Source: TOI
Context:
On 10 December 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF), in partnership with the French Air and Space Force and the UAE Air Force, commenced a trilateral air combat exercise over the Arabian Sea, continuing through 11 December. The exercise zone spans roughly 200 nautical miles from Karachi, as per official Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
Participating Assets
- India: Sukhoi‑30MKI, Jaguar fighter jets, IL‑78 mid‑air refuellers, AEW&C aircraft, operating from western airbases including Jamnagar and Naliya (Gujarat).
- France: Rafale fighter jets.
- UAE: Mirage fighter jets, operating from Al Dhafra Airbase.
Objectives & Significance
- Military Interoperability: Enhance joint operations, coordination, and combat readiness across air and maritime domains.
- Strategic Signaling: Demonstrates collective preparedness in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region.
- Strengthened Partnerships: Reinforces the trilateral defence framework established in 2022, covering defence, technology, energy, and environment cooperation.
- Historical Context: Builds on previous trilateral exercises, including Desert Knight 2024, underscoring continuity in joint operational engagements.
