Indian Air Force Deploys in France for Exercise Garuda-25 to Enhance Air Combat Cooperation
An Indian Air Force (IAF) team has reached Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France for Exercise Garuda-25, a bilateral air combat exercise with the French Air and Space Force (FASF). Scheduled from November 16 to 27, 2025, this drill aims to enhance interoperability and operational coordination between the two forces.
The IAF announced their participation on X, highlighting that Su-30MKI fighters will engage in advanced air combat training alongside French Rafale aircraft. These operations will occur in a simulated high-intensity combat environment, focusing on improving mission planning, execution, and joint tactical skills.
Garuda-25 is expected to facilitate the exchange of best practices, refine air combat maneuvers, and deepen the understanding of each force's operational philosophies. This exercise underscores the strengthening military trust and synergy between India and France, with several successful editions of Garuda conducted in previous years.
The India–France strategic partnership has seen significant growth across sectors such as defense, space, energy, and advanced technologies. Military exercises like Garuda (Air Force), Varuna (Navy), and Shakti (Army) have become increasingly complex, reflecting the maturity of their bilateral cooperation.
Earlier in the year, the French Air and Space Force took part in Exercise Tarang Shakti Phase I, hosted in India from August 6 to 14, 2024, at Air Force Stations Sulur and Thanjavur. This effectively broadened Garuda into a more extensive multilateral platform.
Maritime collaboration has also intensified, with the Sea Phase of Exercise Varuna 2024 occurring from September 2 to 5 off Toulon. The Indian Navy's P-8I was deployed to France's Istres Air Base, while the French Atlantique 2 participated in India's multilateral Exercise Milan 2024.
In land warfare, the 20th India–France Army Staff Talks were conducted in New Delhi in November 2024, followed by Exercise Shakti 2024 in Umroi, Meghalaya. This edition saw the first inclusion of Air Force and Navy observers, advancing India and France towards a tri-service partnership.
Exercise Garuda-25 underscores the strong and expanding defense relationship between India and France, highlighting shared strategic priorities and a mutual commitment to regional security and collective operational readiness.
