India–France Air Exercise ‘Garuda-VIII’ Begins at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base
globalThe 8th edition of Indo-French air exercise Garuda-VIII begins in France with Su-30MKI jets participating in high-intensity combat drills.
India–France Air Exercise ‘Garuda-VIII’ Begins at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base
The 8th edition of the Indo-French air exercise Garuda-VIII is underway at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France, bringing together frontline fighter aircraft and elite aircrews from both nations.
🔹 High-Intensity Air Combat Drills
During the exercise, the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter jets are conducting joint missions with French multirole combat aircraft in a series of high-intensity, simulated air-combat scenarios.
These include:
- Air-to-air combat
- Offensive and defensive counter-air operations
- Complex formation flying
- Real-time tactical coordination
The goal is to enhance interoperability, improve tactical decision-making, and strengthen joint operational capabilities.
🔹 Deepening India–France Defence Partnership
The Garuda series is one of the longest-running bilateral air exercises between India and France.
Garuda-VIII aims to:
- Strengthen defence cooperation
- Improve operational synergy
- Exchange advanced aerial warfare tactics
- Provide exposure to multinational air operations
Visuals from the French base show aircraft taking off, performing formation flights, and engaging in coordinated missions.
India and France continue to advance their strategic partnership through regular joint exercises across land, air, and maritime domains.
