After Pulwama, IAF received indication of air strike option to avenge terror attack: sources

IAF's massive pre-planned day-night exercise in Rajasthan's Pokhran desert close to Pakistan border on February 16 underwent certain changes in its format following Pulwama attack after government considered an air strike option across LoC which was carried out 10 days later, official sources said Monday.

exercise 'Vayu Shakti' involving over 140 fighter jets, military helicopters as well as a variety of missiles demonstrated capability for short tice missions with pinpoint accuracy.

Though it was a pre-scheduled exercise, IAF top brass knew government was considering using air power to avenge Pulwama attack on February 14, making drill a dress rehearsal for an aerial strike to target Pakistan-based JeM, top government sources said Monday.

y said IAF even incorporated certain changes in format of exercise after receiving an indication from government about a possible role for Indian Air Force(IAF) to carry out a strike across Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ten days later, in a well-coordinated operation, a fleet of 12 Mir 2000 aircraft supported by or platforms struck inside Pakistan, targeting biggest terrorist training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which claimed responsibility for Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

IAF got indication that government may likely task air force for a precision strike targeting a Pakistan-based terror outfit, sources said.

In his address at inauguration of exercise, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhaa had said IAF was ever prepared to deliver "appropriate response" as assigned by India's political leadership.

From his speech, it was t clear, n, wher IAF was considering such a strike on Pakistani soil.

At exercise, a fleet of Mir 2000 aircraft had demonstrated its capability to smash enemy assets.

Mir 2000 aircraft used in strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror was chosen because of its ability to hit long-range targets with "pin-point" accuracy and drop a range of bombs and missiles including laser-guided ones, sources said.

IAF hit JeM training facility using S-2000 precision-guided bombs fired from Mir-2000 fighter jets.

sources said strike produced intended results