Air Force Garuda Exercise in France from July 1

The Indian and French air forces will carry out a two-week-long mega air exercise beginning July 1 in France in a boost to military-to-military ties between the two countries. The defence and security cooperation between India and France is on an upswing in the last few years.

New Delhi: In a move to strengthen defence cooperation between India and France, Air Force of both countries will hold a massive air exercise 'Garuda' in France from July 1.

The main highlight of the two-week-long exercise will be Rafale fighter jet of the French Air Force, while Indian Air Force will be using Sukhoi -30 for this wargame.

A large number of other assets including mid-air refueller will also be sent to France by the IAF. It will be one of the largest air exercises between the two strategic partners, a senior military official said.

During the exercise, the IAF members will also get an opportunity to have a close look at Rafale which is scheduled to be delivered to Indian Air Force by September this year.

The air exercise will take place nearly two months after Indian and French navies carried out a naval warfare exercise in the Arabian Sea as well as in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa.

The first edition of the Garuda exercise was held in February 2003 in Gwalior.