Question: Which countries will conduct a bilateral Air exercise, Ex Desert Knight-21 at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 20 to 24 January 2021?
(a) India and France
(b) India and Spain
(c) India and Russia
(d) India and Vietnam
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- Participating countries / Armed forces: Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace).
- Duration : 20th to 24th January 2021.
- Participating Aircrafts from France: Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft (and approximately 175 personnel).
- Participating Aircrafts from India: Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C aircraft.
- Air Exercises (six editions) held between Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force : Garuda.
- Last Garuda Exercise held: In 2019 at Air Force Base Mont-de-Marsan, France.
- Importance : The exercise is unique as it includes fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides and is indicative of the growing interaction between the two premier Air Forces.
By: Sachin Singh