India, France, UAE Strengthen Defense Cooperation With ‘Desert Knight’ Air Combat Exercise Over Arabian Sea

India, France, and the UAE launched a significant air combat exercise, "Desert Knight," on Wednesday (11 December) over the Arabian Sea. The exercise is designed to bolster trilateral defense cooperation and enhance interoperability among the air forces of the three nations in complex combat scenarios, according to reports from The Times of India (TOI).

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contributed with a range of aircraft, including Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, and 11-78 mid-air refuellers, alongside AEW&C (airborne early-warning and control) systems. These assets operated from Jamnagar on India's west coast. The French Rafale jets and UAE F-16s participated from the Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE.

Key Aspects of the Exercise

The exercise, described as a "large force engagement," involved extensive combat manoeuvres approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi, over the Arabian Sea. As reported by TOI, an insider shared, "The Desert Knight exercise will span three days. It marks the second trilateral collaboration this year, aimed at building synergy among the three air forces and enhancing combat proficiency with multiple aircraft types operating in realistic settings."

Strategic Implications Amid Geopolitical Tensions

"Desert Knight" comes at a time when defense cooperation is becoming increasingly crucial due to the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and the Persian Gulf regions. The exercise underscores the growing emphasis on enhancing interoperability among nations with shared security interests, particularly in response to China’s assertive posturing and expanding influence in these regions.

The exercise is part of a broader strategic partnership initiated by India, France, and the UAE in 2022. This partnership extends beyond defense to include technology, energy, and environmental cooperation. The trilateral framework aims to build a comprehensive roadmap for collaboration across sectors.

A notable precursor to "Desert Knight" was the first trilateral maritime exercise conducted last year, which brought together the navies of India, France, and the UAE. This exercise focused on countering both traditional and non-traditional security challenges on the high seas.

Established Bilateral Relationships

India’s strategic ties with France have been strong for decades, encompassing maritime security, counterterrorism, and defense-industrial cooperation. Both nations regularly engage in joint military exercises, such as Shakti (Army), Varuna (Navy), and Garuda (Air Force), to strengthen operational readiness.

Similarly, India’s defense engagement with the UAE has grown substantially, marked by professional exchanges, training programs, and joint exercises. India's participation in the multi-nation Desert Flag exercise at Al Dhafra reflects the deepening of its relationship with the Gulf region.

Exhibitions like "Desert Knight" highlight India's commitment to strengthening its defense alliances and adapting to the shifting global security dynamics. They emphasise the importance of collaborative frameworks to address emerging threats and secure key strategic regions.

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