Indo-French joint air exercise begins at Istres airbase in France
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, June 14, 2010
Sukhoi 30 MKI takes off from French Air base
The Indo-French joint exercise code named Garuda-VI began on Monday at Istres Air Base in France. The twelve day long Air Exercise would conclude on 25th of this month. An IAF official said in New Delhi, the focus of the Air Exercise is learning from each other's best practices.
The air exercise comes at a time when India and France are expected to sign a ten thousand crore rupee deal to upgrade the 56 Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft. The exercise will involve simulated air combat missions and feature multi-role combat aircraft, transporters and air to air refuellers.
The IL-76 aircraft which are an integral part of the exercise flying missions would practice static line drops with the French Special Forces.
The IAF is participating with six SU-30 MKIs, three IL-78s and one IL-76 aircraft. Singapore Air Force is also participating in the Ex-Garuda for the first time with the F-16 Aircraft. The French Air Force assets such as the mid -air refueller have commenced their participation in the exercise.
During the exercise the IAF's Special Forces ‘Garuds’ would also participate with the French Special Forces.
