The Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force are all set for a bilateral Air exercise called Ex Desert Knight-21. The event is scheduled to take place at Air Force Station Jodhpur from January 20 to January 24, 2021. An element that lends uniqueness to this exercise is the inclusion of Rafale aircraft deployed by both parties. This reflects an increasing level of interaction between these two leading Air Forces.
Exercise Desert Knight-21: A Meeting Ground for Premier Air Forces
Exercise Desert Knight-21 promotes collaboration between the Indian and French Air Forces. It provides the perfect platform for both forces to showcase their capabilities and strength. Interestingly, this event is part of the SKYROS Deployment, under which the French detachment for Exercise Desert Knight-21 is presently deployed in Asia.
Rafale Fighter Jets: Unleashing Power in the Sky
Rafale fighter jets from India and France are actively engaging in the wargames codenamed Exercise SKYROS. As of September 2020, the IAF had brought in and made operational eight Rafale fighter jets. These are part of the 36 jets contracted from France under a deal amounting to 7.87 billion euros signed in 2016.
Bridging Bonds with Defence Exercises
Defense exercises serve as excellent diplomacy tools for strengthening relations between countries. India and France have been holding several defense exercises over the years such as Varuna, Garuda, and Shakti.
Varuna is primarily a naval exercise that focuses on enabling better coordination at sea. On the other hand, Garuda is an air exercise aimed at strategic dominance in the sky. Lastly, the Shakti exercise involves the Army.
Recognizing Internal Military Exercises
Apart from international collaborations, internal military exercises are significant. Gagan Shakti, an exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force, is one such example. It demonstrates India’s air dominance over the extended part of the Indian Ocean Region. This includes operations in all terrains: desert, high altitude, maritime scenarios, and special operations. The primary focus lies in key areas such as aerial combat, air to surface combat, paratrooper assault, and medical evacuation.
Collaborative Exercises with Other Nations
India also conducts joint military exercises with other nations, including Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Garuda Shakti is a joint military exercise with Indonesia, while Mitra Shakti is carried out with Sri Lanka. These exercises further strengthen geopolitical ties along with honing combined martial capabilities.
The ongoing defense exercises between India and international forces hold testimony to its commitment towards enhancing global security and fostering greater cooperation at the international level. Through these events, India continues to showcase its might and mark a strong presence on the global defense front, source: PIB.
