IAF will participate in Multinational “Exercise Desert Flag”

What is the News?

Indian Air Force(IAF) is all set to take part in the multinational Exercise Desert Flag in the UAE.

Exercise Desert Flag:

• Exercise Desert Flag is an annual multinational large force employment warfare exercise. United Arab Emirates Air Force hosts this exercise.
• Aim: It provides operational exposure to the participating forces. Further, Exercise Desert Flag also trains them to undertake simulated air combat operations in a controlled environment. It involves diverse fighter aircraft from across the globe.
• Participating Countries: Ten countries including India, the United Arab Emirates, the USA, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Bahrain are participating in the exercise.
• Observer Countries: Greece, Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt.
• Significance of the Exercise Desert Flag: The exercise gives an opportunity to participating countries to:
  • Enhance their operational capabilities along with the mutual exchange of best practices.
  • Contribute towards the strengthening of their international relations.

Importance for India:

• This is the first time India will participate in Exercise Desert Flag. Further, It is also the first time India is taking part in a multinational air combat exercise in the strategically located Persian Gulf region.
• It is for the fourth time when IAF is participating in such a multilateral exercise in the last five years. The other three were,
  1. American “Red Flag” in 2016.
  2. Israeli “Blue Flag” in 2017
  3. Australian “Pitch Black” war games in 2018

Source: PIB