In News:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda, a bilateral air exercise with the French Air and Space Force (FASF), held at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France. The engagement reinforces operational cooperation and strategic partnership between India and France in the domain of air power.

About Exercise Garuda

• Type: Bilateral Indo–French Air Exercise
• Started: Early 2000s
• Edition: 8th (2025)
• Location: Mont-de-Marsan, France

Aim

Exercise Garuda aims to:

• Enhance interoperability between the IAF and FASF
• Refine air combat tactics and operational coordination
• Simulate realistic multi-threat scenarios
• Improve understanding of each other’s air operations and procedures

Indian Participation

The IAF has deployed:

• Su-30MKI multirole fighter aircraft
• C-17 Globemaster III for airlift support
• IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft for extended-range operations

Exercise Focus Areas

IAF’s Su-30MKI will operate alongside advanced French fighters in:

• Air-to-air combat missions
• Air defence operations
• Joint strike missions
• Large-force engagement scenarios

The training includes complex simulations to assess fighter manoeuvrability, situational awareness, networked operations, and air combat decision-making under realistic combat conditions.

Significance of Exercise Garuda

• Strengthens strategic defence cooperation between India and France
• Enhances interoperability and joint operational capability
• Facilitates exchange of:
  • Flight safety and operational practices
  • Combat training methodologies
  • Best practices for mission planning and execution

Participation reflects the IAF’s ongoing engagement with friendly foreign air forces and highlights India’s commitment to collective security and international military cooperation.

Other Major India–France Military Exercises