Desert Flag air wargames begin today in UAE; India sends 6 IAF SU-30MKIs, 2 C-17s

Exercise Desert Flag, the annual multi-national warfare drill, is being hosted by the UAE Air Force, in which countries like the US, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain are also participating.

The Indian Air Force will be participating for the first time in the sixth edition of exercise Desert Flag, scheduled to take place from today at Al-Dharfa airbase in the United Arab Emirates. 
 

Exercise Desert Flag, the annual multi-national warfare drill, is being hosted by the UAE Air Force, in which countries like the US, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain are also participating.
 

The drill would conclude on March 27. 

The IAF will be participating with six Sukhois, two C-17 transport aircraft and one IL-78 tanker aircraft. 
 

C-17 Globemaster will provide support for induction and de-induction of the IAF contingent. 
 

Sukhois undertook a long-range ferry, routing directly from India to the exercise area with aerial refuelling support from IL-78 tanker aircraft. 

"The aim of the exercise is to provide operational exposure to the participating forces while training them to undertake simulated air combat operations in a controlled environment. The participating forces will get an opportunity to enhance their operational capabilities along with the mutual exchange of best practices," IAF PRO Wing Commander Ashish Moghe said.

The large-scale exercise involving diverse fighter aircraft from across the globe will provide the participating forces, including IAF, a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, experience, enhance operational capabilities and interoperability, he said. 
 

Exercising and interaction with the participating nations in a dynamic and realistic warfare environment will also contribute to strengthening international relations.

Over the last decade, IAF has regularly hosted and participated in multi-national operational exercises, wherein collaborative engagements are undertaken amongst the best air forces of the world.
 

Last month, IAF and French Air Force had a five-day mega exercise "Desert Knight" at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, wherein Rafales from both countries had participated. 
 

In 2019, the two countries also held the 6th edition of their bilateral exercise 'Garuda' at Air Force Base Mont-de-Marsan in France.