NEW DELHI, 27 February 2022, (TON): India has decided not to deploy its combat jets in a multi-nation air exercise in the UK next month amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis. The Indian Air Force will not deploy its aircraft for Exercise Cobra Warrior 2022 in the UK.

The Air Force was to send five LCA Tejas fighter aircraft for the exercise. Air Forces of the UK, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the US are part of the exercise.

The exercise was to take place from March 6 to 27. There was a possibility of the exercise being completely called off as well.

The exercise was aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating air forces, thereby enhancing combat capability and forging bonds of friendship.

An official statement had earlier said "this will be a platform for LCA Tejas to demonstrate its manoeuvrability and operational capability.”

Recently, India's indigenously manufactured Tejas participated in the Singapore air show. India is showcasing Tejas as a potential export item.