In News:

India, France and UAE recently kicked off a major air combat exercise called “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea, strengthening trilateral defence cooperation and enhancing military interoperability amid the ongoing geopolitical churn.

Key Highlights:

• What It Is: A trilateral air combat exercise aimed at improving military interoperability and enhancing combat readiness among the participating nations.
• Nations Involved: India, France, and the UAE.
• Location: Conducted over the Arabian Sea, approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi.
• Aim of the Exercise:
  • To strengthen trilateral defence cooperation among the three nations.
  • To enhance combat skills and military interoperability of the air forces involved.
• Details of the Exercise:
  • Duration: The exercise lasts for three days.
  • The exercise involves large force engagement and intensive combat maneuvers in a realistic operational environment.
• Aircraft Involved:
  • India: Deployed Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft from bases like Jamnagar.
  • France: Deployed Rafale jets and other aircraft from Al Dhafra airbase.
  • UAE: Deployed F-16 jets and other aircraft from Al Dhafra airbase.

Strategic Significance:

• The exercise is part of India’s efforts to build military interoperability with nations in the Persian Gulf region and strengthen defence ties with France and the UAE.
• Enhances combat readiness and strengthens cooperation against both traditional and non-traditional threats.
• Reflects the geopolitical shift and growing military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the context of China’s expansionist activities.
• Trilateral Framework: India, France, and the UAE launched a trilateral framework in 2022, focusing on areas like defence, technology, energy, and environment.
• Previous Exercises: In addition to Desert Knight, the countries also conducted their first trilateral maritime exercise in June 2023 to enhance cooperation in maritime security.

Broader Defence Relations:

• India-France: Long-standing strategic partnership with regular joint exercises like Shakti (army), Varuna (navy), and Garuda (air force).
• India-UAE: The defence relationship has grown significantly in recent years, with regular professional exchanges, combat exercises, and staff talks. India participates in the Desert Flag exercise at Al Dhafra airbase annually.