Why in news?

• Eighth edition of the Exercise Garuda begins and scheduled from November 16 to 27.

Exercise Garuda 2025

• What is it?: It is a bilateral air exercise between Indian and France.
• Focus: It focuses on air-to-air combat drills, air defence missions, joint strike operations, and the refinement of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Features: Held alternately in India and France.
• Significance:
  • Participation of the IAF and FASF in this exercise will promote professional interaction, exchange of experiences and enhancement of operational knowledge, besides strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
  • It reflects deepening defence and strategic ties under the India–France Strategic Partnership (established in 1998).