IAF joins French Air and Space Force for Exercise Garuda 25 in France
The Indian Air Force is taking part in the 8th edition of the bilateral air exercise Garuda 25 with the French Air and Space Force at Mont-de-Marsan, France from 16 to 27 November 2025, the Defence Ministry said on 15 November 2025.
Summary
For Exercise Garuda 25, the IAF contingent arrived in France on 10 November with Su-30MKI fighters, supported by C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for airlift and IL-78 tankers for air-to-air refuelling. The Su-30MKIs will fly alongside French multirole fighters in complex simulated air combat scenarios covering air-to-air combat, air defence and joint strike operations, aimed at refining tactics and improving interoperability between the two air forces.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Garuda 25 (8th edition)
- Partners
- IAF and French Air and Space Force
- Venue
- Mont-de-Marsan, France
- Dates
- 16–27 Nov 2025
- IAF assets
- Su-30MKI; C-17 (airlift); IL-78 (refuelling)
- Focus
- Air combat, air defence, joint strike
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Exercise Garuda 25, held in November 2025, is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the air force of:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — France
Garuda is the bilateral air exercise between the IAF and the French Air and Space Force.
Where was the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda held in November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Mont-de-Marsan, France
Garuda 25 was held at Mont-de-Marsan, France from 16 to 27 November 2025.
Which IAF fighter aircraft took part in Exercise Garuda 25?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Su-30MKI
The IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighters, supported by C-17 and IL-78 aircraft.