The eighth edition of Exercise Garuda, a notable bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), recently wrapped up at Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan, France. The exercise concluded on 27 November 2025, with the IAF contingent returning to India on 02 December 2025 after successful participation in one of its largest overseas air training engagements this year.
For this edition, the IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighter aircraft along with support from IL-78 air-to-air refueling aircraft and a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. Throughout the exercise, both air forces engaged in a range of complex air operations, simulating realistic combat scenarios aimed at refining their operational capabilities. The missions carried out included coordinated strike and escort operations, advanced air combat maneuvers, and joint mission planning, which focused on enhancing interoperability and understanding of each other’s tactics and procedures.
The technical and maintenance teams from the IAF played a vital role, ensuring high aircraft serviceability during the entire drill. This operational readiness allowed for the seamless execution of all planned sorties. During the closing ceremony, senior officials from both nations attended, commending the professionalism and operational discipline exhibited by the aircrews and ground personnel.
Exercise Garuda 2025 has strengthened the already robust India–France defense partnership, providing invaluable operational exposure to the participating contingents. The IAF emphasized that the insights gained from this exercise will significantly enhance their war-fighting preparedness and foster improved cooperation with allied air forces in future multinational operations.
