Indian and French Air Force started Garuda V bilateral air exercise at Jodhpur Air Base

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air Force (FAF) commenced the bilateral exercise Garuda V on 2 June 2014 at Jodhpur Air Base. The bilateral air exercise is fifth in the series and will end on 13 June 2014.

The aim of the exercise is to enhance operational co-operation and to validate capabilities.

The 2014 edition of the exercise will involve the assets of Indian Air Force’s main operational formations like Gandhinagar based South Western Command and Allahabad based Central Air Command.

During the exercise both the Air Forces would engage in operations based on their operational philosophy and methodology of operations practicing various challenging air situation scenarios. The exercise would help both Air Forces to appreciate the intricacies of planning and conduct of combat missions in an operational environment. During the war game, both the Air Forces will practice aerial warfare which would include maneuvers to carry out surgical strikes.

Representatives from the two Air Forces in Ex Garuda V
• Indian Air Force will be represented by – frontline fighter aircrafts of IAF including the SU 30, Mig-27 (UPG), Mig 21 Bison and force multipliers like the AWACS and Flight Refueller Aircraft IL 78 would be participating from the Indian Air Force
• French Air Force will be represented by - frontline Rafale Fighter aircraft along with their KC 135 Refueller

About Garuda Exercise
First Garuda Exercise was undertaken in February 2003 at the Indian Air Base of Gwalior, when four Mirage 2000 RDI from the Cambric airbase constituted the French participation. The last edition of the Garuda exercise, Garuda IV was held in 2010 at Istres, France