New Delhi: India is making significant progress towards expanding its international defence cooperation. An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent embarked on a journey for participate in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 – a biennial multilateral tri-service exercise scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt from August 27 to September 16, 2023.
This is for the first time that IAF is participating in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23. The exercise will also see participation of contingents from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar. The Indian Air Force contingent will consist of five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAF’s Garud Special Forces, as well as those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 Squadrons will be participating in the exercise. The IAF transport aircraft will also provide airlift to approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army.
The primary objective of Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 is to execute and refine joint operations planning. This exercise serves as an opportunity for participants to collaboratively strategize and practice executing operations in a multinational environment. Beyond the military aspect, such interactions foster camaraderie across borders and contribute to the cultivation of strategic alliances among the participating nations. Thus, the IAF contingents that partake in international flying exercises effectively don the role of “Diplomats in Flight Suits.”
India and Egypt have had exceptional relationship and deep cooperation wherein the two jointly undertook development of aero-engine and aircraft in 1960s and training of Egyptian pilots was done by Indian counterparts. The relationship between the two civilisational countries was further strengthened with the recent visits by Chief of Air Forces of the two countries and Indian Defence Minister and Prime Minister to Egypt. The two countries have also enhanced their joint training with regular exercises between their Armed Forces which have become a hallmark of the strategic partnership between the two countries’ Armed Forces.
The IAF’s contingent flight to Cairo, not only signifies the IAF’s prowess but also highlights India’s dedication to international cooperation and collaboration. This participation in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 underscores India’s aspiration to be an active contributor to global security and stability. The IAF’s involvement in this exercise is a testament to its commitment to enhancing its operational readiness, fostering camaraderie, and forging enduring partnerships on the global stage.
