An Indian Air Force contingent has arrived in France to participate in the Garuda-2025 bilateral air exercise, one of the flagship engagements between the IAF and the French Air and Space Force. The visiting team includes fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, and specialised personnel from combat, technical and ground support units. The exercise will focus on advanced air combat missions, large-force engagement scenarios, air-to-air refuelling, and interoperability drills designed to enhance coordination between the two air forces. Officials said the training will also include joint planning sessions, complex aerial manoeuvre simulations, and mission-specific debriefs aimed at improving operational synergy and strategic understanding.
The IAF stated that Garuda-2025 offers an important platform for sharing best practices, strengthening defence cooperation, and refining multi-domain combat capabilities. The exercise is scheduled to run for several days at a French Air and Space Force base, with both sides expressing confidence that the engagement will deepen the long-standing strategic partnership between India and France.
