An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France to participate in Exercise Garuda-25, a bilateral air combat drill aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination with the French Air and Space Force (FASF). Scheduled to take place from November 16 to 27, 2025, the exercise is designed to engage both air forces in advanced tactical training.
The IAF confirmed the deployment via an announcement on X, stating that Su-30MKI fighter jets will engage in combat training alongside French Rafale jets. These exercises will unfold in a high-intensity simulated combat environment, focusing on mission planning and execution, as well as joint tactical proficiency.
According to the IAF, the Garuda-25 exercise will allow both forces to exchange best practices and refine air combat maneuvers, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s operational philosophies. This initiative underlines the growing military trust and synergy between India and France, who have successfully conducted multiple editions of the Garuda exercise in previous years.
The strategic partnership between India and France has seen significant expansion in various sectors, including defense, space, energy, and advanced technologies. Military collaborations, such as Garuda for the Air Force, Varuna for the Navy, and Shakti for the Army, have become more intricate, illustrating the evolution of their bilateral cooperation.
Earlier this year, the French Air and Space Force took part in Exercise Tarang Shakti Phase I, hosted by India from August 6 to 14, 2024, at Air Force Stations Sulur and Thanjavur, effectively transforming Garuda into a broader multilateral platform.
Maritime collaborations have also been bolstered, with the Sea Phase of Exercise Varuna 2024 conducted from September 2 to 5 off the coast of Toulon. The Indian Navy deployed its P-8I aircraft to France’s Istres Air Base, while the French Atlantique 2 participated in India’s multilateral Exercise Milan 2024.
On the land warfare front, the 20th India–France Army Staff Talks were held in New Delhi in November 2024, followed by Exercise Shakti 2024 at Umroi, Meghalaya. This iteration marked the first participation of Air Force and Navy observers—bringing India and France closer to a tri-service partnership.
Exercise Garuda-25 further cements the robust and expanding defense relationship between India and France, highlighting shared strategic interests and a mutual commitment to regional security and collective operational readiness.
