Abu Dhabi: India-UAE defence cooperation has taken a significant step forward with the recent participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the Desert Flag-10 exercise, hosted by the United Arab Emirates. This comes shortly after Sheikh Hamdan, the UAE Defence Minister and Crown Prince of Dubai, made his first official visit to India, underscoring the rising strategic synergy between the two nations.
Desert Flag-10 began on 21 April and will continue until 08 May 2025 at the Al Dhafra Air Base. The IAF has deployed MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter aircraft to the UAE for this prestigious multinational air combat training. According to India’s Ministry of Defence, this engagement highlights India’s commitment to improving interoperability and defence ties with friendly nations across the region.
The UAE Air Force organises the exercise, with participation from 12 countries including Australia, France, Germany, Qatar, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, and the US. Germany’s Tactical Air Wing 33 has deployed eight Tornado jets, while South Korea sent around 30 personnel along with a C-130H for tactical training. Saudi Arabia’s F-15C units are also in action.
The India UAE defence alignment benefits from such collaborations, which focus on air-to-ground precision strikes, strategic planning, and combat readiness. Shared objectives include the exchange of expertise, joint mission execution, and stronger ties between participating forces.
India’s active role in Desert Flag-10 not only enhances military capability but also reinforces its growing presence in regional security frameworks, positioning the India UAE defence partnership as a key pillar in West Asia.
- This article is contributed by a The Brew Reader – Dhirendra Pratap, readers can reach him on Twitter @DPSS87
