An IAF helicopter fires a rocket during ‘Iron Fist 2016’. PTI

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

Pokhran (Rajasthan), March 18

Amid a dwindling fleet of fighter jets, the Indian Air force today came up with its most potent display of prowess in waging a war from air.The IAF displayed its preparedness in tackling threats besides showcasing its arsenal, including its indigenous helicopters and fighters jets, during “Iron fist 2016” at the Pokhran firing range, 100 km from the Pakistan border, in western Rajasthan.A total of 181 aircraft from the IAF stable carried out a four-hour-long firepower display, which was witnessed by President Pranab Mukerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Along with the integration of India-made beyond visual range (BVR) missile, the air-to-air “Aastra” mounted on the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30 MKI. The indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile was also fired live for the first time.“The IAF is transforming itself into a formidable force with multi-spectrum capability to deter a conflict,” said Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.The Light Combat Aircraft, “Tejas”, which uses a US-made GE 404 engine was the “showstopper”.The LCA, nearing its final operational clearance, first fired a BVR missile, the “R 73 E”, and then dropped a laser-guided bomb, the Griffen. The LCA is produced by Ministry of Defence-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Rochelle D’ Silva said both targets were engaged successfully by Tejas.Also, the Light Combat Helicopter, produced by HAL, which is now testing the IAF and Army arsenal, fired a 70mm rocket. A total of 179 of the LCH are on order — 114 for the Army aviation and 65 for the IAF — and these, will form the attack helicopter fleet, moving in air in tandem with tanks on the ground.The twin-engine machine, that uses a French-origin engine, the Turbomeca, has been approved for flying after extensive high-altitude and hot-weather trials.The IAF today has a fleet of 33 fighter squadrons, the lowest in a decade.