Exercise Desert Flag-VI: UAE

• 03 Mar 2021

Why in News

For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the Exercise Desert Flag-VI, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.

Key Points

• About: Ex Desert Flag is an annual multinational large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the UAE Air Force.
• Aim: To provide operational exposure to the participating forces while training them to undertake simulated air combat operations in a controlled environment.
• Exercise Desert Flag-VI:
  
  • Duration: It isbout a three week long exercise scheduled from 3^rd - 27^th March 2021 at Al-Dhafra air base, UAE.
  • Participants: The air forces of the UAE, India, United States of America, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain.
  • India’s Participation: The IAF is participating with six Su-30 MKI, two C-17 Globemasters and one IL-78 tanker aircraft.
• Joint Military Exercises with the UAE:
  
  • With the UAE, India has In-UAE BILAT (bilateral naval exercise) as well as Desert Eagle-II (bilateral air force exercise).
• Recent Engagements:
  
  • India participated in the NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition).
    
    • The exhibitions showcase the latest technologies and innovation in the global defence sector, support the growth of UAE’s defence industry, and forge new relationships between major international companies.
• Examples of Other Multinational Exercises:
  
  • Pitch Black: Biennial, multilateral air combat training exercise of Australia.
  • Red Flag: Multilateral air exercise of USA.

Source: PIB