IAF to participate in exercises in Israel and Egypt

India is not taking part for the first time. India took part in the biennial Ex-Blue Flag exercise for the first time in November 2017, when it was held at Israel"s Uvda Air Force base

NewsBharati    06-Oct-2021
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New Delhi, Oct 6: Later this month, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will take part in exercises with Israel and Egypt. This comes amid greater engagement between Indian defence forces and their West Asian counterparts.

Isreal India joint drill_ 
 
At the annual news conference, the new Indian Air Force head, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, stated, "The Air Force is set to participate in Ex-Blue Flag in Israel and Hop Ex in Egypt later this month."
 
When it comes to exercises in Israel, India is not taking part for the first time. India took part in the biennial Ex-Blue Flag exercise for the first time in November 2017, when it was held at Israel's Uvda Air Force base. The Indian Air Force took part using C-130J special operations aircraft and Garud commandos. Fighter jets will take part in the Egyptian exercises.
 
 
 
In August, then-Air Chief RKS Bhadauria paid a visit to Israel and met with his counterpart, Major General Amikam Norkin, Commander of the Israeli Air Force. He also took part in an F15 sortie. During his tour, he paid his respects at the Indian Soldiers' Cemetery in Talpioth, Jerusalem.
 
In the last year, the Indian Air Force has engaged in a number of foreign exercises. In January of this year, the IAF hosted the French Air Force during Drill Desert Knight, and in March and June, it engaged in op encounters with US Carrier Strike Groups. The air force took part in Exercise Desert Flag-6 in the United Arab Emirates for the first time in March 2021. The exercise included air forces from the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (as host).
Indian Air Force Israel Egypt French Air Force IAF Desert United Arab Emirates