The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda 2025, a bilateral air combat training exercise with the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace / FASF), being held from November 16 to 27, 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in southern France. India deployed its multi-role Su-30 MKI fighter jets while France fielded Rafale jets. Exercise Garuda, first held in 2003, is one of the flagship bilateral defence exercises between India and France. The 8th edition is particularly significant because both countries now operate Rafale aircraft — India through the 36-aircraft deal signed in 2016 and delivered by 2022. Key objectives include: enhancing air combat interoperability, sharing tactical best practices in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, joint logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) procedures. The exercise takes place within the framework of the India-France Strategic Partnership — elevated to a Horizon 2047 Roadmap. France has been a critical strategic partner in India's defence modernisation, supplying Rafale fighters to the IAF and Scorpène-class submarines to the Indian Navy. The exercise also supports India's objectives under its broader Indo-Pacific engagement strategy.
Exercise Garuda 2025: Indian Air Force Participates in 8th Edition of Bilateral Air Combat Drill with France at Mont-de-Marsan
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda 2025, a bilateral air combat training exercise with the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace / FASF), being held from November 16 to 27, 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in southern France. India deployed its multi-role Su-30 MKI fighter jets while France fielded Rafale jets. Exercise Garuda, first held in 2003, is one of the flagship bilateral defence exercises between India and France. The 8th edition is particularly significant because both countries now operate Rafale aircraft — India through the 36-aircraft deal signed in 2016 and delivered by 2022. Key objectives include: enhancing air combat interoperability, sharing tactical best practices in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, joint logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) procedures. The exercise takes place within the framework of the India-France Strategic Partnership — elevated to a Horizon 2047 Roadmap. France has been a critical strategic partner in India's defence modernisation, supplying Rafale fighters to the IAF and Scorpène-class submarines to the Indian Navy. The exercise also supports India's objectives under its broader Indo-Pacific engagement strategy.
Key facts
- IAF participated in the 8th Exercise Garuda 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan, November 16–27.
- India flew Su-30 MKI while France fielded Rafale jets in the bilateral drill.
- Both nations now operate Rafale aircraft through the 2016 deal delivered by 2022.
- Key objectives included air combat interoperability and joint CASEVAC procedures.
- The exercise is within the India-France Horizon 2047 Strategic Partnership framework.
- France is a critical defence partner supplying Rafales and Scorpene submarines to India.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the strategic significance of the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda 2025 between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force within the India-France Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Answer (50 words):
Held 16-27 November 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan, the 8th Garuda (since 2003) saw IAF Su-30 MKI and French Rafale drill air combat, CASEVAC and joint logistics. With India's 36-aircraft Rafale deal delivered by 2022, the exercise deepens the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and supports India's Indo-Pacific engagement alongside Scorpène-class submarine cooperation.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Garuda and when was its 8th edition held?
Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air combat training exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), first held in 2003. The 8th edition took place from November 16 to 27, 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in southern France.
Which aircraft did India and France deploy in Exercise Garuda 2025?
India deployed Su-30 MKI multirole fighter jets while France fielded Rafale jets. Notably, India has also procured 36 Rafale jets from France under the 2016 deal, delivered by 2022.
What were the key training objectives of Exercise Garuda 2025?
The key objectives included enhancing air combat interoperability between the IAF and FASF, practicing joint Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) procedures, and improving bilateral coordination in complex air operations.
Under which strategic framework does Exercise Garuda take place?
Exercise Garuda is conducted within the India-France Horizon 2047 Strategic Partnership framework, which outlines the long-term defence and strategic cooperation roadmap between India and France.
Why is France considered a critical defence partner for India?
France is a critical defence partner supplying Rafale multirole fighters and Scorpene-class conventional submarines to India, and co-developing advanced systems, making it central to India's military modernisation programme.
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