A government decision on October 23 gave powers to the Navy to act against the sea bandits, who had hijacked over 100 ships this year, and in the two months since then, the warships have successfully repulsed three attacks on merchant vessels and nabbed 23 pirates.
The IAF, on its part, showcased it strategic reach by flying Su-30 MKI air superiority fighter jets and IL-78 air-to-air refuellers to NATO air exercise 'Red Flag' in the US to pit its pilots and machines against air forces of the US, France and South Korea in September, and came out with flying colours.
The Army successfully validated its 'Cold Start' war doctrine during ‘Exercise Brazen Chariots’ using firepower and superior tactics in the Pokhran range in the Rajasthan desert in March, as defence attaches from foreign missions watched in awe.
The only blot in the text-book execution of the exercise objective was the loss of lives of three jawans in a freak mishap during the live fire-power demonstration.
Image: Mixed formation of fighter jets from the IAF and US Air Force.
Photograph: Sagar Pathak
Also read: INS Tabar takes on Somali pirates
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