Study OAS · 28 April 2025

IAF Sharpens Combat Edge with Exercise 'Aakraman'

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently conducting a major operational exercise named 'Aakraman' (Attack). This large-scale drill is taking place over a wide area, primarily in the central sector of the country, and involves some of the IAF's most potent fighter aircraft and assets.

Objectives of Exercise Aakraman:

• Enhance Operational Readiness: To test and improve the IAF's preparedness for complex combat scenarios.
• Validate Tactics: To practice and confirm various warfighting strategies and doctrines.
• Simulate Combat Missions: To carry out complex missions, including simulated attacks on ground targets in varied terrains (plains and mountains) and electronic warfare drills.
• Improve Synergy: To ensure different aircraft types, squadrons, and ground systems can work together effectively. Assets have reportedly been moved from multiple airbases, possibly including from the Eastern sector, for this exercise.

Key Aircraft and Personnel Involved:

• Dassault Rafale: The cutting-edge, French-origin multirole fighter jets are leading the exercise. The IAF operates two squadrons of Rafales based in Ambala (Haryana) and Hashimara (West Bengal).
• Sukhoi Su-30 MKI: The mainstay and workhorse air superiority fighter of the IAF, built under license in India, is also participating significantly.
• Other Assets: While specific details aren't always revealed, such large exercises typically involve other crucial elements like transport aircraft, mid-air refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, and ground-based air defence systems.
• Top Pilots: Highly skilled pilots, including instructors often referred to as 'Top Guns' (possibly from the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment - TACDE), are participating and guiding the exercise, which is being monitored closely by Air Headquarters.

Strategic Importance:

• Capability Demonstration: Exercises like Aakraman showcase the IAF's ability to rapidly deploy assets and conduct high-intensity operations across different regions.
• Integration of New Tech: It allows the IAF to practice using recently acquired platforms and weapons systems, such as advanced missiles (Meteor, SCALP, HAMMER, Rampage) integrated with the Rafales, and potentially coordinate with systems like the S-400 air defence units.
• Deterrence: Such large-scale drills signal preparedness and act as a deterrent in the complex security environment of the region. The exercise is happening at a time of heightened alertness in the region.

Additional Information:

Indian Air Force (IAF):

• The air arm of the Indian Armed Forces, established on October 8, 1932.
• Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial warfare during armed conflict.
• The President of India is the Supreme Commander. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), an Air Chief Marshal, commands the IAF.
• The IAF is organised into seven commands: Five operational commands (Western - New Delhi; Eastern - Shillong; Central - Prayagraj; South Western - Gandhinagar; Southern - Thiruvananthapuram) and two functional commands (Training Command - Bengaluru; Maintenance Command - Nagpur).

Dassault Rafale:

• A French twin-engine, 4.5 generation multirole combat aircraft.
• Known for its agility, advanced AESA radar, sophisticated SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and ability to carry a wide range of weapons like the Meteor Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile and SCALP cruise missile.
• India contracted for 36 Rafales, equipped with several India Specific Enhancements (ISE).

Sukhoi Su-30 MKI:

• A twin-engine, air superiority fighter with multirole capabilities, developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under license by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Known for its long range, high manoeuvrability (due to thrust vectoring), and heavy weapons payload.
• Forms the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet and is undergoing upgrades (Super-30 program) including new indigenous AESA radar (Virupaksha) and advanced cockpit systems.