ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will start special Refreshing Courses for its pilots flying Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets from April 1 and then subsequently will establish a new Division For Supersonic Fighter pilot Training.
According to available information, Indian pilots flying Sukhoi Su-30 will go through refreshing courses from April 1 to April 15, reports DND News Agency.
Sources in IAF indicate that this special training and refreshing courses are nothing to do with February 27, 2019 Indo-Pak Air forces dogfights but this special refreshing courses were designed long ago because IAF lost eight Sukhoi-30 fighter planes in crashes and one in dogfight since their induction into the IAF in 1997.
“The training will start at the Gwalior Air Base of the Indian Air Force. IAF will soon move to establish a new Division For Supersonic Fighter pilot Training”, stated sources in IAF.
It may be mentioned that Indian Air Force lost one Mig-21 in an action during a dogfight with its arch rival Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and also lost one Sukhoi Su-30 to PAF on February 27 but the Indian Air Force refuted to accept that it lost Sukhoi Su-30 during dogfights.
However, some Indian military circles believe that Sukhoi Su-30 was shot down by Pakistani drone in Indian airspace and it was not lost a dogfight.
Gwalior Air Base of the Indian Air Force is known for IAF and US Air Force bilateral fighter exercises.