GOC-in-C takes to skies in Sukhoi

The Army Commander was flown by Wing Commander Sajan,Commanding Officer of Lohegaon-based Rhinos Squadron. Sajan has also flown President Pratibha Patil during her Su-30 MKI sortie. “Wing Commander Sajan flew the Army Commander up to a height of 20,000 feet at a speed of 1000 km per hour. The sortie,which lasted around 40 minutes,included mild manoeuvres,simulated air-to-air attack and air-to-ground strikes. The aircraft flying at supersonic speed gave the Army Commander a glimpse of the sophisticated equipment on board and its extensive capabilities,” said the release. The Southern Army Commander become the first GOC-in-C of the Southern Command to undertake a sortie in India’s most modern all weather supersonic fighter aircraft.

The sortie was aimed at highlighting the synergy displayed by Indian Army and the IAF in the spheres of training,as well as operations,the release added. The Southern Command of the Army and the South Western Air Command (SWAC) of the IAF are singularly important in the battle plans of the nation. In view of this,both the Commands have undertaken various initiatives in furtherance of operational readiness,added the release.