Exercise Garuda VIII: Indo-French Air Combat Training

Exercise Garuda VIII, the eighth iteration of the bilateral Indo-French air combat training exercise, was conducted at Base Aérienne 118 Mont-de-Marsan, France, from November 16 until 27, 2025. This biennial exercise represented the continuation of a 22-year partnership between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF). Approximately 500 airmen from both nations were brought together to conduct complex tactical air operations in a challenging operational environment. Mont-de-Marsan was selected due to its optimal location near the Atlantic coast and extensive infrastructure. For the exercise, India deployed six Su-30MKI fighters of 15 Squadron from Sirsa Air Force Station in northwestern India to southern France, where the FASF operates the Dassault Rafale.

Historical Context and Strategic Framework

The exercise was opened by Air Division General Julien Sabéné, representing the FASF, who highlighted the historical context of Franco-Indian military aviation cooperation. His address acknowledged the long-standing operational relationship between the two air forces, noting the shared aircraft inventories that have defined this partnership over decades—including Jaguars, Mirage 2000s, and the Rafale. The exercise design enabled two weeks of intensive interaction between the Indian Su-30MKI and French Rafale platforms, supplemented by additional French assets including tankers, transport aircraft, and helicopters deployed from eight different French airbases. As General Sabéné noted, "Having about 500 airmen from our two air forces training side by side" was intended to build operational bonds through shared tactical challenges that transcend theoretical cooperation and forge practical interoperability. The French commander concluded his opening remarks by acknowledging the extensive planning required and extending recognition to airbase commander Colonel Sergeti and his staff.

Ambassador Singla, Ambassador of India to France, provided the diplomatic framework contextualizing Exercise Garuda VIII within the broader Indo-French bilateral relationship. His remarks at the exercise culmination ceremony emphasized both the tactical value of the flying operations and the larger strategic significance of such military-to-military exchanges. He noted that Exercise Garuda had evolved significantly since its inception more than 22 years ago, becoming one of the most sophisticated professional exchanges between the two nations' armed forces. The progression reflected enhanced operational sophistication, with more complex mission profiles testing the limits of tactical coordination between the two air forces.

The contemporary geopolitical context was emphasized as amplifying the significance of such exercises. The strategic partnership between France and India was traced to its formal inception in 1998, with both nations maintaining shared perspectives regarding future security challenges. The foundational principles underlying this partnership were articulated as shared democratic beliefs in multilateralism, respect for international law, and strong economic, cultural, academic, and people-to-people ties. According to the Ambassador, the exercise served as a practical mechanism for translating strategic intent into operational capability.

Exercise Design and Operational Architecture

Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel, serving as Garuda Mission Commander and representing the 30th Fighter Wing at Mont-de-Marsan, provided comprehensive insight into the operational architecture and tactical design. As a Rafale pilot tasked with constructing the exercise framework, the fundamental challenge faced was representing the full spectrum of modern air warfare within a compressed two-week timeline. The solution involved a progressive training architecture divided into two distinct phases, each addressing different aspects of air combat capability.

Phase One: Within-Visual-Range Combat Operations

The first week was dedicated to within-visual-range combat, emphasizing fundamental aircrew skills in close combat maneuvering and providing a foundation upon which more complex operations could be built. This phase focused on Basic Flight Maneuvers (BFM) and Air Combat Maneuvers (ACM) in one-versus-one and two-versus-one configurations. The week also incorporated extensive air-to-air refueling training, with both Rafale and Sukhoi aircraft conducting multiple aerial refueling sorties with the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). This capability validation represented a critical aspect of operational interoperability, demonstrating the compatibility of Indian and French aerial refueling systems.

Phase Two: Beyond-Visual-Range Operations

The second week transitioned to Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) operations characterized by longer and more complex mission profiles. These missions incorporated:

● Radar-guided missile engagements with simulated weapons employment

● High-value airborne asset protection missions requiring coordinated defensive packages

● Offensive counter-air operations including route sweeps and strike escort profiles

● Defensive counter-air missions designed to maintain airspace integrity against varied threat packages

A particularly sophisticated defensive counter-air scenario involved a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) relay with twelve aircraft conducting continuous operations for two hours, performing seamless handover procedures in the same area against multiple threats. This mission profile represented a high-end training scenario requiring precise coordination and timing between multiple flights operating in compressed airspace while maintaining positive identification and deconfliction.

French Force Package and Supporting Assets

The exercise incorporated challenging mission sets against slow-moving and low-altitude threats, representing scenarios increasingly relevant in contemporary operational environments. The unique challenge presented by these targets stems from their small radar cross-sections, low-altitude operations, and slow speeds that complicate weapon employment parameters for high-performance fighters. French helicopter units were integrated into the exercise scenario to provide realistic training against these tactically challenging targets. The exercise also planned to incorporate Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms, though weather constraints prevented their employment.

The French Air Force package supporting the exercise was substantial and diverse:

● Six to eight Rafales from the 30th Fighter Wing

● A330 MRTT and A400 tanker aircraft for air-to-air refueling and slow-mover protection

● E-3C Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft

● Ground-based systems simulating surface-to-air threats

● Light propeller aircraft and helicopters representing low-speed threats

● Additional fighter aircraft including Mirage 2000D ground-attack variants, Mirage 2000-5 air superiority fighters, and Rafales from other wings

Mission Tempo and Operational Statistics

The operational tempo throughout the exercise was intensive. A typical day commenced at 0700 hours, with the first wave launching at approximately 0730 hours local time. The operational day extended through morning and afternoon waves, with comprehensive debrief processes often extending into the evening hours. This 12 to 13-hour operational day, sustained across two weeks, represented significant physical and mental demands on participating aircrew and supporting personnel.

The first week featured multiple short-duration missions, allowing for higher sortie generation rates and individual pilot engagements. In contrast, the second week featured extended mission profiles with more complex coordination requirements and extensive briefings.

The exercise statistics reflected the intensity and scope of operations:

● Six Proficiency and Maneuverability (PAM) flights

● Sixteen one-versus-one BFM sorties

● Ten ACM missions (two-versus-one fighting maneuvers)

● Two large-scale offensive counter-air missions with high-value airborne asset protection

● One large-scale defensive counter-air mission (six versus six formation)

● One dedicated photo flight

● Approximately 90 flying hours per aircraft type

● 50 to 70 missions per aircraft

Indian Air Force Perspective and Deployment

Group Captain Rohit Kataria, leader of the Indian contingent, provided detailed insight into the IAF perspective, operational approach, and comprehensive preparation undertaken to deploy 15 Squadron across continents. The scale and composition of the Indian deployment was substantial, representing a complete combat-capable package of approximately 100 personnel with three different aircraft types. The core combat element consisted of a complete fighter squadron with six aircraft, its pilots, and technicians. Support services were represented from various headquarters and departments including air traffic control, safety services, meteorological services, and logistics. This comprehensive deployment ensured the Indian contingent could operate independently with organic support capabilities, demonstrating the IAF's expeditionary capabilities.

The operational objectives extended beyond simple flying operations to enhance tactical interoperability, advance the strategic partnership, and share best practices in operations, maintenance, and administration. However, the deeper purpose extended to cognitive understanding between the two air forces—the development of mutual comprehension of tactical thinking, decision-making processes, and operational approaches. As Group Captain Kataria emphasized, understanding how counterpart aircrew react to opportunities and threats, their aggressiveness in particular situations, and their risk tolerance constitutes the fundamental value proposition of the exercise. This cognitive dimension represents a more sophisticated form of interoperability than simple technical compatibility.

The pilot selection philosophy was inclusive, with participation ranging from the commanding officer to the youngest pilot. Non-flying personnel observed the exercise from ground control positions, learning from the operational environment. Drawing on personal experience flying both Mirage 2000 and Rafale aircraft, the Indian commander offered comparative perspective on the platforms involved. The Rafale's strengths were identified as data fusion, electronic warfare, omni-role capability, and weapon carriage capability exceeding its own weight due to composite construction and advanced design. The Su-30MKI's strengths were emphasised as exceptional maneuverability, thrust vectoring and spacious cockpit configuration.

Logistical Performance and Cultural Exchange

The logistical preparation for the deployment was comprehensive and demonstrated the IAF's capability to sustain complex operations at extended distances from home bases. Planning accounted for various spare parts, including modular components such as engines. This thorough preparation yielded excellent results throughout the exercise duration, with zero maintenance-related cancellations across more than 50 sorties. This achievement represented significant validation of IAF maintenance procedures, spare parts planning, and technical personnel proficiency operating in an unfamiliar environment approximately 7,000 kilometers from home base.

Beyond tactical aviation training, the comprehensive nature of the exercise objectives included cultural and diplomatic dimensions. The 100-plus person contingent's interaction with the local community in Mont-de-Marsan formed an integral component of the broader strategic partnership objectives, with personnel serving as ambassadors of the IAF and India.

Training progression and familiarisation

The operational progression featured careful attention to familiarization before progressing to complex operations. Immediately following arrival, familiarization flights were conducted to acclimate Indian pilots to the area of operations, nearby airfields, weather patterns, and Mont-de-Marsan airbase characteristics including runway features, approach procedures, and safety infrastructure. This foundation proved essential for safe conduct of subsequent tactical operations.

The first week concentrated on visual-range combat emphasizing individual pilot skills in well-defined, confined combat scenarios. The second week transitioned to large force engagements requiring sophisticated planning, coordination, and execution. These missions incorporated multiple combat enablers representing realistic operational complexity, including air-to-air refuelers that extended mission duration and geographic range. The operational tempo maintained continuous pressure on aircrews while ensuring adequate crew rest through structured rotation, following a cycle of plan, brief, fly, sleep and repeat.

Professional knowledge exchange and weapons simulation

The exercise design incorporated contemporary combat developments, ensuring training relevance to current operational challenges. Advancements in air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-to-air weapons from recent conflicts were factored into the exercise. This evolutionary approach ensured operational relevance rather than scripted repetition of outdated tactics. Engagement between weapons school instructors from both nations enabled discussion of tactical developments, weapons employment techniques and operational concepts at sophisticated levels while respecting appropriate security boundaries.

The mission planning and execution methodology employed generic weapons parameters rather than revealing specific performance characteristics of classified systems. Air-to-air missiles were simulated in categories of very long range, medium range and short range without reference to specific systems. This methodology enabled pilots to employ realistic tactics based on weapon performance categories without compromising sensitive information.

India's ongoing efforts to expand indigenous weapons capability were highlighted, with particular reference to the Astra series of indigenous missiles. These weapons, being actively developed in variants for long, medium and short ranges, represent a milestone in India's defense indigenisation programme, providing modern beyond-visual-range capability with domestically manufactured weapons.

Aerial Refueling Operations

The aerial refueling operations conducted during the exercise represented significant capability validation, demonstrating compatibility between Indian fighters and French tanker aircraft. Technical compatibility was confirmed, with the basket-and-drogue end system being compatible regardless of tanker platform. While some younger pilots experienced their first French tanker contacts during Garuda VIII, many experienced aviators had conducted similar operations during previous exercises and during the original Rafale ferry flights from France to India.

The Su-30MKI was characterised as well adapted for air-to-air refueling, with the aircraft demonstrating stability due to its size and weight. The probe position differences between the Su-30MKI and Rafale presented no significant operational challenges, as pilots received appropriate training for their respective aircraft configurations.

Strategic Assessment and Future Implications

Exercise Garuda VIII concluded on 27 November 2025, having achieved its stated objectives of enhancing tactical interoperability, refining combat procedures, and strengthening the strategic partnership between the IAF and FASF. The successful execution under challenging weather conditions—November being one of the wettest months at Mont-de-Marsan with frequent precipitation, low cloud ceilings, and reduced visibility—demonstrated the adaptability and professionalism of both participating forces.

The progressive training architecture, beginning with fundamental within visual range combat and culminating in sophisticated beyond visual range scenarios, validated the exercise design philosophy. The structured approach enabled aircrew from both nations to develop shared tactical understanding while operating increasingly complex mission profiles in a compressed timeframe. The emphasis on cognitive interoperability—understanding how counterpart aircrew think, react, and make decisions under pressure—represented perhaps the most significant outcome. This psychological dimension of joint training creates the foundation for effective combined operations in future contingencies.

Exercise Garuda VIII reinforced the position of the Franco-Indian air warfare partnership within the broader strategic relationship between the two nations. The exercise served as a practical demonstration of the multilateral approach to security challenges, contributing to the larger architecture of Indo-French defense cooperation encompassing equipment procurement, technology transfer, and strategic consultation on regional security matters.

The 22 year evolution of the Garuda exercise series, from its inception in 2003 through the eighth edition at Mont-de-Marsan, reflects the deepening and maturing of Indo-French military cooperation. Each iteration has progressively expanded the scope and sophistication of training, incorporating new platforms, more complex scenarios, and enhanced integration of combat enablers. The bilateral foundation established through the Garuda series creates conditions for more ambitious multilateral cooperation, as demonstrated by France's participation as an anchor nation in India's Tarang Shakti multilateral exercise in 2024.

Conclusion

Exercise Garuda VIII represents both culmination and foundation—the peak of over two decades of joint air combat training and the starting point for deeper collaboration. The exercise demonstrated that successful defense cooperation requires long-term commitment, investment in interoperability, and mutual respect. Technical compatibility alone is insufficient; cultural understanding, transparency in identifying and addressing capability gaps, and integration of operational cooperation into a broader strategic partnership are essential. As the IAF and FASF continue to modernise and adapt to new operational demands, the groundwork laid by Garuda VIII positions both nations to strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to wider multilateral security efforts. The operational skills, institutional relationships, and mutual trust built through this exercise series constitute strategic assets of lasting value to both nations.