Air Force Chiefs of India, France, fly as part of Ex Garuda VII

Jodhpur: Showcasing close bilateral and defence ties, the Chiefs of the Indian and French Air Forces flew a sortie on Tuesday during the ongoing Ex Garuda VII here.
While the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari flew a sortie in an IAF Rafale fighter, the Chief of French Air and Space Force Gen Stéphane Mille flew in an IAF Su-30 MKI fighter, the IAF said.
Both participated in the exercise as part of a combined training mission which was flown from Air Force Station Jodhpur, the IAF added.
Speaking to the media later, along with the French counterpart, the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari brought out that Exercise Garuda provides the unique opportunity for both Air Forces to learn and imbibe best practices of each other during operations.
He also highlighted the growing interoperability between both air forces, which has been developing with each successive edition of the exercise, a regular bilateral exercise since 2003.
Ex Garuda VII is also the first occasion for the LCA Tejas and the recently inducted LCH Prachand to participate in any international exercise. The exercise, which is due to culminate on November 12, includes four FASF Rafale fighters and one A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
Apart from the LCA and LCH, the IAF contingent consists of Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as Mi-17 helicopters.
The IAF contingent also includes Combat Enabling Assets like Flight Refueling Aircraft, AWACS, AEW&C and Garud Special Forces.
(UNI)