Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Feb 26: In light of the scenario emanating from the Ukraine crisis, the Indian Air Force has decided not to send its combat jets to a multinational air exercise in the United Kingdom next month.
The IAF’s decision not to send aircraft to the ‘Cobra Warrior’ exercise occurred just three days after it confirmed its participation in the drills, which would take place at Waddington in the United Kingdom from March 6 to 27.
“In light of the recent events, #IAF has decided not to deploy its aircraft for Exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 in UK,” the IAF tweeted.
Though the IAF did not specify the reasons for the withdrawal, it is understood that the decision was spurred by the escalating crisis in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s military attack.
The IAF made the statement just hours after India voted negative on a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
According to official sources, India retains the option of reaching out to all relevant parties to establish a middle ground and develop conversation and diplomacy to settle the problem by abstaining from the resolution.
Five LCA Tejas fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force were to be deployed for exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 in the UK.
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2022
