Exercise Garuda 2025 Successfully Concludes in France; Indian Air Force Returns After Major Bilateral Air Exercise
The eighth edition of Exercise Garuda, a key bilateral air drill involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), came to a close on November 27, 2025, at Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan, France. Following the successful completion of this significant overseas air training initiative, the IAF contingent returned to India on December 2, 2025.
During the exercise, the IAF deployed its Su-30MKI fighter jets, backed by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft and a C-17 Globemaster III transport plane. The forces engaged in a variety of complex air operations, simulating real-world combat situations. These operations included coordinated strike and escort missions, advanced air combat maneuvers, and joint mission planning, all aimed at enhancing interoperability and understanding of each other’s strategies and procedures.
Throughout the exercise, the IAF’s technical and maintenance teams maintained high serviceability of the aircraft, ensuring that all planned sorties were executed seamlessly. Senior officials from both countries attended the closing ceremony, praising the professionalism, operational discipline, and teamwork exhibited by the aircrews and ground staff.
Exercise Garuda 2025 further solidified the strong defence partnership between India and France and provided valuable operational experience for the participating forces. The IAF noted that the insights gained from the exercise would significantly enhance its combat readiness and facilitate future cooperative efforts with friendly foreign air forces in multinational settings.
