IAF Contingent Departs For Maiden ExerciseBRIGHT STAR-23 Participation In Egypt: Check Details

IAF's contingent comprises five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft. IAF's Garud Special Forces personnel and personnel from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 Squadrons will also take part.

Picture of the Indian contingent that has departed to participate in ExerciseBRIGHT STAR-23 ( Image Source :IAF )

A contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) departed today (Sunday, August 27) to participate in ExerciseBRIGHT STAR-23, a biennial multilateral tri-service exercise, which is slated to take place from August 27 to September 16 in Egypt's Cairo. This is the first time ever that IAF is participating in the Ex-BRIGHT STAR-23, an official release from the Ministry of Defence said. The said exercise will also see the participation of countries such as the US, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar, the statement read. 

IAF's contingent will comprise five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft. IAF's Garud Special Forces personnel and personnel from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 Squadrons will also be participating in the exercise. Apart from this, the IAF transport aircraft will also be providing airlift to around 150 personnel of the Indian Army. 

The prime objective of this exercise is to practice planning and execution of joint operations. According to the official press release, such interaction between nations also provides a means to form deeper strategic relations between themselves along with forming deeper bonds across borders. "IAF contingents to flying exercises abroad are thus no less than Diplomats in Flight Suits," the statement said.

The Ministry added that India and Egypt have had exceptional relationships and deep cooperation where both nations jointly undertook the development of aero-engine and aircraft in the decade of 1960s. Training of Egyptian pilots during that was done by their Indian counterparts, it said.

The relationship between both nations was further strengthened with the recent visits by the Chief of Air Forces of both countries. The visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Egypt also contributed significantly to strengthening the bond. According to the statement, "the two countries have also enhanced their joint training by conducting regular exercises between their Armed Forces."