For the first time, the most modern Rafale multi-role combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force, the Rafale, will take part in an overseas exercise in France alongside air forces from many countries, including those from NATO.
According to the Indian Defense Ministry, officials from the air forces of Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States will participate in the military exercise in France.
“An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent will be departing on Friday for France, to participate in Exercise Orion at Mont-de-Marsan, an Air Force base of the French Air and Space Force (FASF). The exercise will be conducted from 17 April to 05 May 2023,” the IAF stated on Thursday.
The statement continued,”the drills will be held from April 17 to May 5.”
Four Rafales, two C-17s, two ll-78 aircraft, and 165 air warriors comprise the IAF contingent.
“Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the Indian Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other air forces,” IAF PRO Wing Commander Ashish Moghe stated.
“Exercise Orion 2023” is the first exercise in what the French Ministry of Defense describes as a triennial cycle of exercises “aimed at reinforcing joint forces operational readiness.”
Almost 12,000 troops, including NATO allies, would be involved in this exercise’s fourth final phase.
The Orion 2023 war games’ first leg began on February 23 and ended on March 11.
According to a latest tweet by ANI,”Exercise Orion 23 | Today, four IAF Rafales departed for Mont-de-Marsan Airbase of the French Air and Space Force. This would be the first overseas exercise for IAF Rafales which are being staged by two C-17 aircraft: Indian Air Force.”