Exercise Garuda 25, the 8th edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), concluded at Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, France, on 27 November 2025. The IAF contingent returned to India on 02 December 2025. The IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighters, supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. Training included joint mission planning, coordinated execution of strike and escort missions and familiarisation with each other's operational procedures. The entry date of the release is 04 DEC 2025 11:58AM by PIB Delhi. The release ID is: 2198620. Visitor access to the website : 2244.
Key Entities Referenced
Exercise Garuda: A bilateral Indo-French air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF).
Indian Air Force (IAF): One of the participating forces in Exercise Garuda.
French Air and Space Force (FASF): One of the participating forces in Exercise Garuda.
France: Location of Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, where Exercise Garuda concluded.
Ministry of Defence: The ministry under which the information regarding Exercise Garuda is released.
Ministry of Defence
EXERCISE GARUDA 25 CONCLUDES: INDO–
FRENCH AIR FORCES SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETE 8TH EDITION OF BILATERAL AIR
EXERCISE
प्रव तथ: 04 DEC 2025 11:58AM by PIB Delhi
The 8th edition of Exercise Garuda, a bilateral Indo–French air exercise between the Indian Air Force
(IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), concluded at Air Base 118, Mont-de-Marsan, France,
on 27 November 2025. The IAF contingent returned to India on 02 December 2025 after the successful
culmination of the exercise.
During the exercise, the IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighters, supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelling
aircraft and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and both air forces conducted a range of complex air
operations in a realistic operational environment. The training involved joint mission planning,
coordinated execution of strike and escort missions and familiarisation with each other’s operational
procedures, thereby enhancing interoperability. The IAF maintenance crew ensured high serviceability
throughout, enabling smooth conduct of all planned missions. Senior officials from both nations interacted
with the participants during the closing ceremony, commending the professionalism, discipline, and
commitment displayed by both participating forces.
Exercise Garuda 25 was one of the largest international air training engagements undertaken by the IAF
this year. The exercise reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between India and France and provided
valuable operational insights to the participating forces. The lessons learnt will further enhance the IAF’s
war-fighting capabilities and strengthen jointmanship with friendly foreign air forces.***
VK/JS/SM
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