Exercise Desert Knight with France, UAE Air Forces Conducted by IAF

Exercise Desert Knight was conducted over Arabian Sea by the Indian Air Force with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) AirForce.

Highlights of Exercise Desert Knight

• The Indian Air Force contingent had Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J and Air to Air Refueller aircraft. 
• The French Air and Space Force (FASF) included the Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Tanker Transport while the UAE Air Force fielded the F-16. 
• The Exercise Desert Knight exercise was mainly focussed on  enhancing synergy and interoperability between the three Air Forces. 
• Army personnel interacting during the exercise facilitated the exchange of operational knowledge, experiences and best practices amongst the participants.
• The Defence Ministry that such exercises are indicative of the growing diplomatic and military interactions in the region, apart from showcasing the prowess of the Indian Air Force. 
• The recent exercise was conducted within the Indian FIR (Flight Information Regions) and involved IAF aircraft operating from various bases across India. 
• The entire airspace across the globe is divided into FIRs, each of which is managed by a controlling authority responsible for providing air traffic services to the aircraft operating within it.
• The trilateral exercise took place just ahead of India's Republic Day celebrations, which will also feature two Rafale fighter jets and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker aircraft from the French air force.
• France Air Force participated before the Republic Day Parade as the French President  Emmanuel Macron is Chief Guest on Republic Day.

Joint Exercises conducted by Air Force:

India conducts various Air exercises with countries worldwide. A List of various exercise conducted by IAF is mentioned below: