Indo-French air drill ‘Garuda-25’ concludes in France, IAF contingent returns home

New Delhi, December 4. The eighth edition of Exercise Garuda, the flagship bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), wrapped up on November 27, 2025, at Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan, France. The IAF contingent returned to India on December 2 after completing what officials described as one of the service’s most significant international training engagements this year.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on December 4, the IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighter jets, supported by IL-78 mid-air refuellers and a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, for the joint drills. Over the course of the exercise, the two air forces conducted a series of advanced missions, including coordinated strike, escort and support operations, in a setting designed to simulate real-world combat conditions.

The training emphasised joint mission planning, synchronised execution, and an in-depth exchange of operational procedures – key elements that officials said helped boost interoperability between the two forces. High aircraft serviceability ensured by the IAF’s maintenance teams enabled the smooth execution of all planned sorties.

Senior officers from India and France attended the closing ceremony, where they lauded the professionalism and discipline displayed by the participating aircrew and ground personnel.

Exercise Garuda-25 further cemented the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris. Officials noted that the operational experience gained during the drills will contribute to enhancing the IAF’s combat preparedness and deepening cooperation with friendly air forces around the world.