IAF and FASF personnel at Jodhpur air force station
Jodhpur: The Air Forces of India and France have been undergoing a bilateral exercise, named 'Garuda VIl', from October 26 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, wherein the newly-inducted Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand” is also participating.
In this exercise, FASF is participate with four Rafale fighter aircraft, one A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and a contingent of 220 personnel while the IAF is participating with Sukhoi-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Mi-17 helicopters.
The IAF contingent has also included Combat Enabling Assets like Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C.
“This joint exercise will provide a platform for both the countries to enhance operational capability and interoperability, while also sharing best practices,” IAF PRO Wing Commander Ashish Moghe said.
This is the seventh edition of the bilateral exercise.
The first, third and fifth editions were conducted in India in 2003, 2006 and 2014 at Air Force Stations Gwalior, Kalaikunda and Jodhpur, respectively.
The second, fourth and sixth editions were conducted in France in 2005, 2010 and 2019.
“Participation of the IAF and FASF in this exercise will promote professional interaction, exchange of experiences and enhancement of operational knowledge, besides strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries,” Moghe added.
