IAF jets arrive in UAE for multi-nation ‘Desert Flag’ exercise
A contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has reached at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the multi-nation exercise ‘Desert Flag’, which brings together several of India’s allies.
The two-week-long event is scheduled to start on April 21 and will continue till May 8.
The IAF is fielding MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter jets in the exercise, which is being hosted by the UAE Air Force. Besides India and the host UAE, other participating contingents include Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, and the US.
The Ministry of Defence said the aim of the exercise is to undertake complex and diverse engagements of fighter jets, with exchange of operational knowledge and best practices with some of the most capable Air Forces in the world.
“Participation in such exercises enhances mutual understanding, interoperability, and strengthens military cooperation among the participating nations,” the Ministry said.
The IAF’s participation underscores India’s commitment to strengthening defence ties and interoperability with friendly nations in the region and beyond, it added.
