New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned to India on December 2 following the successful culmination of the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda, a bilateral Indo-French air exercise held between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) at Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan, France, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
The joint exercise concluded on November 27.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. Both air forces executed a range of complex air operations in a realistic combat environment.
The training included joint mission planning, coordinated execution of strike and escort missions, and familiarisation with each other’s operational procedures, enhancing interoperability between the two forces. The IAF maintenance crew ensured high serviceability levels throughout the exercise, enabling the smooth completion of all planned missions.
Senior officials from both countries attended the closing ceremony, where they commended the professionalism, discipline, and commitment shown by the participating aircrew and support teams.
Exercise Garuda 2025 was highlighted as one of the largest international air training engagements undertaken by the IAF this year. It reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between India and France and provided valuable operational insights to both sides. The lessons learned are expected to further strengthen the IAF’s war-fighting capabilities and deepen jointmanship with friendly foreign air forces.
India and France share a longstanding and close relationship, anchored in a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership launched on January 26, 1998. This partnership spans defence and security, civil nuclear cooperation, and space, and now features a strong Indo-Pacific component aimed at advancing the strategic interests of both countries.
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