On November 16, 2025, the Indian Air Force(IAF)and the French Air and Space Force(FASF)began the 8th edition of the bilateral air exercise‘Garuda’at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France. The exercise will run until 27 November 2025.
Background:
Origin:Exercise Garuda, launched in2003,is a bilateral air combat exercise between the IAF and the FASF, conducted alternately in India and France to strengthen interoperability, coordination, and operational capabilities.
Previous edition:7th edition of Garuda exercise was held at Jodhpur Air Force Station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan from 26 October to 12 November 2022.
AboutGaruda 25:
Objectives:The exercise aims to refine operational tactics and procedures while fostering interoperability, mutual learning, professional interaction, and the exchange of operational knowledge and best practices between both air forces.
Focus:The exercise centres on air-to-air combat, air defence operations, and joint strike missions conducted in high-intensity simulated combat environments.
Participation:The IAF is participating withSu-30MKI fighter aircraftsupported by C-17 Globemaster III airlift and IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers, operating alongsideFrenchRafaleand other multirole fighters in complex air-combat scenarios.
Collaboration:Exercise Garuda 25 also serves as a platform for professional interaction, exchange of operational expertise, and sharing of best practices between the Indian and French Air Forces.
Significance:The exercise highlights the IAF’s commitment to global engagement and strengthens defence cooperation under the India–France Strategic Partnership, established in 1998 and covering defence, security, nuclear, space, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
