New Delhi, July 6: A low-key send off to an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent at the Pune-based Lohegaon airbase on Monday will mark the beginning of India’s first-ever participation at one of the world’s toughest air-combat exercises.

The IAF will be sending eight SU-30 MKI aircraft, two IL-78 air-to-air refuellers and one IL-76 transport aircraft for the Red Flag exercise being held at the Nellis airbase of the United States Air Force (USAF) in August. While the multination exercise will start on August 9, a contingent of over 250 personnel will depart for the ‘work-up phase’ of the war game at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho. The contingent is being led by Group Capt D Chaudhury and the Exercise Coordinator would be Group Capt Ajay Rathore.

The series of exercises, held thrice a year at the Nellis Airbase, were started in 1975 and have emerged as one of the most challenging testing grounds for Air Force pilots.

“The exercise is based on an advanced aerial combat training format. The purpose is to ensure that pilots are trained well enough to survive in air combat and win air battles. The exercise holds tremendous learning opportunity for all the participating Air Forces,” the IAF spokesperson said.

Besides India and the US, participation will include the South Korean Air Force with F-15K and the French Air Force with their latest Rafale aircraft. Prior to the main exercise, the IAF contingent will familiarise themselves with the process at the Idaho airbase from 17 July to August 8. “The purpose of the work-up phase is to streamline the procedures and have a clear understanding of the new flying environment,” the spokesperson said.

The IAF contingent is scheduled to depart from Pune and will transit via Doha (Qatar), Chorlu (Turkey), Mont de Marsan (France) and Lages (Portugal) before reaching main land USA on 17 July.