Tel Aviv: Chief of Air Staff Srinivaspuram Krishnaswamy has said Indian Air Force will train with their Israeli counterparts and expressed satisfaction at the military hardware procurements made by India from Israel, saying they are "cost effective" and operationally unique.

"We would work and train (with Israel) in some manner in exercises that are practical and possible. We look forward to learn from each other in many ways and the reactions (to such proposals) are positive and it is a matter of working out practicalities", Krishnaswamy, who is in Tel Aviv on a five-day visit, said.

Krishnaswamy, who achieved the unique distinction of being the first Chief of Air Staff of any country to fly aboard the F-16I fighter jet yesterday (Sep 8, 2004), said, "We are pleased with whatever inductions we have made. They are very cost-effective and unique in terms of operational features."

The Phalcon deal, he said, would give us a longer look beyond the horizon and "we will exploit its advantages".

The $3 billion Phalcon AWACS deal was signed between Israel, India and Russia last year. India is seeking to fit the Phalcon on three IL-76 transport aircraft.

The Air Force Chief, who is in Tel Aviv at the invitation of Israel's Vice Chief of Defence Staff Dan Halutz, appreciated the cost-effective training methods adopted by the Jewish State.

"Our focus today is not technology so much. We have enough machines, enough capability and enough technology. As an Air force Chief I draw inspirations and lessons from how others manage their forces," he said.