An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent of Sukhoi-30 MKIs and personnel has arrived in Egypt to participate in the second iteration of the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Weapon School. This month-long exercise involves collaboration with the Air Forces of Jordan and Greece, marking a significant step in enhancing operational capabilities and interoperability among allied air forces.
Unlike standard military drills, the TLP is specialized and conducted at the instructor level. It focuses on the exchange of best practices and operational techniques among participating nations. Leading the IAF team is the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), based in Gwalior, which is known for training elite fighter pilots.
The IAF contingent reached Egypt on November 26, 2024, as confirmed by defense sources. The primary aim of the TLP is the exchange of tactical ideas concerning large force engagements and complex multi-aircraft missions, further advancing the interoperability among the air forces involved.
In the first edition of the TLP held in 2022, TACDE contributed three Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and six combat instructor pilots. That exercise featured extensive logistical maneuvers, including flights exceeding six hours, supported by mid-air refueling from both the IAF and the United Arab Emirates Air Force. This year’s exercise will also utilize an IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft to maintain non-stop operational capabilities.
During the programme, IAF pilots and their SU-30MKI jets are set to sharpen their combat skills and refine strategic tactics through a series of challenging missions conducted day and night. These missions will encompass air-to-ground and air-to-air combat scenarios in collaboration with Egyptian forces flying F-16s, Rafales, and MiG-29s, along with F-16s from Jordan and Greece.
India and Egypt have significantly expanded their military cooperation over the past decades, a partnership that dates back to the 1960s. Notably, the relationship began when Group Captain Kapil Bhargava, an esteemed IAF Test Pilot, conducted test flights of the Egyptian prototype Helwan HA-300 alongside Egyptian Air Force Test Pilots. This foundational exchange was furthered by an initiative in which Indian Qualified Flying Instructors trained Egyptian pilot cadets, a program that extended into the 1980s.
The ongoing TLP signifies the deepening ties and mutual commitment to advancing military readiness and joint operational capabilities, positioning both nations to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
