IAF Contingent Lands In Egypt For Bright Star 2023 Multi-Lateral Tri-Service Joint Drills

In a step towards international defense collaboration and interoperability, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived at the Egyptian Air Force Base to take part in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, commencing on Monday.

"Touchdown at the Cairo-based Egyptian Air Force base. Our abode for the forthcoming three weeks," the Indian Air Force (IAF) posted on X.

Participating in the biennial multilateral tri-service drill at Cairo (West) Air Base, the IAF contingent began the exercise on Sunday (27 August), scheduled to conclude on September 16, as per a press release from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

This edition marks the IAF's first participation in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23, where air force units from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar will also be participating.

Comprising 5 MiG-29 fighter jets, 2 IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircrafts, 2 C-130, and 2 C-17 transport aircrafts, the Indian Air Force contingent includes personnel from the IAF's Garud Special Forces as well as members from Squadrons 28, 77, 78, and 81.

Furthermore, IAF transport aircrafts will airlift the approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army.

The MoD press release states that, "the objective of the exercise is to practice planning and execution of joint operations."

"Besides leading to the formation of bonding across borders, such interactions also provide a means to further strategic relations between participating nations," the release adds.

India and Egypt share a longstanding exceptional relationship and robust cooperation.

The two nations collaborated on aero-engine and aircraft development during the 1960s and facilitated the training of Egyptian pilots by their Indian counterparts.

Recent visits by the Chiefs of Air Forces of both countries, along with the Indian Defence Minister and Prime Minister, have further cemented this relationship.

The Armed Forces of India and Egypt have also elevated their shared training initiatives, regularly conducting joint exercises.