IAF contingent lands in France for Garuda-VI air exercise

New Delhi: An Indian Air Force contingent has landed in Mont-de-Marsan in France to participate in a bilateral exercise 'Garuda-VI' with the French Air Force. The IAF contingent was received by Colonel Gaudillere, Base Commander, Air Base Mont-De-Marsan. The IAF will be participating in a bilateral exercise with the French Air Force from July 1 to 12.

This is the sixth edition of Exercise Garuda, the last being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in June 2014. A total of 120 air warriors along with four Su-30 MKI, IL-78 flight refuelling aircraft will participate in the exercise. The logistic support to the contingent during the induction and de-induction phase would be provided by C-17 aircraft.

This is one of the biggest air exercises between the two air forces. The IAF Su-30 MKI will be operating in a simulated operational warfighting scenario along with the French Air Force's multirole Rafale aircraft.