Heading towards good bilateral relations, IAF contingent departs for Exercise Garuda-VI

New Delhi, June 26: After a successful exercise ‘Garuda V’ in 2014, Indian and French Air Force are heading towards ‘Garuda-VI’ to be held in next month. This is the sixth edition of bilateral exercise Garuda and is being planned at French Air Force Base, Mont-de-Marsan.

 

Indian Air Force contingent comprises of 120 air-warriors and four Su-30 MKI along with an IL-78 Flight Refueling aircraft, which shall participate during the exercise. C-17 strategic lift aircraft will provide the logistic support to the contingent during the induction and de-induction phase. This is one of the biggest air exercises that is being planned between the two Air Forces. The Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI will be operating in a simulated operational warfighting scenario along with French Air Forces multirole Rafale aircraft. This will enhance understanding of interoperability during mutual operations between the two Air Forces and provide an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices.

 

Participation of IAF in the exercise will also promote professional interaction, exchange experiences and operational knowledge besides strengthening bilateral relations with the French Air Force. It will also provide a good opportunity for air warriors to operate in an international environment. The team departed from Air Force Station Bareilly and Agra on Tuesday.