 fighter jets -- which included Mig-23, Mig-27, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 K and the Jaguar -- displayed their prowess. Two MI-35 attack helicopters, claimed to be the best in its class in the world, also demonstrated their destructive capability, pulverising their designated target with rockets.

Four MI-17 helicopters then brought in 32 commandoes and two Jonga vehicles in a simulation of takeover of enemy locations by troops.

An IL-78 tanker aircraft refueled two Mirage-2000s in the air, an operation which will substantially increase the attack range of Indian aircraft.

Vayushakti-04 started with a supersonic run by a Mig-29, which created a 'sonic boom' in front of the audience stand, forcing its members to close their ears.

But the audience reserved biggest round of applause for the  IAF's formation aerobatic team 'Suryakiran', which enthralled it with dramatic stunts even as the nine planes let out tri-colour jet streams.

Many a heart skipped a beat as two of the planes made straight for each other at high speed as part of the demonstration, missing by mere metres.

The 'Suryakiran' team returned only last week after giving shows in Bangkok, Yangon and Singapore.

The Vayushakti exercise, which is supposed to an annual demonstration, was held this year after two years.

Air Chief Krishnaswamy later told reporters that this was because the IAF had to prepare for 'real operations' (Parakram).

Navy chief Admiral Madhvendra Singh was also present at today's demonstration.