News

Exercise Cobra Warrior - IAS Academy in Coimbatore

Context

• The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Mirage-2000 aircraft have been undertaking joint training involving high intensity, large force, and tactical air war fighting operations as part of Exercise Cobra Warrior.

Exercise Cobra Warrior

• Exercise Cobra Warrior is the largest air exercise conducted by the Royal Air Force of the U.K.
• Exercise Cobra Warrior takes place twice a year.
• The Exercise is designed to train participants in high intensity, large force, tactical air warfighting operations.
• Apart from India, the other countries participating in the 2023 edition of the Exercise include Finland, Sweden, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Singapore.
• Finland, India and Saudi Arabia have joined for the first time.
• The aim of the exercise is to participate in diverse fighter aircraft engagements and share the best practices of various Air Forces.

Mirage-2000 aircraft

• Mirage 2000 is a multirole, single-engine, fourth-generation fighter jet.
• Mirage 2000 aircraft are manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France.
• India signed a deal with France in 1980 and the jet is considered IAF’s strategic aircraft.
• Mirage 2000 was designed as a lightweight fighter, however, it has evolved into a multirole aircraft with various variants.
• The Mirage 2000 aircraft have played a crucial role in various operations of the IAF including in Kargil and Balakot air strikes.