This is for the first time that joint operations have been included in the exercise, which is used by the Air Force to test its skills and tactics, Air Marshal S. Krishnaswamy, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South- Western Air Command, said on Thursday.

The joint operations include airdrop of two armoured personnel carriers (BMPs) by IL-76 transporters, which will be followed by airdrop of paratroopers. A BMP weighs 14 tonnes and carries 10 personnel, anti-tank missiles, a 30 mm gun and 84mm rocket launchers.

Next, two MI-8 helicopters, each armed with 128 rockets, will attack a radar site. Two MI-8 helicopters, each carrying a jeep underneath, and another carrying troops would follow. Two MI-35 helicopters will then attack targets with Shtrum missiles, 128 rocket projectiles, and guns -- all in a single pass.

Krishnaswamy said about 70 aircraft, including helicopters, transporters and top of the line combat aircraft like Sukhoi 30, Mirage 2000 and Mig 29, will be in action, demonstrating practically every aspect of Air Force operation, including firing of an air-to-air missile by Sukhoi 30.

Among the weapons which will be used in the exercise are laser-guided precision bombs, cluster bombs, heavy bombs, BAP-100 bombs, which are used to make runways inoperable; and fuel-air explosives which are used to blow up mines and bunkers.