Mont de Marsan [France], November 18 (ANI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the start of Exercise Garuda-25, a bilateral air exercise with the French Air and Space Force (FASF), marking another step in the expanding defense partnership between the two nations.
IAF wrote on Monday on X, “#ExerciseGaruda25 takes off. Indian Air Force Su-30MKI and French Air and Space Force Rafale aircraft soared into the skies, commencing coordinated missions as part of the bilateral air exercise. The engagement reinforces strong interoperability and deep defence cooperation between the two Air Forces.”
The eighth edition of Exercise Garuda is being held at Mont-de-Marsan, France, from November 16 to 27, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence in an official statement.
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 refueling tankers are being used to extend the range and endurance of the participating fighters.
According to the ministry, the exercise features the IAF’s Su-30MKI fighters operating alongside French multirole aircraft in complex simulated air combat scenarios. The missions focus on air-to-air engagements, air defense operations, and coordinated strike missions. The exercise aims to refine tactics and procedures in a realistic operational environment, enabling mutual learning and strengthening 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 IAF’s commitment to engaging constructively with friendly foreign Air Forces through multilateral exercises, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation in air operations, the statement added.
India and France have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations, sharing a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership that spans all areas of bilateral cooperation. Launched on January 26, 1998, India’s first-ever Strategic Partnership reflected both nations’ vision to enhance their respective strategic independence through strong and expanded bilateral engagement.
Defense and security, civil nuclear cooperation, and space remain the principal pillars of the strategic partnership between India and France, which now also includes a strong Indo-Pacific component.
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