IAF Contingent Lands in France for Garuda 2025

Strategic Background

IAF Contingent Lands in France for Garuda 2025: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France to participate in Exercise Garuda-2025, held from 16 to 27 November 2025. This marks a major step forward in the long-standing Indo-French defence partnership.
The biennial air drill strengthens mutual trust and enhances operational coordination between the two nations, reflecting their expanding cooperation in aerospace and strategic affairs.

What Is Exercise Garuda

Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air-combat training exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force and the French Air & Space Force.
First initiated in 2003, it has evolved into one of the most significant air-combat training engagements for India, offering a platform for complex aerial missions and cross-learning.

Key Features of Garuda-2025

The IAF is fielding its Su-30 MKI fighters, known for their long-range endurance and manoeuvrability.
France is deploying its advanced Rafale jets, allowing both air forces to train in high-intensity simulated combat.
The exercise focuses on interoperability, air-combat manoeuvres, aerial refuelling, formation flying, and detailed mission-planning modules.
The joint drills provide exposure to diverse flying doctrines and operational styles, enabling both sides to refine tactics and enhance coordination.

Strategic Significance

Garuda-2025 strengthens India’s air-power projection by giving its pilots realistic exposure to international combat-training environments.
It further reinforces France’s status as one of India’s most reliable defence partners.
The exercise expands India’s aviation diplomacy footprint and signals growing strategic engagement with Europe.
It also contributes to India’s broader modernisation goals by providing valuable insights into French operational philosophies and support systems.

Mont-de-Marsan Air Base

The drills are being hosted at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base (Base Aérienne 118), one of France’s key fighter bases.
Static GK fact: The base features a runway measuring over 3.6 km, making it suitable for advanced fighter operations and high-intensity air-combat training.
The base also houses Rafale squadrons and supports experimental aviation projects, making it an ideal venue for large-scale joint exercises.

Indo-French Defence Partnership

India and France established a formal Strategic Partnership in 1998, covering defence technology, security cooperation, and advanced military training.
Static GK Tip: India and France conduct three major joint exercises — Garuda (Air), Varuna (Navy), and Shakti (Army).
This tri-service cooperation makes France one of India’s most comprehensive defence partners, and Garuda-2025 adds another layer to this growing partnership.

Broader Implications

Garuda-2025 is more than an operational exercise — it is a strong geopolitical signal. It demonstrates India’s expanding global engagement, its focus on modern multi-domain warfare capabilities, and its increasing collaboration with European allies.
For pilots, the experience of flying alongside Rafale systems, combined with exposure to French tactics, strengthens readiness for real-world contingencies.

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