Rajkot: Amidst the ongoing Tri-Service Exercise ‘Trishul’ along the India-Pakistan border, and a day after the car blast near the Red Fort area in Delhi, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a mock drill on Tuesday at Rajkot International Airport in Hirasar. The exercise, carried out due to the airport’s proximity to the sensitive coastal region, filled the city’s skies with the roar of fighter jets, including Sukhoi SU-30 and Tejas, which were part of the drill.

As part of the exercise, two battalions of the IAF reached Hirasar Airport a day earlier with equipment, including radar systems. The personnel then carried out a series of drills using fighter jets. Given the sensitivity of the Kutch-Saurashtra coast and the strategic location of Rajkot Airport, the IAF conducted this mock drill to enhance preparedness for emergency situations.

Security arrangements for the exercise were coordinated by airport authorities and the IAF. The administration was informed in advance to ensure no disruption to regular travel services. While Jamnagar and Bhuj serve as the headquarters for many IAF exercises, this time Rajkot Airport was chosen due to its strategic location, which has been a common practice in past drills as well.

During the drill, fighter aircraft performed touch-and-go landings, runway testing, and feasibility exercises to assess operational readiness. The exercise demonstrated the capability and preparedness of the IAF in handling emergencies at strategically important airbases. DeshGujarat