• Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF). The first edition was held in 2003, and the 2025 edition is the 8th iteration of this exercise.​
• Exercise Garuda 2025 is being held at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France from November 16 to 27, 2025.​​
• The Indian Air Force contingent arrived in France on November 10, 2025, with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. This edition features Indian Su-30MKI jets operating alongside French Rafale multirole fighters in simulated complex air combat scenarios.​​
• The focus of the exercise includes air-to-air combat, air defense, joint strike operations, interoperability enhancement, tactical maneuvers, air-combat training, air refueling, and mission planning.​
• The exercise serves to refine tactics and procedures in realistic operational environments, fostering mutual learning between the two air forces and enhancing interoperability.​
• Strategic significance includes strengthening Indo-French defense cooperation, boosting India's air power projection, and providing exposure to advanced air force tactics and technology of the French Air and Space Force.​
• Airlift support for the IAF is provided by C-17 Globemaster aircraft, and air-to-air refueling is conducted with IL-78 tankers to extend the range and endurance of Su-30MKI jets.​
• Exercise Garuda underscores the deep strategic partnership between India and France, spanning defense, technology, and security cooperation.

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