BY : IANS

A fleet of aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) has touched down at the Waddington airbase in Lincolnshire to participate in a joint exercise with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

The first of the aircraft, the Su-30 MKI (Flanker-H) air superiority fighter, touched down at Waddington Thursday, marking a historic chapter on the 75th anniversary year of the IAF.

The IAF fighters arrived in two separate waves trailing the two IL-78 fuel-tankers in a formation of three each, on the last leg of the flight from Tanagra in Greece.

The lead IL-78 MKI of the 'Titan' formation was led by Group Captain K. Raghavendra with the three Su-30 MKIs in tow that were captained by Group Captain Girish Saini, Team Leader of the IAF contingent, Wing Commander A.K. Bharti, Commanding Officer of the No.30 Squadron and Wing Commander H. Assudani.

Wing Commander N. Kharkar led the second wave 'Pluto' formation that landed 45 minutes later. The Su-30 MKIs in the formation were led by Wing Commander Asit Kumar, Squadron Leaders S.V. Munje and Nitin Jain.

"This is undoubtedly history in the making," remarked Air Commodore P.P. Reddy, air attaché at the Indian High Commission, who was present to welcome the IAF contingent.

"The feeling is very good," remarked IAF Contingent Leader Group Captain G. Saini immediately after landing.

"Except for the terrain being flat as seen from air, the environment is quite similar to that in Pune. And yes, the weather is also good."

Wing Commander S. Cockbill, representative of RAF's Air Command, said, "It's a good first. A year's planning has been brought into fruition and the sight of the Su-30 MKIs on the tarmac is fantastic. It is a wonderful thing (exercise) to be happening as it will invigorate the relations between the two air forces that had seen a slight downswing after the early '60s."

"Most importantly, the fighters arrived on time and safely," said Group Captain Raghavendra, commanding officer of the IL-78 Squadron. "And this has been possible (strategic reach for the fighters) ever since the IAF began operating the air-refuellers in the last four years."

IAF officials told media that a total of 18 fighter pilots and two flight navigators who will also double-up as weapon systems operator (WSO) will be flying the Su-30 MKI's during the exercise called 'Indradhanush - 07'.