Exercise Garuda 25: Strengthening Indo-French Defence Cooperation

Introduction

Exercise Garuda is one of the most significant bilateral air exercises between India and France. The 8th edition of Exercise Garuda (Garuda 25) is being conducted from 16 to 27 November 2025 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France, featuring advanced aerial manoeuvres between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF).

For UPSC aspirants, this exercise is important under International Relations, Defence Cooperation, India–France Strategic Partnership, and Security Issues (GS Paper 2 & 3).

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Key Highlights of Exercise Garuda 25

1. Participation and Deployment

• The IAF contingent arrived in France on 10 November 2025.

• India is participating with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, known for their long-range capabilities and manoeuvrability.

• C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are providing airlift support for the induction and de-induction phases.

• IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers are supporting extended-range and endurance operations of the participating aircraft.

2. Aim of the Exercise

Exercise Garuda aims to:

• Enhance interoperability between the two Air Forces.

• Practice joint planning and execution of complex air operations.

• Refine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in realistic operational environments.

• Promote professional exchanges and mutual learning.

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Operational Themes and Training Focus

A. Air-to-Air Combat

Engagements between IAF’s Su-30MKI and French multirole fighters in beyond-visual-range and within-visual-range scenarios.

B. Air Defence Operations

Training in:

• Neutralising hostile aerial threats

• Integrated air command and control

• Combined airspace management

C. Joint Strike Operations

Simulated missions with:

• Target acquisition

• Joint firepower application

• Coordination between refuellers, fighters, and command units

These themes help both forces understand each other’s operational doctrines.

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Strategic Significance for India

1. Strengthening the Indo-French Strategic Partnership

India and France share deep defence ties—ranging from fighter aircraft (Mirage 2000, Rafale) to naval exercises like Varuna and tri-service exercises like Shakti.

Exercise Garuda enhances trust and operational synergy within this partnership.

2. Improving IAF's Combat Readiness

The exercise provides:

• Exposure to European airspace and standards

• Training against advanced French aircraft

• Experience in long-duration and transcontinental deployments

3. Boosting Interoperability

For today’s interconnected security environment, interoperability is crucial for:

• Joint humanitarian missions

• Peacekeeping

• Disaster-response operations

• Potential multilateral operations

4. Capability Enhancement

Operating together improves:

• Situational awareness

• Air combat strategies

• Refuelling coordination

• Mission planning skills

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Why Is Garuda 25 Important for UPSC?

UPSC frequently asks about:

• India’s defence exercises

• Bilateral strategic partnerships

• Security cooperation with major powers

• Indo-Pacific strategy and air power projection

Exercise Garuda fits into all these themes.

Possible UPSC Mains Question:

“Discuss the significance of bilateral air exercises like Garuda for India’s defence preparedness and international strategic partnerships.”

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Conclusion

Exercise Garuda 25 reflects India’s growing prominence as a responsible military power and its commitment to enhancing cooperation with friendly nations. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, realistic air combat training, and strategic engagement, Garuda 25 further consolidates the Indo-French defence partnership.

For UPSC aspirants, this exercise is a key current-affairs topic that strengthens understanding of India’s global military engagements and defence diplomacy.