New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) The Indian Air Force has carried out firing of the indigenously developed Akash missile system along with Russian short-range Igla missiles as part of a drill at air force station Suryalanka in Andhra Pradesh, officials said.

Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal HS Arora witnessed the surface-to-air guided weapons firing drill on Tuesday, they said.

Also Read | Wikipedia Asked by Centre to Remove Map Showing Aksai Chin As Part of China.

The firing of the missiles was carried out as part of an exercise from November 23 to December 2, the officials said.

"Akash missile system along with Russian short range Igla missiles were fired and engaged the Manoeuverable Expendable Aerial Targets (MEAT) providing near realistic training to the combat crew," said an IAF official.

Also Read | CBSE Officials Rule out Conducting Board Exams Online, to Be in Written Mode Only Amid COVID-19 Pandemic.

"While the country continues to face the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Air Force continues to hone its operational capabilities with an eye on the prevailing security situation," he said.

In his address to the air warriors, Air Marshal Arora commended the participating combat squadrons for their professionalism.

He urged the air warriors to be ready to apply the lessons learnt in the exercise in any emerging operational scenario, the officials said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)