Indian air force stops at Lajes on their way to Red Flag

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christin Michaud
  • 65th ABW Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  Eight fighters landed at Lajes Field Sunday morning on their way to a multi-national exercise hosted in the United States. 

The fighters, Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft, belong to the Indian air force who will participate in Red Flag Aug. 9-25 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for the first time ever. 

Red Flag, an advanced aerial combat training exercise, offers training to pilots from all branches of the United States military, NATO and other allied countries for real combat situations. 

The team from the Indian air force includes close to 250 troops with personnel to support the fighters, as well as two tankers and a cargo plane. 

Team Leader, Group Capt. D Choudhury said their participation in the exercise is an excellent opportunity. He hopes it will increase their exposure, offer them a unique training opportunity with the competition, help increase their ability in an operational environment and build cooperation and team building. 

Flight Lieutenant Ajid Krishnan, a pilot who has been in the IAF for 5 years, agrees the chance to participate in Red Flag will be beneficial. "It's a good opportunity to learn a lot from the exercise," he said. He is one of 32 pilots that will be participating in the exercise.
"This is a logical step forward for both our countries," said Group Captain Ajay Rathore, Exercise Director. He added this is a major milestone for a Russian platform to participate in the exercise of this scale at Nellis. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a heavy class, long-range, multi-role, air superiority fighter and strike fighter. "We look forward to our aircrew doing well," said Group Captain Rathore. 

The stop in the Azores was an added bonus to their participation in Red Flag. "The climate is good," said Junior Warrant Officer RS Bhardwaj, a maintainer. Flight Lt. Krishnan said he looked the Azores up on the Internet before they departed but said it was even nicer in person. "I knew it was an island, but I didn't know it was so beautiful," he said. 

Although the Portuguese Air Force hosted the Indian Air Force, the 65th Air Base Wing stepped in to offer support since the team is on their way to a U.S. base. "This is a historic opportunity for Lajes and the United States Air Force," said Col. JL Brings, 65th ABW commander. "We're hosting the Indian Air Force and their first deployment with the Su-30 MKI to Red Flag. In fact, welcoming them to Lajes Field with our Portuguese hosts is one of the four things we do here everyday at Lajes, explained the colonel. "One of those four things is bilateral relations," said Colonel Briggs. "This is trilateral - we are working with our Portuguese host and giving a great welcome to what is a very unique airplane." 

Supporting the IAF also allowed Lajes to highlight some of its great Airman. Staff Sgt. Jose Vuittonet, an F-16 crew chief with the 65th Operations Support Squadron was just one Airman from Lajes providing support. OSS provided 'follow me' service, and assistance with AGE equipment and oxygen regulators. "I love airplanes," the crew chief said. Although he worked with the Su-30 MKI while assigned to Singapore, he said it was an awesome experience. He enjoys his part in moving iron to and from the fight, including in instances like these - milestones between the United States and Indian Air Forces at the Red Flag. 

From here, the team will fly to Bangor, Maine, before heading to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. They will train at Mountain Home briefly prior to their participation in Red Flag.