The MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will take part in the premier multinational air combat drill, 'Desert Flag-10' hosted by the UAE Air Force, in the United Arab Emirates. The event is being held from April 21 to May 8.
Besides India and the UAE, the contingents from the air forces of 10 other countries including the US, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, and Turkey will take part in the exercise.
A contingent of the IAF reached Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE to participate in the multinational air combat exercise, the ministry said.
"The aim of the exercise is to undertake complex and diverse fighter engagements, with exchange of operational knowledge and best practices with some of the most capable air forces in the world.”
The defence ministry said the participation in such exercises enhances mutual understanding 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", the ministry further stated.
Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with the crown prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the defence minister of UAE, during the latter's visit to India. According to officials, the two sides have identified training exchanges as a major area of defence cooperation.
"They also agreed to focus on complementarities for the two countries in the 'Make in India' and 'Make in Emirates' initiatives,” the officials had said.
