Military
Former Winged Raider: Army and Air Force collaborate in joint airborne operations training.
Published On Mon, 10 Feb 2025
Aarav Mehta
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The Indian Army recently took part in Exercise Winged Raider, a large-scale airborne training operation aimed at enhancing special operations capabilities. The exercise showcased the Army's high level of preparedness and seamless coordination with the Indian Air Force.
According to an official statement, troops practiced various airborne insertion techniques using both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. A key highlight was the first-ever training on airborne operations using the Chinook helicopter in the Eastern Theatre. The exercise provided troops with a valuable opportunity to refine their rapid deployment skills, reinforcing the role of airborne forces in modern warfare.
The joint operation exemplified the synergy between the Army and Air Force, emphasizing the importance of integrated training in responding to evolving security threats. Such exercises ensure that India's defense forces remain agile, adaptable, and mission-ready.
In a remarkable moment on Sunday, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew together in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This historic flight, featuring two service chiefs in the cockpit, symbolized the growing collaboration between the Army and the Air Force.
Reflecting on the experience, General Dwivedi expressed admiration for Air Force pilots, joking that had he met Air Chief Marshal AP Singh earlier, he might have chosen the Air Force instead. "It was one of the best moments of my life. If I had joined the Air Force, I would have been a fighter pilot," he said, highlighting the deep camaraderie between the two chiefs. Their joint flight also set the stage for Aero India 2025, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities through collaboration and innovation.
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