Desert Flag-10: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has sent a team of pilots and fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take part in a major international air training event called Exercise Desert Flag-10. According to Ministry of Defence, this big air combat exercise is happening from 21 April to 8 May 2025 and is hosted by the UAE Air Force. Air forces from 11 other countries, including Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany and Qatar, are also joining this event.
The goal of Exercise Desert Flag is to practice complex air missions and help different air forces learn from each other. This includes sharing how they operate and what methods work best in different combat situations. For this mission, the IAF has sent its MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft.
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The MiG-29 is a powerful fighter jet that can attack enemy planes and hit ground targets when visibility is good. This jet carries many types of weapons such as air-to-air missiles that can hit targets both near and far, as well as different types of unguided rockets and bombs weighing up to 3,000 kilograms. It also comes with a built-in 30mm gun, making it effective in both air combat and ground attacks.
The Jaguar is another important aircraft that the IAF is using in this exercise. It can fly as fast as 1,699 kilometers per hour. It has a combat range of 908 kilometers, which means it can travel that far while still having enough fuel to fight. Its ferry range is 3,524 kilometers, and it can fly up to 14,000 meters high. The IAF plans to keep using the Jaguar until the year 2034.
Taking part in this training gives India and other countries a chance to work closely together, build stronger friendships, and better understand how to cooperate during real missions. According to a press release from the Indian Ministry of Defence, “The IAF’s participation underscores India’s commitment to strengthening defence ties and interoperability with friendly nations in the region and beyond.”
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The last Desert Flag event, which was Desert Flag 9, saw 10 nations take part and involved 12 different types of aircraft. This year, more countries have joined, showing how important this event has become.
India’s involvement in this international exercise comes shortly after a big step taken by the Ministry of Defence. The ministry signed two agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to buy 156 Prachand light combat helicopters. The total cost of these helicopters before taxes is Rs 627 billion. Out of these, the IAF will get 66 helicopters, and the Indian Army will receive 90 helicopters.
