Given the present tense situation in Ukraine, the United Kingdom has canceled a prestigious multi-nation air exercise where India was also scheduled to take part in the first week of March.

Five indigenously-designed and manufactured Tejas aircraft were to showcase their capabilities alongside the front-line fighter jets of the air forces of other countries.   Air Forces of the UK, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and the US are part of the exercise.

The exercise “Cobra Warrior” in Waddington was earlier scheduled to commence on March 6 and end on 27. On Wednesday, the IAF had announced that it will take part in the “Cobra Warrior” exercise with a fleet of five Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).

 The IAF said the exercise “Cobra Warrior 22” is aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating air forces.  It said the exercise will be a platform for the Tejas aircraft to demonstrate its maneuverability and operational capability.  “The exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices among the participating air forces, thereby enhancing combat capability and forging bonds of friendship,” the IAF had said.

Recently, Tejas took part in the Singapore air show. India is showcasing Tejas as a potential export item. Tejas, indigenously designed by the Aircraft Development Agency of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is expected to be the backbone of the IAF in the future.