New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) The Indian Air Force's (IAF) MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft are set to soar in the skies of the United Arab Emirates for the combat exercise 'Desert Flag-10', a multinational event that kicks off on Monday, according to an official statement.

A contingent from the IAF has successfully arrived at Al Dhafra Air Base for the exercise, which is scheduled to run from April 21 to May 8, the official noted.

This exercise, Desert Flag, is hosted by the UAE Air Force and includes participants from the Air Forces of Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the US.

The primary goal of this exercise is to conduct intricate and diverse fighter engagements while sharing operational insights and best practices with some of the most advanced Air Forces globally.

Engagements in such exercises promote mutual understanding, enhance interoperability, and fortify military collaborations among participating nations, as stated by the official.

The IAF’s involvement highlights India’s dedication to improving defense relationships and interoperability with allied nations both regionally and internationally.

Previously, another joint military exercise, the sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI, began on April 16 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh (Pune).

This exercise is set to continue until April 28.

The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel, represented by a Battalion of the JAT Regiment along with the IAF.

Meanwhile, the Uzbekistan contingent includes personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.

The DUSTLIK-VI joint exercise is an annual training event alternately conducted in India and Uzbekistan, with the last edition held in Termez district, Uzbekistan, in April 2024.

The theme focuses on Joint Multi Domain Sub Conventional operations in semi-urban environments, with an emphasis on responding to terrorist activities involving the capture of designated territories.

Additionally, it involves setting up a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level for ongoing joint operations, executing counterterrorism missions such as population control, raids, search-and-destroy missions, and employing firepower, including air assets, to neutralize terrorists.

During the exercise, Special Forces from both the Army and Air Force will secure a helipad to serve as a base for further operations.

The training will also cover drone deployment, counter-unmanned aerial system measures, and logistics support from the Air Force to sustain operations in hostile territories.

Furthermore, helicopters will be utilized for reconnaissance, observation, special heliborne missions, small team insertions and extractions, and related operations.

The DUSTLIK-VI exercise will enable both nations to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint sub-conventional operations, fostering interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual respect between the two armies.

This joint exercise aims to enhance defense collaboration, thereby strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.