Marking an critical milestone in the military cooperation, Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) is going to conduct a bilateral Air physical exercise, Ex Desert Knight-21 from Wednesday. The 4 day drill which begins from Jan 20-24, 2021, will mark an critical milestone in the series of engagement among the two forces. And will be at the Air Force Station Jodhpur in which IAF is sending in the French Mirage 2000, Rafale, the Russian Su-30 MKI, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, as nicely as the AWACS and AEW&C aircraft.
From the French side Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and roughly 175 personnel are going to be component of Ex Desert Knight.
Who is hosting this?
This Ex is getting hosted by the IAF and the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de I’Espace).
According to the IAF, the French Forces which are presently deployed in Asia as component of their ‘Skyros Deployment’ will be participating in the drill though transiting by means of India.
What is the aim of this physical exercise?
Besides giving operational exposure, it will also aid in sharing practices towards enhancing combat capability. From each sides, there will be fighter, transport and tanker aircraft.
This drill is in addition to the Ex Garuda in which the two Air Forces engage in. And indicates how the two Air Forces are keenly expanding their cooperation by creating use of the accessible possibilities for more interaction.
What is exceptional about this physical exercise?
For the very first time ever the Indian skies will be hosting Rafale aircraft by each sides.
And the two Air Forces will be exchanging tips and very best practices for enhancing interoperability and also placing into practice operational practical experience which they have gained across distinct terrains.
Indo-French Defence Cooperation
Both IAF and French Air and Space Force so far have had six editions of Air Exercises named ‘Garuda’. The final one particular they had was in 2019 at Air Force Base Mont-de-Marsan, France.
And for deepening cooperation, the two have been attempting to use any accessible chance for conducting ‘Hop-Exercises’.
In 2018, the French Air and Space Force deployment though ferrying to Australia for Ex Pitchblack was hosted by the IAF at the Air Force Stations in Agra and Gwalior for physical exercise with fighters and MRTT aircraft.
And this for Ex-Desert Knight, the French detachment for Ex Desert Knight-21 which is deployed in Asia as component of their ‘Skyros Deployment’ will be ferrying forces to Air Force Station Jodhpur.