Indian Air Force Western Command to conduct Trishul Exercise

The Indian Air Force  Western Command will conduct Operation Trishul military exercise from 4 to 14 September 2023  in the country’s northern and western sectors to test its battle worthiness. The exercise assumes significance in light of the continuing deadlock between India and China in the Ladakh sector .

The Western Air Command based in New Delhi is the Indian Air Force’s largest operational command with its bases across Ladakh,Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab,and Haryana. 

The fighter aircraft that are expected to take part in the 10-day exercise include the Rafales, Sukhoi-30s and MiG-29s, C-17 heavy-lifters, Il-76 transport planes etc.

Deadlock at the Western Indo -China Border  

The border between India and China has remained tense since the deadly clash between the two armies in Galwan, Ladakh which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and a number of Chinese soldiers. 

The border talks have led to disengagement of both the forces from Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A) and Hot Springs (PP-15). However there has been no progress on the dispute at Depsang in Daulet Beg Oldi sector and Charding Nullah Junction (CNJ) in Demchok sector. 

Exercise Tarang Shakti 

The Indian Air Force will also conduct a multi-nation air exercise in 2024 code named ‘Tranag Shakti in India’.The multi-nation air exercise will involve fighter jets, military transport aircraft, mid-air refuellers and airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft.

Indian Airforce and its command structure 

It was set up on 8 October 1932 .  It comes under the Union Defence Ministry .

President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Air Force .

Every year October 8 is observed as Air Force Day . 

Chief of  Air Staff : Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari

Command structure of the Indian Air Force