The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) have begun coordinated missions for the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France.

About Exercise Garuda 

• Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air exercise held alternatively between India and France.
• Its aim is to enhance air combat cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between the two Air Forces.
• Exercise Garuda was first conducted in 2003, making it one of India’s earliest international air exercises.
  • Subsequent editions occurred in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2019 and 2022.
• The IAF Su-30MKI fighter aircraft are participating alongside the French Rafale multirole fighters, engaging in complex air combat missions, including air defence manoeuvres and joint strike operations.
• The exercise aims to provide both air forces with exposure to each other’s tactics, procedures and operational strategies in realistic combat scenarios.
• This edition marks yet another important step in the 25-year defence partnership between India and France, covering training, equipment collaboration and high-level military exchanges.
  

Participation from India

• The IAF contingent includes:
  • Su-30MKI fighter aircraft for frontline combat training.
  • C-17 Globemaster III for heavy-lift support during induction and de-induction.
  • IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers for extended-range missions.
• These platforms enable long-distance deployment, increased endurance and complex coordinated missions alongside French assets.
  

Exam Hook – Prelims Sample Question

Consider the following statements regarding Exercise Garuda:

1. It is a bilateral air exercise conducted between India and France.
   
2. The 2025 edition is being held at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France.
   
3. The Indian Air Force is participating with Rafale aircraft.
   

Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 

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