Indian Air Force conducts large-scale exercise 'Aakraman' amid Indo-Pak tensions

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted exercise Aakraman (Attack), a large-scale operational drill across the central sector, showcasing its frontline fighter fleet led by the Rafale jets.
The IAF operates two Rafale squadrons, stationed at Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in West Bengal.
These state-of-the-art aircraft are at the core of the ongoing exercise, which focuses on advanced mission profiles.
According to defence sources who spoke to ANI, "The cutting-edge technology fighter jets are carrying out complex missions involving ground attack and electronic warfare drills."
They further said that "The assets of the Indian Air Force have been moved from multiple airbases, including from the eastern side."
As part of the exercise, the IAF is rehearsing for high-intensity ground strike operations tailored to diverse landscapes, including flat terrains and hilly regions.
With the induction of modern weaponry such as the Meteor air-to-air missiles and long-range precision strike systems like the Rampage and Rocks, the IAF has significantly strengthened its strategic edge in the South Asian region.
The timing of Exercise Aakraman is particularly noteworthy, coming amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Top IAF pilots, dubbed “Top Guns,” are actively participating in the exercise, which is “being closely monitored closely by the Air Headquarters,” under the supervision of “high qualified instructors.”
The Indian Air Force had previously demonstrated its offensive capability during the post-Pulwama airstrikes in 2019, where Mirage 2000 jets were deployed for precision attacks inside Pakistan.
Since then, the addition of the Rafale jets has further enhanced its operational superiority.
The IAF has also brought in new force multipliers such as the S-400 air defence system, capable of neutralising advanced aerial threats, including enemy airborne early warning and control aircraft.