Garuda-VII Air Exercise: All You Need to Know

Garuda-VII is the seventh edition of the bilateral exercise between India and France that is taking place at Airforce station in Jodhpur from October 26, and it will end on November 12, 2022.

This air exercise is taking place after a gap of two years. The first, third and fifth editions were conducted in India in 2003, 2006 and in 2014 at different locations. The first edition was held in Gwalior, the second edition was held in Kalaikunda and the third was held in Jodhpur.

Important Points

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) are participating in Garuda 7 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
• Major General of the Air and Space Force: General Stephane Mille
• Chief of Air Staff, India: Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
• The bilateral air exercise is conducting its seventh edition in Jodhpur.
• The first, third, and fifth editions were held in India in 2003, 2006, and 2014, respectively.
• In France, the second, fourth, and sixth editions took place in 2005, 2010, and 2019.
• It is being conducted by India for the fourth time.

The Air Force Chiefs of India and France on November 9, 2022, took part in the ongoing Air exercise Garuda 7th at Jodhpur. The Indian Air Force Chief, Air chief Marshal (ACM) V.R Chaudhary flew a sortie in an IAF Rafale fighter, whereas the French Air and Space Force (FASF) Chief General Stephane Mille flew in an IAF SU-30 MKI fighter.
As a part of a combined training mission the chief took part in the exercise which is going on at Air force station in Jodhpur. The IAF said in a statement. "Ex Garuda 7th is also the first occasion for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the recently inducted Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand to participate in any international exercise, " It stated.

Addressing the media after the sortie, AC Chaudhari stated that the Air Exercise Garuda provided a unique opportunity for both the Air Forces to learn from and imbibe each other's best practices during operations while also focusing on the growing interoperability between the two forces. The bilateral air exercise has been ongoing since 2003.
French includes four Rafale fighters and one A-330 tanker transport aircraft. Apart from the LCH LCA, the IAF contingent consists of Su-30 MKI, Rafale, and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as Mi-17 helicopters. The IAF contingent also includes combat enabling assets like flight refueling aircraft, early warning aircraft, and Garu Special Forces, the statement said.

BACKGROUND

The IAF (Indian Air Force) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) takes part in a bilateral exercise called Garuda 7,"e which runs from October 26, 2022, to November12, 2022,2 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. In this exercise, FASF participated with four Rafale fighter aircraft, one A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport MRTT) aircraft and a contingent of 220 personnel. The IAFF equipped with Su-30 MKI Rfale, LCA Tejas, and Jaguarfighter aircrafts, as well ae Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) andMi-177 helicopters.

The IAF contingent will also include combat enabling Assests like flight-refueling aircraft, AWACS, S and AER&C. This joint exercise will provide ae platform for both the countries to enhance operational capability and interoperability, while also sharing best practices.
The participation in the seventh edition of the air exercise will help both the IAF and FASF get many benefits This air exercise will promote professional interaction, the exchange of experiences, and the enhancement of operational knowledge. Besides that, it will help both countries improve their bilateral relationship.