The Indo-French Air Exercise successfully concluded today at Jodhpur, "enhancing" operational capabilities of both sides and reinforcing cooperation between them.
A defence spokesperson said both the air forces engaged in various combat roles including air-to-air refuelling and the exercise provided "great cross-learning" to both air forces.
"The challenging and realistic missions executed throughout Garuda-V exercise as well as the sharing of know-how and operational lessons has enhanced the operational capabilities of both sides as well as reinforced the cooperation between French and Indian air forces," he said.
During the 11-day exercise, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and his French counterpart General Denis Mercier flew combat sorties in Rafale and Sukhoi-30 respectively and interacted with the pilots and technicians of both the forces.
'Garuda-V' contributed significantly to the camaraderie between the units involved in the spirit of the strong defence relationship and strategic partnership between France and India, he said
The French detachment comprised of 4 Rafales and one C-135 French refueller aircraft while the IAF fielded 4 Su-30MKI, 4 MiG 21 Bison, 4 MiG 27 (Upg) as well as an IL-78 tanker aircraft and an airborne warning and control system IL-76 (AWACS).
