The Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced its participation in Exercise Bright Star-23, a 21-day multilateral triservice exercise in Egypt, marking its debut in the event. The exercise, running from August 27 to September 16 at Cairo (West) Air Base, also includes contingents from the USA, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar. The main goal is to hone the planning and execution of joint operations and bolster strategic relations.
The IAF has deployed five MiG-29 combat jets, six transport aircraft, and a special forces team. This includes personnel from the IAF’s Garud Special Forces and Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 Squadrons. Accompanying them are around 150 Army personnel.
This step follows the elevation of India-Egypt relations to a "strategic partnership" earlier in June, emphasizing stronger ties in political, defence, security, energy, and economic spheres. The two nations share a deep-rooted bond, dating back to joint aero-engine and aircraft projects in the 1960s, with Egyptian pilots being trained by their Indian peers. Recent visits by key officials have further cemented the bilateral bond, with an increased focus on joint training and exercises.
