IAF Joins France for Garuda-2025 Drill

• 14 Nov 2025

On 14th November 2025, an Indian Air Force contingent arrived at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France to participate in the bilateral air exercise Garuda-2025, scheduled to take place from November 16 to 27.

• The arrival of the IAF contingent marks the beginning of one of the most significant bilateral air exercises between India and France, reflecting the depth of their long-standing strategic partnership.
• The Garuda-2025 exercise is being held against the backdrop of strong defence collaboration between the two nations, encompassing joint training, capability development, technology cooperation and operational coordination.
• The Indian Air Force announced through a social media post that the exercise will highlight the professionalism, precision and combat-readiness of both participating air forces.
• IAF’s frontline Su-30 MKI fighter jets will operate alongside the Rafale aircraft of the French Air and Space Force in a high-intensity, simulated combat environment designed to test and refine advanced air combat tactics.