Desert Knight Exercise: Bharat, France, UAE Air Force Team Up  

The Indian Air Force recently conducted the Desert Knight Exercise by joining forces with their French and UAE counterparts just ahead of Bharat’s 74th Republic Day. This exercise, which took place over the Arabian Sea, marks a major display of strategic cooperation between the three nations in air defence, and its significance is further consolidated as this exercise took place merely two days before Republic Day. The formation had a range of fighter aircrafts that continue to remain commissioned in the respective air forces of the three countries.  

Bharat flew Su-30 MKI, MiG-29s, Jaguars, AWACS, C-130-J, and an air-to-air fuel plane. On the other hand, the French Air and Space Force flew their advanced Rafale fighter jet and a multi-role tanker transport, whereas the UAE sent its American-made F-16 aircraft. All these aircrafts conducted complex maneuvers in this Desert Knight Exercise in this mighty display of military power. This exercise passes on a strong message to both China and Pakistan about Bharat’s expanding military foothold in the region.   

Image source: Republic