Aircraft

The Indian air force is seeking state approval to participate in one of the US Air Force's "Red Flag Nellis" multinational exercises next year, service head Air Chief Marshal Homi Major has revealed. "We have bid for one of the world's most sought-after air exercises, and are awaiting clearance from the government of India," he says.

Conducted from Nellis AFB, Nevada, the exercise series has traditionally been open to NATO member countries and close allies of the USA, such as Israel, but the Indian air force is hoping to participate as it moves to advance interoperability with Western forces.

Six of its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters visited the UK earlier this year to operate alongside Royal Air Force assets including the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the service's Sepecat Jaguar fleet has already participated in a US "Red Flag Alaska" exercise.

© Geoffrey Lee/Eurofighter

Meanwhile, Major says the air force has finalised its requirements for a new fifth-generation fighter to be produced in collaboration with Russia. "It will take five years for development and it will be eight to 10 years before the first fighter takes to the skies," he says.