Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force conducted its annual Command level exercise – Ex Poorvi Akash from 30 October to 5 November.

Exercise Poorvi Akash– IAF

Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force conducted its annual Command level exercise – Ex Poorvi Akash from 30 October to 5 November. As part of Ex Poorvi Akash of EAC IAF, the indigenous LCH Prachand landed at a high elevation ALG on one of its first such deployments, carrying out joint training with ground forces, alongside a variety of other combat platforms and systems participating in the exercise. The exercise comprised the application of Air Power in all its roles and will be conducted by day and night. The exercise also comprises joint operations with Eastern Command of Indian Army in the challenging mountainous terrain.

 Air Defence assets of IA and IAF will also be deployed to simulate a realistic battle scenarios. All major fleets of IAF will be participating in the exercise along with special mission aircraft, read the statement further.

It involved activation of the entire Eastern Sector and IAF Garud Commando will participate in special missions along with the Special Forces (SF) of the Indian Airforce.

Garud Commando

The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was formed in September 2004 and has a current strength of over 1500 personnel. The unit derives its name from Garuda, a Hindu God. Garud forces are tasked with the protection of critical Air Force bases and installations, search and rescue, and disaster relief during calamities. In 2004, Garuds were deployed in Congo as part of the UN peace keeping operations.