20 April,2025 06:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Through joint training, the participating air forces seek to foster mutual trust, enhance interoperability, and bolster collective response capabilities to address emerging global security threats. PIC/Defence PRO
A frontline contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived at the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in 'Exercise Desert Flag-10', a high-profile multinational air combat exercise hosted by the UAE Air Force, an official press release by the Ministry of Defence stated.
The Indian Air Force has deployed its MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter jets for Exercise Desert Flag-10, scheduled to take place from April 21 to May 8.
Exercise Desert Flag brings together air forces from across the globe for joint training in advanced air combat operations. Alongside the Indian Air Force, this year's edition includes participants from Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the host nation, UAE.
The participation of these nations highlights the scale and significance of the exercise, serving as a vital platform for operational coordination and the exchange of tactical expertise among allied air forces.
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The primary objective of Desert Flag-10 is to conduct complex and diverse fighter engagements, promoting the exchange of operational knowledge and best practices. The exercise allows participants to sharpen their air combat capabilities in a realistic multinational environment.
Through joint training, the participating air forces seek to foster mutual trust, enhance interoperability, and bolster collective response capabilities to address emerging global security threats.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Air Force's participation underscores India's commitment to enhancing defence cooperation and deepening strategic ties with friendly nations, particularly in the West Asian region. Engaging in such high-value exercises reinforces the IAF's operational preparedness and strengthens India's role as a reliable partner in regional and international security frameworks.
This deployment follows recent high-level discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the UAE's Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, held at South Block in New Delhi.
Both leaders voiced satisfaction with the existing defence cooperation and underscored the importance of elevating engagement levels to align with advancements in trade and economic ties.
They highlighted training exchanges as a key pillar for advancing mutual understanding and further strengthening bilateral defence relations, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
