Exercise Garuda
Bilateral training exercise between Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.[1] The eight edition, the latest iteration of the exercise, was hosted in France in November 2025.[2] The exercises are held alternatively in India and France air forces.[1]
| Exercise Garuda | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Military exercise |
| Frequency | Variable |
| Country | India, France |
| Years active | 23 |
| Established | 2003 |
| Previous event | 2022 (26 October – 12 November) |
| Participants | Indian Air Force & French Air and Space Force |
List of Garuda exercises
| Edition | Year | Location | Dates | IAF units | FASF units | Notes | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garuda I | 2003 | Gwalior AFS, India | [3] | ||||
| Garuda II | 2005 | Istres Air Base, France | [1] | ||||
| Garuda III | 2007 | Kalaikunda AFS, India | 13 - 25 February |
|
[4] | ||
| Garuda IV | 2010 | Istres Air Base, France | 14 - 25 June |
|
Singapore Air Force participated in the exercise with F-16 Fighting Falcon. Included para jumps by Garud and French Special Forces from Il-76. | [5][6][7] | |
| Garuda V | 2014 | Jodhpur AFS, India | 2 - 13 June |
|
[8][9][1] | ||
| Garuda VI | 2019 | Mont-de-Marsan, France | 1 - 12 July |
|
[10] | ||
| Garuda VII | 2022 | Jodhpur AFS, India | 26 October – 12 November |
|
|
[11][3] | |
| Garuda VIII | 2025 | Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France | 16 – 27 November |
|
|
The Indian contingent had reached France on 10 November and returned to Indian on 2 December.[12] The exercise involves over 500 airmen and 25 aircraft. | [2][13][14] |
Gallery
IAF Su-30 MKI, French Rafale and IAF Tejas at Exercise Garuda
IAF Su-30MKI refuelling from a French C-135F
An IL-78 MKI during Exercise Garuda 2019
An Indo-French formation (including IAF Su-30 MKI, French Rafale, IAF Tejas) led by Rafale over Thar Desert during Garuda VII 2022.
HAL Tejas during the exercise in 2022
