IAF chief BS Dhanoa will hold talks with his counterpart on all strategic and bilateral defence issues during his ongoing four-day visit to Israel starting Monday. He will also attend a conference ‘Air Superiority as Bridge to Regional Stability’ as part of 70th anniversary celebrations of the Israel Air Force.

The conclave will enable strategic dialogue between Israel’s highest leadership, innovative thinkers and invited Air Force commanders from 20 countries.

Israel has emerged as one of the biggest suppliers of weapons and sophisticated equipment to India since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1990. Ranging from radars to high end electronic warfare systems, Israel has also supplied Phalcon airborne early warning systems (AWACS) to IAF. At present, IAF has three Phalcons and plans to buy two additional such platforms from Israel. These AWACS can detect enemy planes or missiles at a range of more than 400km in 360 degrees format thereby adding to the IAF’s capability to defend its airspace.

The ties between the air force of Israel and India saw a new milestone when for the first time the IAF took part in a multilateral exercise ‘Blue Flag’ in Israel last year. Moreover, both Air Forces have been undertaking mutually beneficial professional exchange programs over the years. Dhanoa is expected to discuss further strengthening of such exchanges during his talks with Israelis. He is also expected to meet and interact with Chiefs and Senior Commanders of Air Forces from over 20 countries attending the event.

In addition to the professional interaction during the conference, the IAF chief will also visit bases of the Israel Air Force, monuments of Israeli military aviation and cultural heritage, officials said here on Monday adding the participation of the IAF Chief will provide further impetus towards increasing defence cooperation with Israel and pave the way for greater interaction and cooperation in future.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, Tuesday, 22 May 2018 | PNS | New Delhi