Indian Air Force provides mid-air assistance to Egyptian jet during training exercise
Cairo, September 03: The Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-78 air-to-air refueling aircraft played a crucial role in refueling Egyptian Air Force aircraft during Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, as announced by the Indian Air Force on Sunday.
In a tweet posted on X (formerly Twitter), the IAF underscored the significance of the event by stating, "Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refueling aircraft refueled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force."
Bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt.
Snippets from the #ExerciseBrightStar, where the #IAF IL-78 AAR aircraft refuelled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force.@EgyArmySpox@indembcairo#DiplomatsInFlightSuits pic.twitter.com/u0ZlbuXLzz — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 3, 2023
This collaboration between the IAF and the Egyptian Air Force during the training exercise demonstrates the strong ties and cooperation between the two nations.
Earlier, in a noteworthy stride towards fostering global defense cooperation, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived at the Egyptian Air Force Base to participate in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 on Monday.
The IAF shared their arrival on X, stating, "Touchdown at the Egyptian Air Force base in Cairo. Our home for the next three weeks."
This biennial multilateral tri-service exercise, taking place at Cairo (West) Air Base, commenced on Sunday and will conclude on September 16, as conveyed by the Ministry of Defence through a press release.
The participation of the IAF in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23 marks a historic moment, with air force contingents from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar also taking part.
The Indian Air Force contingent includes 5 MiG-29s, 2 IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAF's Garud Special Forces, along with those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 squadrons, will be actively involved in the exercise. Additionally, IAF transport aircraft will provide airlift support for approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army.
The IAF's participation in such international exercises serves not only to strengthen global defense cooperation but also to practice the planning and execution of joint operations. These exercises foster closer bonds among air warriors from different nations and further enhance the strategic relations between participating countries, as stated in a previous MoD release.
IAF contingents participating in international exercises like this are often referred to as "Diplomats in Flight Suits," emphasizing their role in promoting diplomatic ties.
India and Egypt share a historically strong and cooperative relationship, having jointly worked on aero-engine and aircraft development in the 1960s, as well as mutual pilot training programs. Recent high-level visits between the Chief of Air Forces of both countries and Indian Defense Minister and Prime Minister to Egypt have further strengthened this partnership. Additionally, regular joint exercises between their Armed Forces have enhanced their collaborative training efforts.
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- With inputs from agencies
