Indian Air Force Joins Tactical Leadership Programme in Egypt

• 29 Nov 2024

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent featuring SU-30MKIs and personnel is participating in the second Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at the Egyptian Air Force Weapon School, alongside Jordanian and Greek air forces.

• The Tactical Leadership Programme is a high-level exercise focusing on instructor-level collaboration, sharing of best practices, and advanced interoperability among participating air forces.
• Led by Gwalior-based Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), the IAF team represents the elite cadre of fighter pilots, emphasizing large-force engagements and complex multi-aircraft missions.
• This year, the IAF deployed an IL-78 mid-air refueller to support the non-stop journey of its SU-30MKIs, reflecting the operational readiness of India’s aerial assets.
• The month-long exercise will involve day and night missions, including air-to-ground and air-to-air combat scenarios, alongside Egyptian F-16, Rafale, and MiG-29 jets, and F-16s from Jordan and Greece.
• India and Egypt share a long history of military collaboration, beginning in the 1960s with IAF test pilots flying Egyptian prototypes and Indian instructors training Egyptian pilots, fostering enduring defense ties.