India deploys MiG-29, Jaguar jets for multi-nation Desert Flag drill in UAE

India Joins UAE’s Multinational ‘Desert Flag’ Exercise with MiG-29 and Jaguar Jets to Boost Air Combat Readiness and Defence Ties

India has taken another step in enhancing its aerial warfare capabilities, interoperability, and defense diplomacy by sending its frontline MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates for the tenth edition of the multinational ‘Desert Flag’ air combat exercise. The exercise will be held from April 21 to May 8, 2025, at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

Leading air forces from around the world, including the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Turkey, are participating in this prestigious exercise. It brings together top-level air combat units to engage in high-intensity, multi-dimensional war-game scenarios.

According to IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the exercise will focus on complex and diverse combat engagements, while promoting the exchange of operational tactics and best practices. This is essential to enhance cooperation, interoperability and understanding between air forces around the world.

In addition to demonstrating its growing capability in contemporary aerial warfare, the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s participation in these exercises strengthens India’s defence alliances, particularly in the Gulf. This participation follows a recent diplomatic push, which included India’s offer to provide its indigenous Akash air defence missile system to the UAE.

In a landmark meeting on April 8 between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, the two countries agreed to deepen their defence cooperation, which includes military training, defence technology and industrial cooperation.

India’s push for defence exports such as Brahmos missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers and Akash system is in line with its larger plan to deepen its ties with allies in ASEAN and the Gulf.

India, the UAE and France have actively developed a trilateral cooperation covering defence, energy, technology and environmental initiatives. It was first launched in 2022. To enhance their ability to respond to conventional and non-conventional maritime threats, the three countries participated in trilateral naval exercises in June 2023 and joint exercises such as “Desert Night” in the Arabian Sea.

By actively participating in Desert Flag and similar initiatives, India continues to assert its role as a responsible defence partner, keen to enhance regional security, combat readiness and strategic synergy with like-minded countries.