India and France have started the latest edition of the Garuda air combat exercise at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France. This drill aims to improve defence cooperation, enhance air combat skills, and strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries at a time of evolving global security challenges.
India–France Launch Garuda Air Exercise to Boost Air Combat Interoperability
Advanced Air Combat Training
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed:
- Six Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets
- IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft
- C-17 Globemaster-III transport aircraft
These aircraft will train with French multirole fighters, including Rafales, in high-intensity air combat situations. The focus areas include:
✔ Air-to-air combat
✔ Air defence tactics
✔ Joint strike missions
✔ Mid-air refuelling practice
Tactical Coordination and Learning Exchange
The exercise allows both air forces to:
- Exchange operational knowledge and combat strategies
- Improve mission planning and decision-making skills
- Understand each other’s training systems and operational philosophies
This ensures better interoperability during real-world missions and humanitarian operations.
Strengthening a Strategic Defence Partnership
India and France share a strong defence relationship across land, naval and air platforms.
Garuda supports collaboration in:
Defence technology
Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific
Aerospace manufacturing and future joint projects
The exercise reflects a shared commitment to regional stability and security cooperation.
Interoperability and Future Collaboration
The exercise is being held from 16 to 27 November and aims to build smooth joint operational capability. It is expected to support:
➡ Future aerospace and technology partnerships
➡ Joint military training programs
➡ Enhanced air power cooperation
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Garuda is a bilateral air exercise between India and France.
- Held at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France.
- India deployed Sukhoi-30MKI, IL-78, and C-17 aircraft.
- Focus: Air-to-air combat, air defence, coordinated strike missions.
- Goal: Strengthen interoperability and defence cooperation.
- French fighters include Rafale multirole jets.
- Exercise duration: 16 to 27 November.
Question & Answer
Q1. Garuda is a bilateral air exercise conducted between India and which country?
(a) Japan
(b) France
(c) Australia
(d) United States
Answer: France
Q2. Garuda 2025 air exercise is being held at which location?
(a) Jodhpur
(b) Mont-de-Marsan
(c) Ambala
(d) Lyon
Answer: Mont-de-Marsan
Q3. Which Indian fighter aircraft participated in Garuda?
(a) Mirage-2000
(b) MiG-29
(c) Sukhoi-30MKI
(d) Tejas LCA
Answer: Sukhoi-30MKI
Q4. Garuda exercise focuses on which of the following?
(a) Naval warfare only
(b) Air-to-air combat and joint strike missions
(c) Cyber defence operations
(d) Missile testing
Answer: Air-to-air combat and joint strike missions
Q5. Which French fighter aircraft is involved in the exercise?
(a) Eurofighter Typhoon
(b) F-16
(c) Rafale
(d) Gripen
Answer: Rafale
🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "APEC Summit 2025 – China’s Proposal for a Global AI Cooperation Body")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "India Pushes for Global Partnership in Critical Minerals at Jamshedpur Conference")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "SBI Launches ‘SBI-STAR’ Awards to Recognize Employee Talent in Arts, Sports, and Social Work")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Sonali S Jeet Iyengar Honoured with 10th ATAL Shastra Lifetime Achievement Award 2025")