Garuda VII

In News: Chiefs of Indian, French Air Forces join ongoing Garuda-VII air exercise.

• Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) are participating in ‘Garuda VII’ at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
• It is being hosted by India for the fourth time so far.

Garuda VII

• Garuda VII is the seventh edition of the bilateral air exercise between India and France that is taking place after a gap of two years.
• The first, third and fifth editions were conducted in India in 2003, 2006 and 2014 at Air Force Stations Gwalior, Kalaikunda and Jodhpur, respectively.
• The exercise, includes four Rafale fighters and one A-330 multi role tanker transport aircraft from the French side.
• Apart from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the IAF contingent consists of Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Jaguar fighter aircrafts, as well as Mi-17 helicopters.

Significance:

• This joint exercise provide a platform for both the countries to enhance operational capability and interoperability, while also sharing best practices.
• Participation of the IAF and FASF in this exercise promotes professional interaction, exchange of experiences and enhancement of operational knowledge, besides strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Source: The Hindu