The eighth edition of Exercise Garuda, the flagship bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), concluded on 27 November 2025 at Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan, France. The IAF contingent returned to India on 02 December 2025 after the successful completion of one of its largest overseas air training engagements this year.
The IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighter aircraft for the exercise, supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft and a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. Over the course of the drill, both forces undertook a wide spectrum of complex air operations, simulating realistic combat scenarios. The missions included coordinated strike and escort operations, advanced air combat manoeuvres, and joint mission planning aimed at improving interoperability and understanding of each other’s tactics and procedures.
The IAF’s technical and maintenance teams ensured high aircraft serviceability throughout the exercise, enabling seamless execution of all planned sorties. Senior officials from both nations interacted with participants during the closing ceremony and lauded the professionalism, operational discipline, and joint effort demonstrated by the aircrews and ground personnel.
Exercise Garuda 2025 further cemented the robust India–France defence partnership and offered invaluable operational exposure to the participating contingents. The IAF stated that the learnings from the exercise will significantly boost its war-fighting preparedness and enhance cooperation with friendly foreign air forces in future multinational engagements.
