Demonstrating India’s expanding engagement on the world stage, a unit from the Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced participating in Exercise Bright Star-23. This biennial multinational tri-service exercise is currently underway at the Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt and will continue until September 16, 2023.
A notable milestone, the IAF’s involvement in Exercise Bright Star-23 marks its inaugural participation in this specific endeavor. The exercise is set to witness collaboration not only from the Indian Air Force but also from counterparts in the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar.
The Indian Air Force unit brings an assortment of aircraft, including five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17s. It’s worth mentioning that personnel from the esteemed Garud Special Forces of the IAF, alongside members from Squadrons 28, 77, 78, and 81, will play an active role in the exercise.
Additionally, the IAF’s transport aircraft will facilitate the airlift of approximately 150 Indian Army personnel. The overarching objective of Exercise Bright Star-23 is to enhance the planning and execution of collaborative military operations.
Beyond the tactical and strategic advantages, this joint initiative aims to cultivate camaraderie across borders, nurturing stronger bonds between participating nations. In this context, the IAF’s engagement in international flying exercises serves as a conduit for diplomatic interaction, aptly coined as ‘Diplomats in Flight Suits.’
The longstanding partnership between India and Egypt has paved the way for such international collaborations. Notably, both nations collaborated on aero-engine and aircraft development during the 1960s, and Indian experts played a pivotal role in training Egyptian pilots.
This shared history has laid the foundation for recent high-level exchanges, including visits by the Chief of Air Forces from both countries and trips by the Indian Defence Minister and Prime Minister to Egypt. Regular joint training exercises involving their respective Armed Forces have reinforced the growing ties between India and Egypt.
As ‘Exercise Bright Star-23’ unfolds in the coming weeks, the participation of the Indian Air Force underscores India’s dedication to global security cooperation and diplomacy. The exercise enhances military readiness and provides a platform for nurturing international relationships and strategic partnerships.
The author is a Delhi-based, DCC-qualified defence beat writer and independent contributor to print and online publications