Atreides 144 Posted October 23, 2007 (edited) Don't know if this is old news... In an already growing close relationship between India and Israel it has got a new boost when Indian air force (IAF) and Israel Defense Forces/Air Force (IDFAF) have agreed to exchange pilots between the two air arm, IDFAF pilot posted in India will be flying MiG-29B Baaz operating from Adampur Airbase which is located in western India (Punjab) 100 kilometers East of the Pakistan border, Adampur is one of 14 Indian Airbases under the Western Air Command within 300 kilometers of the Pakistan border. Adampur Airbase is home to at least 70 combat aircraft including two squadrons of MiG- 29s, (No. 47 Squadron - MiG-29A/C/UB” Black Archers”, No. 223 Squadron - MiG-29A/C/UB “Tridents”) two squadrons of MiG-23s and a squadron of MiG- 21s, while IAF pilot will be attached with Israeli Tayset squadron which operates F-16C/D Barak from Hatzor air force base Located near the lower west coast of Israel , Hatzor airbase is home to three squadrons of F-16 A/B/C/D operated by 101 , 105 , 144 Squadrons by IDFAF , similarly pilots from the Transport wing will also be exchanged IAF pilot will be attached to C-130 Squadron and a IDFAF pilot will be attached to IL-76 Squadron and IAF Helicopter pilot will be attached to CH-53 Squadron and a IDFAF pilot will be attached to MI-17 units ,the exchanged pilots will carry out routine training sorties from their respected posted Squadrons and after completion of their tenure will be replaced by other pilots from their respected air forces, Mig-29's are also operated by Syria and Iran and F-16's are operated by Pakistan, these agreement will help deep understanding of functioning and tactics of each others air arm and also give deep insight into aircrafts operated by their rivals. http://www.idrw.org/2007/10/18/iaf_and_idf...nge_pilots.html Maybe Ghostrider can shed some light on it. Edited October 24, 2007 by BUFF Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted October 23, 2007 Exchange programs between friendly nations are very commonplace. This is simply the first time for these 2 particular countries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nesher 628 Posted October 24, 2007 interesting.... thanks for the news :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+ghostrider883 526 Posted October 25, 2007 (edited) It would be great if this happens .Would be great to see two countries having a common enemy come together :yes: More such exchanges should take place, may be some joint air exercises as well. It would give Indian pilots much needed experience flying in and against the F-16. Paki pilots get to train on MiG-29s and Mirage 2000s through their Arab brothers . Though previously, I read on BR that a Indian MiG-21 pilot was deputed to Israel to fly F-16s in Israel and on his return he was posted to one of the Mirage 2000 sqdns. Bet Indian pilots flying F-16s would really piss off the Pakis Domestic Indian politics plays a role too in such exchanges. Commie morons in India could get up raise a protest over this as it hurts "historic" relations with Iran, I wonder what historic relations those Commies are taking about because Iran has always been hostile towards India . Fools!!!!! Israel has become India's second largest defence equipment dealing partner after Russia. Right fro the Phalcon AWACS, EL/M-2032 radar & Derby missiles for Navy's Sea harriers, Spyder QR SAMs for the Army and acc. to unconfirmed reports the AF's Maritime Jaguars have been upgraded with the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar. Indian AF Su-30MKIs and Bisons are equipped with Israeli equipment and jammers. The proposed IAF Mirage 2000 & MiG-29 UPG is built around a heavy Israeli equipment involvment. The first sqdn of Tejas LCA may be equipped with an Israeli radar and missiles. Atreides, There is mistake in the aritcle. India only has one MiG-23 sqdn, that too of a ground attack MiG-23BN variant in Wild Weasel role(No.221 Valiants). The MiG-23MF was retired last year.The other MiG-23BN sqdn converted to MiG-27M long time back. Edited October 25, 2007 by ghostrider883 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ezlead 42 Posted October 25, 2007 Israel can always use a new friend to watch its backdoor. If someone in between them starts trouble they can hit them from both directions. I'm sure that the pilots can learn from each other,as both countries fly combat missions basically everyday. If we think the U.S. is on the cutting edge for aircraft and systems,try checking out the Israeli defense contractors. They are not far behind. Besides the Israeli's are famous for making it better and Cheaper. Which in todays world means a lot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
