The Indian Air Force (IAF), for the first time, joins in the Exercise Desert Flag-VI, an annual multinational warfare exercise hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force. This move marks a significant milestone in the ongoing relationship between the two military organizations and the participating nations.
Overview of Ex Desert Flag
Ex Desert Flag is an annual large-scale warfare exercise where multiple countries take part in a combined deployment. Hosted by the UAE Air Force, it aims to offer operational exposure to the participating forces, training them to engage in simulated air combat operations within a controlled environment.
Details on Exercise Desert Flag-VI
Exercise Desert Flag-VI spans three weeks, scheduled from 3rd to 27th March 2021 at the Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE. The participating air forces come from several countries including the UAE, India, United States of America, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain.
India’s Involvement in the Exercise
The IAF’s participation involves six Su-30 MKI aircraft, two C-17 Globemasters, and one IL-78 tanker aircraft. This engagement aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to increase its international military cooperation and operational experience.
Joint Military Exercises with the UAE
India and the UAE have previously jointly participated in various exercises such as In-UAE BILAT, a bilateral naval exercise, as well as Desert Eagle-II, a bilateral air force exercise. These joint exercises have served to strengthen the cooperative defence relationships between the two nations.
Recent Engagements
Recently, India participated in NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition). These exhibitions serve as platforms for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the global defence sector. They also support the growth of the UAE’s defence industry and facilitate the formation of new relationships between major international companies.
Other Multinational Exercises
In addition to the Desert Flag exercise, countries also participate in other multinational exercises. These include Pitch Black, a biennial multilateral air combat training exercise hosted by Australia and the Red Flag, a similar air exercise hosted by the USA.
These various engagements demonstrate India’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and cooperative relationships with international partners. Participating in such events not only provides invaluable operational experience but also promotes peace through strength and understanding among nations.