During the exercises, both air forces exchanged operational expertise and experience

Exercise Garuda-VII, the seventh iteration of the bilateral air drill between the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), came to an end at Air Force Station, Jodhpur, on Saturday (November 12).

The exercise which began on October 26 took place after a two-year hiatus.

The air forces of both countries also practiced aerial refueling, a very important component of contemporary aerial combat, as a side activity to the exercise.

In the various programs held during the exercise, the FASF participated with Rafale fighter planes and A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) planes, while the IAF contingent used fighter planes such as the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA "Tejas," and Jaguar. Apart from this, the IAF's flight refueling aircraft, AWACS, and AEW&C, as well as Mi-17 helicopters and the recently introduced LCH Prachanda, were used to supplement this fighter component.

According to the official press release from the Ministry of Defense, Exercise Garuda-VII gave the two Air Forces the chance to communicate professionally and exchange operational expertise and experience.

The exercise included various phases that were meticulously planned and carried out, exposing IAF and FASF soldiers to simulations of genuine air combat and the related Combat Support Operations.

Due to the opportunity for diverse contacts, the participating contingents were able to learn from one another's best practices. Between the Air Force members of the two nations, the exercise served as a forum for cultural exchange.