Indian Air Force participates in exercise Desert Flag 2021
The exercise, also known as Desert Flag IV, is held at Abu Dhabi/Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 3 to 21 March 2021. Together with the air forces of the UAE, the US, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain, the Bharatiya Vayu Sena (IAF, Indian Air Force) participates for the first time.
The Indian Air Force participates with six Sukhoi Su-30MKI-3 FLANKERs from 30 Squadron Rhinos originating from Pune/Lohegaon AFS and one Ilyushin Il-78MKI MIDAS aerial refuelers from 78 Squadron at Agra AFS. Two Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft from 81 Squadron at Hindon AFS provide support.
The aim of this annual multi-national large force employment warfare exercise is to provide operational exposure to the participating forces, while training them to undertake simulated air combat operations in a controlled environment.
India has built stronger defence ties with the Gulf nations through military training, intelligence-sharing and a few bilateral exercises over the years. According to a senior officer, this is the first time the IAF will take part in such a multi-lateral exercise in the crucial Gulf region. He also mentioned that this is the fourth time India participates in such an exercise in the last five years, after Red Flag 2016 (USA), Blue Flag 2017 (Israel) and Pitch Black 2018 (Australia).
Al-Dhafra airbase is the homebase for five United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF) fighter squadrons equipped with the Dassault Mirage 2000-9EAD/DAD and the Lockheed Martin F-16E/F Fighting Falcons.
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Image: Indian Air Force