New Delhi:The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday decided not to deploy its aircraft for the multi-nation exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 scheduled at Waddington in the United Kingdom from March 6 to 27 citing “recent events” — an obvious reference to the Russia-Ukraine war. In a Twitter post, the IAF said: “In light of the recent events, the IAF has decided not to deploy its aircraft for Exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 in the UK.” The tweet indicates an exit from the exercise due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in which the UK has taken a stridently anti-Moscow stand. Earlier, the IAF was all set to send five Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and two C-17 transport aircraft for the exercise. The C-17 aircraft was being deployed to provide the necessary transport support for induction and de-induction of forces during the multi-nation war game. Exercise Cobra Warrior has been the Royal Air Force’s premier tactical training event aimed at developing the tactical skills of its aircrew and supporting elements in a Composite Air Operation. Earlier, an IAF statement said that LCA Tejas will showcase its skills in the exercise along with fighter aircraft of other leading Air Forces. UNI ASU MR
