Why in news?

The chiefs of Indian an French Air Forces joined the Air Exercise Garuda-VII in Jodhpur

Highlights

• Ex Garuda-VII is also the first occasion for the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the light combat helicopter (LCH) Prachand to participate in any international exercise
• This Exercise provided a unique opportunity for both Air Forces to learn and imbibe each other’s best practices during operations while also highlighted the growing interoperability between the two Air Force
• This includes four Rafale fighters and one A-330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from the French side.
• Apart from the LCA and LCH, the IAF contingent consists of Su-30 MK-I, Rafale and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as Mi-17 helicopters

About Garuda exercise

• The first, third and fifth editions of Garuda VII were conducted in India in 2003, 2006 and 2014 at Air Force Stations Gwalior, Kalaikunda and Jodhpur, respectively.
• The second, fourth and sixth editions were conducted in France in 2005, 2010 and 2019.
• It is being hosted by India for the fourth time so far.