India Joins Elite Forces in the UAE Skies
India Participates in Multinational Exercise Desert Flag-10 in UAE: From April 21 to May 8, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking part in Exercise Desert Flag-10, a high-level multinational air combat exercise hosted at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The exercise brings together top air forces from around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, in a collaborative effort to simulate advanced aerial combat scenarios.
This strategic participation highlights India’s increasing global defence footprint and its commitment to strengthening interoperability with partner nations.
Aims of the Exercise: Teamwork in the Skies
The main objective of Exercise Desert Flag-10 is to improve interoperability among participating air forces. The drills are designed to simulate complex fighter engagements, encourage tactical knowledge sharing, and build mutual trust between aircrew and commanders. With airspace coordination and operational readiness at the core, this exercise is a real-time opportunity to enhance warfighting skills on a multinational platform.
IAF’s Participation: Jaguars and MiG-29s Take the Lead
The IAF has deployed MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft for the exercise, showcasing India’s robust fighter fleet. These aircraft are tasked with engaging in both defensive and offensive scenarios, making them ideal for this kind of high-intensity air combat simulation. The IAF’s presence signals India’s commitment to being an active player in global security cooperation and defence diplomacy.
This also reflects India’s growing confidence in showcasing indigenous platforms and operational capabilities in multinational environments.
India-UAE Defence Ties: A Growing Partnership
India and the UAE share a strong and evolving defence relationship. Over the years, there have been regular high-level visits, joint training, and strategic dialogues. A Joint Defence Cooperation Committee helps align military priorities, while defence education exchanges continue to deepen bilateral understanding.
The UAE is also seen as a key regional partner for India in the Gulf and West Asian geopolitical space, especially in maritime security and defence tech sharing.
Strategic Vision: Expanding Influence and Exports
Participation in Desert Flag-10 complements India’s broader plan to expand defence cooperation in the Middle East. Recent discussions between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UAE leaders have included potential defence exports, such as the Akash surface-to-air missile system, reflecting India’s aspirations as a defence manufacturing hub.
Moreover, India’s trilateral partnerships with France and the UAE are laying the groundwork for a more cohesive strategic architecture in the region. Exercises like Desert Knight and naval drills underline India’s growing role in multinational security cooperation.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
India Participates in Multinational Exercise Desert Flag-10 in UAE:
| Topic | Details |
| Exercise Name | Exercise Desert Flag-10 |
| Dates | April 21 – May 8, 2025 |
| Location | Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE |
| Indian Aircraft Deployed | MiG-29 and Jaguar |
| Host Country | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Other Participants | USA, UK, France, Germany, Qatar, SK, AU, Bahrain |
| Objective | Enhance interoperability, simulate air battles |
| Trilateral Link | India-France-UAE defence cooperation |
| Strategic Talks | Rajnath Singh’s visit, Akash missile export plan |
| IAF Recent Multinational Drills | Desert Flag, Desert Knight, Garuda, Red Flag |
