Exercise Garuda 25 | 17 Nov 2025

Source: PIB

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 16th to 27th November 2025.

• About: First held in 2003, Garuda is one of India’s longest-running air exercises with a Western nation. It reflects deepening defence and strategic ties under the India–France Strategic Partnership (established in 1998).
  • It is held alternately in India and France to promote operational interaction, mutual learning, and enhanced interoperability between the two Air Forces.
• Participation: The IAF has deployed six Su-30MKI fighter jets, supported by IL-78 refuellers and C-17 Globemasters, to operate alongside French Rafale and other multirole fighters in complex simulated air combat missions.
• Focus Areas: It focuses on air-to-air combat drills, air defence missions, joint strike operations, and the refinement of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Significance: This exercise promotes India-France collaborations like Rafale deal, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and joint space defence research.
• Other Exercises: Varuna (naval), and Shakti (army), Desert Knight (India, France, and UAE).