iaf-joins-desert-flag-10-in-uae-with-largest-ever-contingent

Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to partook in Exercise Desert Flag-10, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Defence.

 

IAF participates in the premier multinational air combat exercise with its largest contingent so far, fielding MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft. The exercise is scheduled to be held between April 21 - May 8, 2025.

 

"Participation in such exercises enhances mutual understanding, and interoperability, and strengthens military cooperation among the participating nations", read a statement issued by the Indian government.

 

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"The exercise aims to undertake complex and diverse fighter engagements, with the exchange of operational knowledge and best practices with some of the most capable Air Forces in the world. Participation in such exercises enhances mutual understanding and interoperability and strengthens military cooperation among the participating nations. The IAF's participation underscores India's commitment to strengthening defence ties and interoperability with friendly nations in the region and beyond", said the official statement of the Ministry.

 

What is Exercise Desert Flag?

 

Exercise Desert Flag is a multinational exercise being hosted by the UAE Air Force, with participating contingents from the Air Forces of Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, and the United States in addition to the Indian Air Force.  

 

Below is the list of exercises of the IAF:

1. Exercise Garuda (India, France)
2. Cope India (India, United States)
3. SINDEX (India, Singapore)
4. Gaganshakti (only India)
5. Indradhanush (India, UK)
6. Exercise Red Flag (Multinational, Host: USA)
7. Exercise Desert Eagle (India, UAE)
8. Exercise Eastern Bridge (India, Oman)
9. Exercise Iron Fist (only India)
10. Red Flag – Alaska (Multinational, Host: United States)
11. Siam Bharat (India, Thailand)
12. Pralay Shayam (Disaster response exercise)
13. Exercise INDRA –bilateral (India, Russia)
14. Exercise Blue Flag (Multinational, Host: Israel)
15. Exercise DANX (only India)
16. Exercise Pitch Black (Multinational, Host: Australia)
17. Shinyuu Maitri (India, Japan)
18. Vayushakti (only India)
19. Exercise Desert Knight (India, France, UAE)
20. Exercise Desert Warrior (India, Egypt)
21. Exercise Cobra Warrior (Multinational, Host: United Kingdom)
22. Exercise Udara Shakti (India, Malaysia)
23. Bharat Shakti (Tri-service)
24. Exercise Tarang Shakti (Multinational, Host: India)
25. Exercise INIOCHOS (Multinational, Host: Greece)
26. Exercise Desert Flag (Multinational, Host: UAE)