IAF Will Make Its Debut In Tri-Service Military Exercise Hosted By Egypt

The drills come months after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended this year’s Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, a first for an Egyptian leader

In a step aimed at deepening military ties with Egypt, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent on Sunday left for the north-eastern African country to take part in the multilateral exercise Bright Star-23 involving the participation of the US, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar, officials aware of the development said.

The IAF is taking part in the tri-service exercise, being held at the Cairo west air base from August 27 to September 16, for the first time.

The Garud Special Forces are also participating in the drills, the IAF said in a statement, adding that the air force contingent consists of five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130Js, and two C-17 aircraft. Around 150 Indian Army personnel are also being airlifted by IAF transport planes, according to the statement.

The exercise’s goal is to practise planning and carrying out cooperative operations. Such contacts not only foster cross-border relationships but also give participating nations a way to strengthen their strategic ties, according to the IAF statement.

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The exercises take place months after Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the president of Egypt, became the first Egyptian leader to attend this year’s Republic Day celebrations as the principal guest. An Egyptian armed forces contingent also made its first appearance at India’s biggest ceremonial parade.

Ex Cyclone-I, the first-ever combined exercise between the Special Forces, was performed in January, and Exercise Bright Star-23 is the follow-up.

“India and Egypt share a remarkable history and close cooperation. In the 1960s, the two countries worked together to build aircraft and aero engines, and Indian colleagues trained Egyptian pilots. Regular exercises between their armed forces have improved the two nations’ joint training, according to an IAF statement.

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With the signing of an agreement to increase cooperation in security, trade, investment, and technology during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Egypt at the end of June, India and Egypt upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership. First Indian prime minister to travel to Egypt in 26 years was Modi.

Modi received the Order of the Nile from Sisi during a brief ceremony, which is Egypt’s highest official honour. Former US president Jimmy Carter and former South African president Nelson Mandela are among others who have also earned this honour.