Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts 'Exercise Desert Knight' with France and UAE counterparts. Check visuals here

Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted 'Exercise Desert Knight ' with French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force over the Arabian Sea, according to the official statement of IAF.

"The main focus of Exercise Desert Knight was on enhancing 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. Such exercises are indicative of the growing diplomatic and military interactions in the region, apart from showcasing the prowess of the IAF," said the official statement of IAF.



Aircrafts fielded by India, UAE and France:

India Air Force- Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J and Air to Air Refueller aircraft.
French Air and Space Force (FASF)- Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Tanker Transport
UAE Air Force- F-16.

"The exercise in Indian FIR ( (Flight Information Regions) was conducted over the Arabian Sea, with IAF aircraft operating from bases within India," the official statement read.

All airspace worldwide is divided into FIRs and each of them is managed by a controlling authority responsible for ensuring that air traffic services are provided to aircraft flying within it.

The exercise came amid increasing attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi militants in the Red Sea.

The trilateral exercise came days before India's Republic Day celebrations where two Rafale fighter jets and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French air force will also feature.

A 95-member marching contingent and 33-member band contingent from France will also take part in the parade.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26 that would make him the sixth leader from France to grace the prestigious annual event.

(with PTI inputs)