Indian Air Force starts level exercise GaganShakti-18 with deployment of 11 aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday started its level exercise GaganShakti-18, with the concept of a Forward Surgical Centre (FSC).

The IAF has deployed more than 11 aircraft at their operational locations this year as this is a unique exercise and these aircraft are being deployed at forward bases.

A Forward Surgical Centre (FSC) is set up at a remote forward location in the Indian Air Force with an aim to enhance the medical capabilities at the forward base located away from a service hospital. The establishment of FSC permits immediate life and limb saving surgery, thus stabilising the patient.

The evacuation rear-ward could then be taken to a higher surgical centre at an appropriate time during operations.

The first station to be operationalised with an FSC is Air Force Station Naliya, where existing men and material of the IAF was used. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa visited the Naliya FSC and was impressed with the setup.

The Naliya FSC has a dedicated surgical team that can undertake six to eight surgeries a day. Meanwhile, FSCs are also being set up at Phalodi and Sirsa Air Force Stations.

The availability of FSCs at remote forward Air Force bases would tend to boost the morale of the air warriors of the Indian Air Force, along with boosting up the confidence of soldiers of the Indian Army.