Exercise Desert Flag-VI: Annual Multi-Lateral Military Drill Culminates With De-Induction of IAF’s Contingent From UAE

Exercise Desert Flag –VI successfully culminated today with de-induction of the Indian contingent from UAE. Ex Desert Flag is an annual multi-lateral large force employment exercise hosted by UAE. The sixth edition of the exercise was conducted from March 4 to March 27 at Air Force Base Al Dhafra, UAE. IAF participated in the exercise for the first time, fielding Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. Six countries; UAE, USA, France, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain apart from India participated with aerial assets. Jordan, Greece, Qatar, Egypt and South Korea participated as observer forces.

The objectives for the exercise were to expose coalition participating forces to large force employment, sharpen tactical capabilities, and enhance interoperability along with fostering closer relations between the participating forces. The aim for the participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to operational environment in scenarios requiring multinational forces working together. Timely and seamless induction and de-induction was facilitated by IAF C-17 Globe master aircraft. Exercise Desert Flag VI: IAF to Participate in The Military Drill in UAE For The 1st Time.

Tweet BY IAF:

It's a Wrap!
After successful completion of #ExDesertFlag-VI, IAF contingent & all birds have landed back in India.

Thank you UAE Air Force for excellent support & hospitality. It was a great opportunity to fly together.#IndiaUAE

Read more on – https://t.co/2cAJYTc3K1 pic.twitter.com/JCVMBURGZ1

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 27, 2021

During the exercise IAF flew Large Force Engagement (LFE) missions in near realistic environment involving many aircraft of varied types. IAF successfully undertook all the planned missions, both by day and night, without any mission abort.  All possible assistance was provided by UAE Air Force ensuring that all planned activities were completed in time.

IAF has been actively participating in operational international exercises, wherein collaborative engagements are enhanced. A multinational Exercise in UAE with friendly forces afforded a unique opportunity to gain valuable learning to all the participating forces. The knowledge gained, lessons learnt and bonds made during the course of Ex Desert Flag-VI will go a long way in bolstering professional capabilities of the participating forces.

(Source: PIB)

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