Abu Dhabi, April 21, 2025 — In a major display of international defense cooperation and aerial warfare capability, a contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived at the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the prestigious multinational air combat exercise Desert Flag-10. The exercise is scheduled to run from April 21 to May 8, 2025, and brings together air forces from some of the world’s most advanced military nations.
The Indian Air Force is participating with its frontline MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter jets, supported by a team of skilled pilots, engineers, and ground staff. Their participation underlines India’s strategic commitment to building stronger defense ties with friendly nations across the globe.
A Platform for Global Aerial Excellence
Organized annually by the UAE Air Force, Exercise Desert Flag is one of the most complex and large-scale air warfare drills in the Middle East. This year, the 10th edition is witnessing participation from over a dozen nations including:
- Australia
- Bahrain
- France
- Germany
- India
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
These nations have deployed advanced fighter aircraft, strategic transport planes, and support units to the UAE, creating a unique opportunity for cross-training, tactical drills, and fostering military camaraderie.
Enhancing Operational Synergy and Interoperability
The key objective of Desert Flag-10 is to enhance interoperability, combat readiness, and shared tactical understanding among participating air forces. Through joint missions, simulated aerial dogfights, and coordinated attack plans, the air forces are focusing on executing multi-domain and multi-faceted combat scenarios.
For the Indian Air Force, this is more than just a show of strength. It’s a deliberate move to strengthen ties with partner nations and adapt to evolving air combat doctrines. The involvement of the IAF highlights India’s emphasis on learning best practices, sharing operational expertise, and refining its capabilities in joint warfare environments.
India’s Growing Role in Global Defense Engagement
This isn’t the first time the IAF is participating in an international drill of such scale. Over the past few years, India has ramped up its participation in multinational exercises like Red Flag (USA), Garuda (France), and Pitch Black (Australia). Each engagement brings valuable tactical insights, exposure to different combat philosophies, and real-time collaboration with elite global forces.
India’s presence at Desert Flag-10 is a testament to its rising profile in international defense circles and its proactive stance in defense diplomacy. The exercise is also symbolic of India’s commitment to regional peace, strategic cooperation, and collective security.
Strengthening Military-to-Military Relationships
These multinational exercises foster not only military preparedness but also trust and coordination between nations. With growing geopolitical complexities, such cooperation becomes essential. The IAF’s interaction with other air forces during Desert Flag will help create a mutual understanding that could prove vital during future joint operations or humanitarian missions.
By deploying its MiG-29s and Jaguars—fighter jets known for their agility, precision, and long-standing service—the Indian Air Force showcases not only its capabilities but also its readiness to collaborate on global platforms.
As the exercise unfolds over the next two weeks, all eyes will be on how these elite forces work together, challenge each other, and refine their strategies. For India, this is a chance to reinforce its place at the table of advanced aerial forces, and for the world, Desert Flag-10 stands as a model of unity through strength.
