Exercise Garuda 2025 — the 8th edition of the bilateral air combat training exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) — was held from November 16–27, 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, southern France. India deployed Su-30 MKI multi-role fighter jets supported by IL-78 tanker and C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift aircraft, while France deployed Rafale jets — the same platform India operates under its 36-aircraft deal of 2016. First held in 2003, Exercise Garuda is a cornerstone of the India-France Strategic Partnership elevated to the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. Key objectives included enhancing air-to-air and air-to-ground interoperability, sharing tactical best practices, and joint CASEVAC and logistics drills. The exercise reflects India's deepening defence ties with France — which has supplied Rafale fighters to the IAF and Scorpène-class submarines to the Indian Navy. India-France bilateral defence relations are particularly significant for Rajasthan as the IAF's Suratgarh and Nal air bases maintain significant operational readiness in the Rajasthan sector.
Exercise Garuda 2025: Indian Air Force Participates in Bilateral Air Combat Drill with France at Mont-de-Marsan
Exercise Garuda 2025 — the 8th edition of the bilateral air combat training exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) — was held from November 16–27, 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, southern France. India deployed Su-30 MKI multi-role fighter jets supported by IL-78 tanker and C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift aircraft, while France deployed Rafale jets — the same platform India operates under its 36-aircraft deal of 2016. First held in 2003, Exercise Garuda is a cornerstone of the India-France Strategic Partnership elevated to the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. Key objectives included enhancing air-to-air and air-to-ground interoperability, sharing tactical best practices, and joint CASEVAC and logistics drills. The exercise reflects India's deepening defence ties with France — which has supplied Rafale fighters to the IAF and Scorpène-class submarines to the Indian Navy. India-France bilateral defence relations are particularly significant for Rajasthan as the IAF's Suratgarh and Nal air bases maintain significant operational readiness in the Rajasthan sector.
Key facts
- Exercise Garuda 2025 was held November 16–27 at Mont-de-Marsan, southern France.
- India deployed Su-30 MKI with IL-78 tanker and C-17 Globemaster support aircraft.
- France deployed Rafale jets matching India's own 36-aircraft Rafale fleet.
- Objectives included enhancing air-to-air and air-to-ground interoperability.
- The exercise is anchored in the India-France Horizon 2047 Strategic Roadmap.
- IAF's Suratgarh and Nal bases in Rajasthan maintain significant operational readiness.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse the strategic significance of Exercise Garuda 2025, the 8th India-France bilateral air combat drill at Mont-de-Marsan, within the Horizon 2047 Roadmap framework.
Answer (50 words):
Exercise Garuda 2025, held 16-27 November 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France, was the 8th edition since 2003. The Indian Air Force deployed Su-30 MKI fighters with IL-78 tankers and C-17 Globemasters; France fielded Rafales. It deepened air interoperability and anchored the India-France partnership under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Garuda and which edition was held in 2025?
Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air combat training exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF). The 2025 edition was the 8th edition of this exercise.
Where and when was Exercise Garuda 2025 conducted?
Exercise Garuda 2025 was conducted from November 16–27, 2025, at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in southern France.
Which aircraft did India and France deploy during Exercise Garuda 2025?
India deployed Su-30 MKI multi-role fighter jets supported by IL-78 tanker and C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift aircraft, while France deployed Rafale jets — the same platform India operates under its 36-aircraft deal of 2016.
Under which strategic framework does Exercise Garuda take place?
Exercise Garuda is anchored in the India-France Horizon 2047 Strategic Roadmap, which serves as the long-term framework for bilateral defence and strategic cooperation.
Which IAF bases in Rajasthan have strategic significance related to Exercise Garuda?
The IAF bases at Suratgarh and Nal in Rajasthan maintain significant operational readiness and are relevant to India's western air defence posture linked to bilateral exercises like Garuda.
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