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India-France Garuda 2025: How Joint Air Drills Forge a Powerful Alliance

The Indian Air Force contingent is back home after wrapping up a major joint exercise with France. They flew advanced jets and conducted complex missions together to improve how well their forces can work as a team. Senior officials from both countries praised the high level of skill and dedication shown by everyone involved. This successful drill strengthens the important defence partnership between India and France, providing key lessons for future operations.

Key Points: India France Conclude Garuda 2025 Bilateral Air Exercise

  • IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighters supported by IL-78 and C-17 aircraft for the drills
  • Complex air operations were conducted in a realistic, joint mission environment
  • High serviceability by IAF maintenance crews ensured all planned missions ran smoothly
  • The exercise is one of the IAF's largest international training engagements this year
2 min read

India-France successfully conclude 8th edition of bilateral air exercise Garuda 2025

IAF and French Air Force complete Exercise Garuda 2025, enhancing interoperability with Su-30MKI fighters and complex joint missions.

"The exercise reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between India and France and provided valuable operational insights. – Indian Defence Ministry"

New Delhi, December 4

The IAF contingent has returned to India on December 2 after the successful culmination of the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda, a bilateral Indo-French air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) which concluded at Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, France, Defence Ministry said on Thursday.

The exercise between the two forces concluded on November 27.

As per the Ministry of Defence, during the exercise, the IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighters, supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and both air forces conducted a range of complex air operations in a realistic operational environment.

The training involved joint mission planning, coordinated execution of strike and escort missions and familiarisation with each other's operational procedures, thereby enhancing interoperability. The IAF maintenance crew ensured high serviceability throughout, enabling smooth conduct of all planned missions. Senior officials from both nations interacted with the participants during the closing ceremony, commending the professionalism, discipline, and commitment displayed by both participating forces, the statement said.

It highlighted that Exercise Garuda 25 was one of the largest international air training engagements undertaken by the IAF this year. The exercise reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between India and France and provided valuable operational insights to the participating forces. The lessons learnt will further enhance the IAF's war-fighting capabilities and strengthen jointmanship with friendly foreign air forces.

India and France have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations, sharing a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership (SP) that encompasses all aspects of bilateral cooperation, with a strategic component. Launched on January 26, 1998, India's first-ever Strategic Partnership embodied the core vision of both countries to enhance their respective strategic independence by drawing upon a strong and enhanced bilateral cooperation.

Defence and security, civil nuclear matters and space constitute the principal pillars of the strategic cooperation between India and France, which now includes a strong Indo-Pacific component.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a very positive step for India's strategic autonomy. France has been a reliable partner, unlike some others who are always giving lectures. The focus on interoperability in the Indo-Pacific is especially important given the current security environment.
R
Rohit P
Great to see our Air Force performing on a global stage. But I hope these exercises translate into more concrete technology transfers and joint development projects. We need to move beyond just buying and start co-creating next-gen defence tech with partners like France.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, reading about the high serviceability of our aircraft during such a complex exercise is reassuring. It shows the skill and dedication of our ground crews and technicians. Their work often goes unnoticed but is absolutely vital.
V
Vikram M
France is one of the few major powers that treats India as an equal partner without hidden agendas. From Rafale jets to Scorpene submarines and now these exercises, the partnership is deep and meaningful. This is how we build a multipolar world.
K
Karthik V
While this is good, I do hope the huge expenditure on such overseas exercises is justified with clear, measurable outcomes for our own defence preparedness. The taxpayer's money is involved. A bit more transparency on the specific "lessons learnt" would be welcome.
N
Nisha Z

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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