New Delhi. A 120-member Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is all set to participate in a bilateral exercise between Indian and French Air Force named Exercise ‘Garuda-VI’ in France from July 1-12.

This is the sixth edition of Exercise Garuda and is being planned at French Air Force Base,
Mont-de-Marsan. The last exercise, ‘Garuda V’ was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Jun 2014.

Indian Air Force contingent comprises of 120 air-warriors and four Su-30 MKI along with an IL-78 Flight Refueling aircraft, which shall participate during the exercise. C-17 strategic lift aircraft will provide the logistic support to the contingent during the induction and de-induction phase.

This is one of the biggest air exercises that is being planned between the two Air Forces. The Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI will be operating in a simulated operational war fighting scenario along with French Air Forces multirole Rafale aircraft.

This will enhance understanding of interoperability during mutual operations between the two Air Forces and provide an opportunity to learn from each others best practices.

Participation of IAF in the exercise will also promote professional interaction, exchange experiences and operational knowledge besides strengthening bilateral relations with the French Air Force.

It will also provide a good opportunity to the air warriors to operate in an international environment. The team departed from
Air Force Station Bareily and Agra on June 25.