A major milestone in the Indo‑French defence partnership begins as the Indian Air Force contingent lands at the Mont‑de‑Marsan Air Base in France for the biennial bilateral air exercise Garuda‑2025, scheduled from 16 to 27 November 2025. This exercise reflects deepening ties between India and France across military, technological and strategic domains.
Background: Exercise Garuda and India‑France Strategic Cooperation
- Originally launched in 2003, the bilateral air exercise Exercise Garuda brings together the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force in joint training environments.
- India and France share a broad strategic partnership including defence technology, aviation cooperation, and joint operations. The current edition seeks to further boost operational synergy and mutual learning.
What to Expect at Garuda‑2025
- The IAF will deploy its frontline Su‑30 MKI fighters, while the French will bring their Rafale jets into a simulated combat environment.
- The exercise will focus on interoperability, tactical manoeuvres, air‑combat training, refuelling, and mission planning legs designed for high intensity.
- The joint drills allow both air forces to practise best practices, adapt to each other’s doctrines and enhance readiness for multifaceted air operations.
Strategic Significance
- Enhances India’s air power projection and experience in international combat‑training contexts.
- Strengthens the Indo‑French defence relationship, underlining France’s role as a strategic partner for India.
- Serves as a signal of India’s expanding operational footprint and aviation diplomacy in Europe and beyond.
- Provides Indian pilots exposure to French air‑force tactics, logistics and technology environment, supporting modernisation and training goals.
Static Facts
- Name of Exercise: Exercise Garuda‑2025
- Location: Mont‑de‑Marsan Air Base, France
- Duration: 16 – 27 November 2025
- Indian force: Indian Air Force (IAF)
- French force: French Air and Space Force
- Key aircraft involved: Su‑30 MKI (India) and Rafale (France)
- Purpose: Bilateral air‑exercise to enhance interoperability and defence partnership