Overview of Exercise Ocean Sky 2025
Indian Air Force Joins Exercise Ocean Sky 2025: Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 is a high-intensity multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base, located in the Canary Islands, Spain. Scheduled from October 20 to 31, 2025, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, refine air combat tactics, and promote mutual learning among participating nations.
India’s Historic Participation
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made history by becoming the first non-NATO country to participate in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025. This marks a significant milestone in India’s growing global military footprint and underscores its role as an emerging aerospace power.
Objectives of the Exercise
The primary objectives of Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 include:
- Enhancing Interoperability: Facilitating seamless coordination among diverse air forces.
- Sharpening Air Combat Skills: Engaging in advanced aerial maneuvers to improve combat readiness.
- Fostering Mutual Learning: Sharing best practices and operational strategies among participating nations.
Significance of India’s Involvement
India’s participation in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 reflects its commitment to strengthening international defense partnerships and maintaining high levels of operational readiness. Engaging in such multinational drills provides Indian pilots exposure to diverse combat environments and mission planning frameworks, significantly enhancing tactical proficiency and interoperability.
Strategic Importance for India
The exercise offers a valuable platform for IAF personnel to operate within a diverse multinational environment, exchange best practices, and demonstrate India’s growing proficiency in global air combat operations. This engagement aligns with India’s broader defense strategy of expanding its global military collaborations and enhancing its operational capabilities.
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- India’s Defence Modernization: The induction of 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft into the IAF’s fleet marks a significant enhancement in India’s airlift and operational versatility, bolstering its ability to undertake varied missions under challenging conditions.
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Indian Air Force Joins Exercise Ocean Sky 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Exercise Name | Ocean Sky 2025 |
| Host Nation | Spain |
| Host Base | Gando Air Base, Canary Islands |
| Duration | October 20–31, 2025 |
| Indian Air Force’s Role | First non-NATO participant |
| Primary Objectives | Enhance interoperability, sharpen air combat skills, foster mutual learning |
| Strategic Significance | Strengthening India–Spain defense ties, showcasing global military cooperation |





