Here are a few moments of military bonhomie.
Ex-Garuda, an Indo-French joint air exercise hosted by the French Air Force (FAF) at Mont-de-Marsan in southwestern France, ended today, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) team returning back to the country.
The event was held between 1st July to 12th July and was aimed at sharing good practices, enhancing functionality and cooperating between the two forces in tactical situations, according to the IAF.
#ExGaruda2019, a bilateral Indo-French large force employment warfare exercise hosted by French Air Force (FAF) from 1 July to 12 July, at Mont-de-Marsan France, was successfully completed with the IAF contingent landing back in India today. pic.twitter.com/jZoPF5tr6S
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
Here are a few moments of military bonhomie between the two countries.
1. Sixth edition of Exercise Garuda
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The bilateral exercise between Indian and French Air Force is the sixth edition of Exercise Garuda. The last exercise, 'Garuda V' was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur on June 2014.
The IL-78 crew visited French Air Force Base Istres and interacted with the members there. The IAF team also visited the newly inducted Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Squadron.
2. 'Great opportunity to interact and exchange'
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The Indian Air Force had said that the Indo-France joint exercise gives the Air Force personnel a "great opportunity to interact, exchange views, experiences, and knowledge."
A French Air Force Pilot was also given an opportunity to fly in the Su-30MKI aircraft, during the integration flying training week, the IAF notified.
3. Mid-air selfies were a bonus
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Both IAF and Armée de l'Air pilots took selfies while flying in the Rafale and Su-30 MKI jets.
The French pilot who was flying India's Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jet posted the selfie in a tweet, saying that it was a "Great aircraft".
A French pilot makes a FAM flight aboard an @IAF_MCC Su-30MKI. Great aircraft !
— Webmaster Chasse (@WebChasse) July 4, 2019
// Un pilote du #RC2_30 effectue un vol de familiarisation à bord d'un #Flanker-C indien. Sacré avion ! //#Garuda #Rafale pic.twitter.com/RR0jXAmOZc
Glimpses from #ExGaruda2019 . pic.twitter.com/Ayg6nfHa5o
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 8, 2019
IAF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Sourabh Ambure flew in the Rafale aircraft. The official Twitter handle of the Indian Air Force then tweeted out the photos, saying that when the two forces operate together, it's a step towards better 'Cooperation-Cohesion-Interoperability'.
4. Strengthening bilateral relations
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The IAF contingent comprised of 120 air-warriors and four Su-30 MKI along with an IL-78 Flight Refueling aircraft, which are participating during the exercise. C-17 strategic lift aircraft are providing the logistic support to the contingent during the induction and de-induction phase.
The participation of IAF in the exercise was also aimed at promoting professional interaction, exchange experiences and operational knowledge besides strengthening bilateral relations with the French Air Force.
