### Strengthening Ties: India and France Launch Exercise Garuda-25 The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) have commenced Exercise Garuda-25, a significant bilateral air exercise taking place at Mont-de-Marsan, France, from November 16 to 27, 2025. This marks the eighth edition of the exercise, which aims to enhance joint operational capabilities and interoperability between the two nations' air forces. The IAF is deploying its Su-30MKI fighter jets to collaborate with French Rafale aircraft, showcasing advanced air combat tactics and fostering mutual learning in a realistic operational environment [https://www.republicworld.com/defence/india-france-defence-partnership-iaf-french-air-force-launch-exercise-garuda-25, https://www.fact.net.in/nation/iaf-french-air-force-launch-exercise-garuda-25-to-boost-joint-operational-capabilities]. ### Overview of Exercise Garuda-25 Structure and Objectives 1. **Exercise Duration and Location**: - Conducted from November 16 to 27, 2025, at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/3699130-indian-and-french-air-forces-collaborate-in-garuda-25-air-exercise]. 2. **Participating Aircraft**: - IAF's Su-30MKI and French Rafale jets are the primary aircraft involved, allowing for complex simulated air combat scenarios [https://www.idrw.org/iafs-su-30mki-fighter-jets-to-take-part-in-bilateral-air-exercise-in-france]. 3. **Goals of the Exercise**: - Enhance interoperability and operational synergy between the IAF and FASF. - Refine tactics in a realistic operational environment, enabling mutual learning [https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2025/Nov/16/sukhois-french-fighters-join-exercise-garuda]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Joint Missions**: The exercise includes joint missions that allow crews to gain insights into each other's operational philosophies, which is crucial for effective collaboration in future military operations [https://www.timesnownews.com/india/exercise-garuda-25-takes-off-iaf-su-30mki-french-rafale-begin-joint-missions-article-153167024]. - **Strategic Importance**: This exercise is a testament to the deepening defense partnership between India and France, highlighting their commitment to enhancing strategic air power ties [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3699090-india-france-garuda-25-air-exercise-strengthens-strategic-air-power-ties]. ### Conclusion: A Step Forward in Defense Collaboration In summary, Exercise Garuda-25 represents a pivotal moment in the defense collaboration between India and France, focusing on enhancing joint operational capabilities and fostering interoperability. The key findings from this exercise include: 1. **Enhanced Interoperability**: The collaboration between IAF's Su-30MKI and French Rafale jets is set to improve operational effectiveness [https://www.awazthevoice.in/world-news/iaf-french-air-force-launch-exercise-garuda-to-boost-joint-capabilities-43974.html]. 2. **Strategic Partnership**: This exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen their defense ties and operational synergy [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3699106-skies-of-collaboration-india-and-france-unite-in-garuda-25-air-exercise]. 3. **Future Implications**: The outcomes of this exercise are expected to influence future military collaborations and operational strategies between the two air forces [https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/11/14/the-indian-air-force-has-deployed-its-su-30mki-fighter-bombers-to-france-for-the-garuda-25-exercise]. This comprehensive engagement not only enhances military capabilities but also solidifies the strategic partnership between India and France in the realm of defense.