News
Monday, March 01, 2010
India conducts military exercise near Pakistani border
POKHRAN: Indian fighter jets bombed mock enemy bunkers close to the Pakistani border on Sunday in a symbolic show of air power at a time when the two nuclear-armed rivals are trying to improve relations. Indian President Pratibha Patil and Defence Minister AK Antony watched as targets were hit with bombs and rockets, raising huge balls of fire and dust in the deserts of Pokhran, the site of India’s nuclear testing facility. “This is not just a firepower demonstration but a clear message about what India’s air force is capable of,” said Uday Bhaskar, a New Delhi-based strategic affairs expert. “It is a message to neighbours.” In Sunday’s war games, planes including Sukhois and MiG 21s, roared through the sky, bombing simulated enemy targets including militant training camps and bunkers. Defence officials said the exercise would test the air force’s ability at precision bombing of militant camps, particularly those behind enemy lines. reuters
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk