IAF’s SAC Conducts Joint Maritime Exercise ‘Kalari Leap’ in Arabian Sea
In February 2026, the Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted ‘Kalari Leap’, a joint maritime exercise, across the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago in the Arabian Sea.
About Exercise Kalari Leap:
Objective: The exercise focused on validating joint operational planning, rapid force projection, and precision execution in complex maritime environments.
Coordinated Operations: The exercise involved coordinated operations with the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) alongside SAC units.
Operations: The IAF conducted airborne and air-landed insertions, heliborne and amphibious drills, anti-ship strikes, and search-and-rescue missions.
Deployment: The IAF deployed aircraft including AN-32 transport planes, Mi-17V5 helicopters, and Su-30MKI fighter jets. ICG contributed with its ships, Gemini boats, and Dornier 228 aircraft.

• AFSOD special forces participated in combat free-fall insertions and amphibious tasks.