India, France conclude 'Desert Knight' drill in Jodhpur
FollowIndia and France concluded their first bilateral air drill 'Desert Knight' at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, wherein Rafales from both sides with other fighter aircraft undertook complex missions during the four-day-long exercise. Anish Singh reports
Besides Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 aircraft, combat enablers like AWACS, AEW&C aircraft participated in the exercise from Indian Air Force side while the French Space Force was represented by A400M and A330-based MRTT (Medium Range Tanker and Transport) in large force engagements.
"Both Air Forces exercised in realistic settings with an aim to enhance operational capabilities and interoperability," IAF PRO Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said.
The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet, he said.
On January 21, the second day of the joint exercise, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat interacted with participating forces and also took a sortie in French MRTT along with Maj Gen Laurent Lherbette, the FASF contingent leader.
During his stay, the CDS was given an overview on the conduct of the exercise and witnessed air-to-air refuelling operations by fighters of two countries' forces.
On January 23, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited the exercise site along with the French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain and interacted with the forces.
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria expressed his appreciation on the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of 4 days.
He also commended the planning, operational and maintenance staff from both sides for the smooth and safe conduct of the exercise.
The chief wished the French force contingent the very best for the next phase of their Skyros deployment.
The French Ambassador to India said bilateral cooperation between the two countries has been going on ever since the first French aircraft landed in India in 1953.
He said, "Now Rafale is the reflection of this strengthened cooperation and partnership."
Lenain said this partnership has gone through good and bad times.
"When India faced difficulties during its atomic test in Pokhran in 1998, we were at your side while other countries opposed and objected. And we were also by your side in cooperation manner when you had difficulties with one of your neighbours," Lenain said.
