'Desert Knight': India, France, UAE conduct mega air exercise over Arabian Sea | India News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: A major air combat exercise called the “Desert Knight” was conducted among the air forces of India, the UAE and France over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, with the IAF operating from its bases on the west coast and the other two from the Al Dhafra airbase.
The exercise is the latest instance of the way India is building military interoperability with countries in the region, especially the Gulf, in conjunction with others like the US and France. It also comes at a time when escalating attacks by Houthi rebels of Yemen and Somali pirates on commercial vessels are threatening crucial maritime trade in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
The French Air and Space Force deployed Rafale fighters and a multi-role tanker transport aircraft for the exercise, while the UAE fielded F-16 jets. The IAF contingent included Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters, along with AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), C-130-J Super Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft.
“The main focus of the Desert Knight exercise was on enhancing synergy and interoperability among the three air forces. It was a large force engagement roughly equidistant from the coastlines of India and the UAE,” an officer said.
“The interactions during the exercise facilitated the exchange of operational knowledge, experiences and best practices amongst the participants. Such exercises are indicative of the growing diplomatic and military interactions in the region, apart from showcasing the prowess of the IAF,” he added.
The exercise is the latest instance of the way India is building military interoperability with countries in the region, especially the Gulf, in conjunction with others like the US and France. It also comes at a time when escalating attacks by Houthi rebels of Yemen and Somali pirates on commercial vessels are threatening crucial maritime trade in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
The French Air and Space Force deployed Rafale fighters and a multi-role tanker transport aircraft for the exercise, while the UAE fielded F-16 jets. The IAF contingent included Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters, along with AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), C-130-J Super Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft.
“The main focus of the Desert Knight exercise was on enhancing synergy and interoperability among the three air forces. It was a large force engagement roughly equidistant from the coastlines of India and the UAE,” an officer said.
“The interactions during the exercise facilitated the exchange of operational knowledge, experiences and best practices amongst the participants. Such exercises are indicative of the growing diplomatic and military interactions in the region, apart from showcasing the prowess of the IAF,” he added.
