Garuda‑25: India‑France Air Force drill wraps up with flying colors
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The French and Indian Air Forces conducted a bilateral air exercise in realistic combat conditions. The air force exercise, titled "Garuda 25," involved the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi (SU-30MKI) fighter jets, while French multi-role fighter jets also flew complex simulated air combat scenarios. The fighters of both countries practiced aerial combat from their fighter jets.
The exercise, held in France, included major operations such as air-to-air combat, air defence and joint strike. The Indian Air Force says that this joint exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force has now been successfully concluded. During the exercise, pilots and technical teams from both countries displayed a high level of operational capability in France. Both air forces successfully carried out various missions. These missions included air-to-air combat, air defence, long-range strike missions, air-to-ground coordination and tactical air operations.
During the exercise, the Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force teams demonstrated exceptional professionalism and precision, working in perfect coordination. Pilots from both countries demonstrated excellent decision-making and mission execution skills, even under complex circumstances. This exercise further strengthened interoperability, i.e., the ability to conduct joint operations.
According to the Indian Air Force, the objective of this joint military exercise was to enhance strategic understanding, modern warfare techniques, and joint operational capabilities between the two air forces. During the exercise, both sides also focused on the use of advanced platforms, weapon systems, and communication networks, enabling effective real-time coordination and mission planning.
It is noteworthy that the Indian Air Force was conducting this exercise in Mont-de-Marsan, France. The exercise was airlifted by a C-17 Globemaster. Air-to-air refueling was also practiced to enhance the range and endurance of the fighter aircraft involved in the exercise. The exercise took place at an air base in France. This was the 8th edition of the series, in which the air forces of both countries participated in a variety of complex air operations based on modern warfare scenarios.
During the exercise, teams from the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force jointly practiced a number of advanced operations, including joint mission planning. Mission commanders from both air forces met together to determine strategy, target designation, and mission flow. In a realistic combat scenario, fighter aircraft from both countries jointly practiced precision strike missions, escort duties, air-defense, and offensive-defense operations.
According to the Air Force, mutual understanding of the operational methods of both forces increased, which will ensure better coordination in future joint operations. During this exercise, the Indian maintenance team ensured excellent servicing of all fighter and support aircraft. This enabled the successful conduct of all scheduled missions without any interruption. Senior military officials from India and France participated in the final phase of the exercise. They praised the professionalism, discipline, and dedication of the contingents from both countries. This exercise further strengthened the decades-old defense partnership and mutual trust between the two countries.