The 8th edition of Exercise Garuda — the biennial bilateral air combat exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, FASF) — commenced on November 16, 2025, at Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, southern France. The exercise runs until November 27, 2025, and involves over 500 airmen and 25 aircraft from both nations. India deployed Su-30 MKI multi-role fighters supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers and C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft, while France flew Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets. Exercise Garuda was first held in 2003 and is a cornerstone of India-France defence cooperation, which is anchored in the Strategic Partnership of 1998 and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap signed by PM Modi and President Macron. Operational scenarios for Garuda-25 include: air-to-air combat, ground attack missions, in-flight refuelling, escort and strike package coordination, and CASEVAC exercises. The exercise enhances interoperability between Indian and French pilots and provides the IAF valuable experience flying alongside NATO-standard platforms. France remains India's most significant European defence partner — supplying 36 Rafale jets (IAF), 26 Rafale-M aircraft (Indian Navy), and six Scorpène-class submarines (Indian Navy) to India's defence modernisation programme.
Exercise Garuda-25 Begins: IAF Su-30 MKI Jets Operate Alongside French Rafales at Mont-de-Marsan
The 8th edition of Exercise Garuda — the biennial bilateral air combat exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, FASF) — commenced on November 16, 2025, at Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, southern France. The exercise runs until November 27, 2025, and involves over 500 airmen and 25 aircraft from both nations. India deployed Su-30 MKI multi-role fighters supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers and C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft, while France flew Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets. Exercise Garuda was first held in 2003 and is a cornerstone of India-France defence cooperation, which is anchored in the Strategic Partnership of 1998 and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap signed by PM Modi and President Macron. Operational scenarios for Garuda-25 include: air-to-air combat, ground attack missions, in-flight refuelling, escort and strike package coordination, and CASEVAC exercises. The exercise enhances interoperability between Indian and French pilots and provides the IAF valuable experience flying alongside NATO-standard platforms. France remains India's most significant European defence partner — supplying 36 Rafale jets (IAF), 26 Rafale-M aircraft (Indian Navy), and six Scorpène-class submarines (Indian Navy) to India's defence modernisation programme.
Key facts
- Exercise Garuda-25 commenced November 16 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, southern France.
- Over 500 airmen and 25 aircraft from India and France participated until November 27.
- India deployed Su-30 MKI with IL-78 tankers and C-17 Globemaster airlift aircraft.
- France flew Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets in the bilateral combat exercise.
- Operational scenarios include air-to-air combat, ground attack, and CASEVAC exercises.
- First held in 2003, Garuda is a cornerstone of India-France defence cooperation.
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2024 Indigenization in defence production, missile and space tech — Garuda-25 with Su-30 MKI and Rafale interoperability advances the same defence-modernisation theme that the PYQ addresses on indigenisation and strategic platforms.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the strategic significance of Exercise Garuda-25 for India-France defence cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Answer (50 words):
The 8th Garuda exercise began on 16 November 2025 at Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, France, running until 27 November with over 500 airmen and 25 aircraft. India deployed Su-30 MKI fighters with IL-78 tankers and C-17 airlifters; France flew Rafale and Mirage 2000. It deepens interoperability and the 1998 Strategic Partnership.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Garuda and which edition took place in 2025?
Exercise Garuda is a biennial bilateral air combat exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace). The 8th edition, Garuda-25, commenced on November 16, 2025, at Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, southern France.
Which aircraft did India and France deploy during Exercise Garuda-25?
India deployed Su-30 MKI multi-role fighter jets supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers and C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft. France flew Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets during the bilateral air combat exercise.
What operational scenarios were practised during Exercise Garuda-25?
The operational scenarios during Exercise Garuda-25 included air-to-air combat, ground attack missions, and CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) exercises. The exercise involved over 500 airmen and 25 aircraft from both nations and ran until November 27, 2025.
When was Exercise Garuda first held, and what is its significance for India-France relations?
Exercise Garuda was first held in 2003 and is considered a cornerstone of India-France defence cooperation. It is part of the broader strategic partnership between the two nations, which also includes India's procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France.
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