Exercise Garuda

Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF). The first edition of the exercise was held in 2003 at Gwalior AFS, was witnessed by Chief of Staff of the FASF. The eighth edition, the latest iteration of the exercise, was hosted in France in November 2025. The exercises are held alternatively in India and France air forces.

List of Garuda exercises +EditionYearLocationDatesIAF unitsFASF unitsNotesReferenceGaruda I2003Gwalior AFS, IndiaGaruda II2005Istres Air Base, FranceGaruda III2007Kalaikunda AFS, India13 - 25 February Su-30MKI Mirage 2000 MiG-27 Mirage 2000-5 M-2000D E-3F SentryGaruda IV2010Istres Air Base, France14 - 25 June 6 Su-30MKI 3 Il-78MKI 1 Il-76 Mirage 2000–5 Rafale E-3 Sentry KC-135 StratotankerSingapore Air Force participated in the exercise with F-16 Fighting Falcon. Included para jumps by Garud and French Special Forces from Il-76.Garuda V2014Jodhpur AFS, India2 - 13 June 4 Su-30MKI 4 MiG-27 4 MiG-21 1 Il-78MKI 1 A-50EI 4 Rafale 1 KC-135 StratotankerGaruda VI2019Mont-de-Marsan, France1 - 12 July Su-30MKI Rafale Il-78MKI C-17 Globemaster IIIGaruda VII2022Jodhpur AFS, India26 October – 12 November Su-30MKI Rafale Tejas Jaguar Prachand Mi-17 Il-78MKI Netra AEW&C 4 Rafale 1 Airbus A330 MRTTGaruda VIII2025Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France16 – 27 November 6 Su-30MKI 3 C-17 Globemaster III 1 Il-78MKI 10 Rafales 6 Mirage 2000s 1 H225M 1 A330 MRTT 1 Airbus A400M AtlasThe Indian contingent had reached France on 10 November and returned to Indian on 2 December. The exercise involves over 500 airmen and 25 aircraft.

Gallery

Exercise Garuda

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