The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the Exercise Desert Knight, a bilateral air exercise, with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force, informed the PIB.

The French participation included the Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Tanker Transport, the UAE Air Force fielded the F-16. These aircraft operated from the Al Dhafra air base in the UAE. The IAF contingent comprised of Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J and Air to Air Refueller aircraft. The exercise in Indian FIR was conducted over the Arabian Sea, with IAF aircraft operating from bases within India.

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The main focus of Exercise Desert Knight was to enhance synergy and interoperability between the three Air Forces. The interactions during the exercise facilitated the exchange of operational knowledge, experiences and best practices amongst the participants. According to PIB, such exercises are indicative of the growing diplomatic and military interactions in the region, apart from showcasing the prowess of the IAF.