An Indian Air Force (IAF) unit embarked today to take part in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, a biennial multinational tri-service drill set to occur at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt, spanning from August 27 to September 16, 2023. Marking the IAF’s inaugural participation in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23, the event will witness contributions from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar. The IAF contingent will feature five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from IAF’s Garud Special Forces and Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 Squadrons are joining, along with the IAF transport aircraft facilitating airlift for about 150 Indian Army personnel.
The exercise’s aim is to refine collaborative operation planning and execution. Beyond fostering cross-border bonds, these interactions bolster strategic relations among participant nations, effectively casting IAF contingents in overseas flying exercises as Diplomats in Flight Suits.
India and Egypt share a profound rapport and extensive cooperation, including joint aero-engine and aircraft development in the 1960s, along with reciprocal training of pilots. Recent visits by Air Force Chiefs, India’s Defence Minister, and Prime Minister to Egypt have further consolidated this civilizational bond. The two nations have intensified joint training, regularly conducting exercises involving their respective Armed Forces.
