What are the highlights of the mega air exercise conducted by India, France, and UAE over the Arabian Sea

India, France, and UAE joined forces to conduct a major air exercise over the Arabian Sea. Discover the key details of this exercise.
  • The mega air exercise, known as the 'Desert Flag', took place in March 2021 over the Arabian Sea.
  • It involved the Indian Air Force (IAF), the French Air and Space Force, and the United Arab Emirates Air Force.
  • The exercise aimed to enhance the interoperability and cooperation between the three air forces.
  • More than 40 aircraft, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and mid-air refuelers, participated in the exercise.
  • The IAF deployed a mix of fighters including Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29, while France deployed Rafale and Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft.
  • The UAE deployed F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, along with C-17 transport aircraft.
  • The exercise included various missions, such as air defense, offensive counter-air operations, and joint combat missions.
  • Special emphasis was placed on air-to-air refueling, with mid-air refueling being conducted between different aircraft types.
  • The exercise provided an opportunity for the participating air forces to learn from each other's operational experiences and exchange best practices.
  • The exercise showcased the growing defense collaboration between India, France, and the UAE, further strengthening their strategic partnerships.
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