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India-France Air Power: Inside the Garuda 25 Bilateral Exercise

The Indian Air Force is actively participating in the Garuda 25 exercise alongside the French Air and Space Force. They've deployed Su-30MKI fighter aircraft to France for this important bilateral training. The exercise focuses on complex air combat scenarios including air defence and joint strike operations. This collaboration strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France while enhancing military interoperability.

Key Points: IAF Joins French Air Force for Garuda 25 Bilateral Exercise

  • IAF deploys Su-30MKI fighter jets for complex air combat training in France
  • C-17 Globemaster provides airlift support for the bilateral exercise
  • IL-78 tankers extend fighter range and endurance during operations
  • Exercise focuses on mutual learning and fostering interoperability between air forces
  • Garuda 25 strengthens the deep strategic partnership between India and France
2 min read

Indian Air Force participates in bilateral exercise 'Garuda 25' with French Air and Space Force

IAF Su-30MKI fighters train with French counterparts in complex air combat drills at Exercise Garuda 25, enhancing interoperability and strategic ties.

"This exercise aims to refine tactics and procedures in a realistic operational environment, enabling mutual learning and fostering interoperability between the IAF and the FASF. - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, November 15

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the 8th edition of the bilateral air exercise 'Garuda 25' with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) at Mont-de-Marsan, France, from November 16-27, the Ministry of Defence shared in an official statement on Saturday.

As per the Defence Ministry, the IAF contingent arrived in France on November 10, and will be participating with Su-30MKl fighter aircraft. The airlift support is being provided by the C-17 Globemaster III, for the induction and de-induction phases of the exercise, while the IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers are utilised for extending the range and endurance of the participating fighters.

The statement mentioned that during the exercise, the IAF's Su-30MKI aircraft will operate alongside the French multirole fighters in complex simulated air combat scenarios, focusing on air-to-air combat, air defence, and joint strike operations. This exercise aims to refine tactics and procedures in a realistic operational environment, enabling mutual learning and fostering interoperability between the IAF and the FASF.

Exercise Garuda 25 also provides an opportunity for professional interaction, exchange of operational knowledge, and sharing of best practices between the two Air Forces. Participation in this exercise underscores the lAF's commitment to engage constructively with friendly foreign Air Forces through multi-lateral exercises, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of air operations, the statement added.

India and France have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations and share a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership (SP) covering all aspects of bilateral cooperation, which involves 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
While I appreciate the strategic importance, I hope we're also focusing on developing our own indigenous fighter aircraft. We need to reduce dependency on foreign equipment in the long run. The Tejas program shows promise, but we need more investment in R&D.
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Rohit P
France has been a reliable partner for India in defence. From Rafale jets to Scorpene submarines, the cooperation has been excellent. This exercise will further strengthen our air combat readiness. Good to see the Indo-Pacific focus too!
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Sarah B
As someone working in aerospace, I can say these exercises are crucial for understanding different operational doctrines. The knowledge exchange between IAF and French Air Force will benefit both nations. The C-17 and IL-78 support shows our logistics capability.
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Vikram M
Proud of our air warriors! 🇮🇳 These international exercises build confidence and interoperability. Hope our pilots learn new tactics that can be implemented in our own training programs. The strategic partnership with France since 1998 has really borne fruit.
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Michael C
Complex air combat scenarios with French multirole fighters will test our Su-30MKIs in new environments. This is exactly what our air force needs - real-world training with advanced allies. The focus on air-to-air refuelling operations is particularly important for extended range missions.

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