EAM Dr. Jaishankar Meets IAF Contingent Taking Part In Biennial Blue Flag Exercise In Israel

Source : Press Trust of India (PTI)

Foreing Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at the Ovda airbase in Israel with the IAF squad participating in the Blue Flag Exercise, October 19, 2021   | Photo Credit: Twitter/@DrSJaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday visited Israel’s Ovda Airbase to meet the Indian contingent participating in the biennial Blue Flag exercise involving Air Force missions from eight countries, that aims to share knowledge and combat experience to improve operational capabilities.

A total of 85 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel are taking part in the exercises along with five upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft. They are the latest updated technological version of the French aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems.

The US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Greece and Israel are the other nations participating in the exercises, which will for the first time see the participation of F-35 aircraft.

Visited the Ovda airbase to meet the @IAF_MCC participants at Ex Blue Flag - No 1 Sqn “TIGERS”.

Delighted to see the mutual respect and chemistry between Indian and Israeli Air Force professionals. Defense and security are key pillars of our relationship. pic.twitter.com/4CcrzNKklR

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 19, 2021

India had also participated in this biennial event in 2017 with the focus then on boosting special operations capabilities, including search and rescue operations under different conditions and cross border counter-terrorist operations.

A 45-member Indian contingent, including 16 Garud commandos, had then participated in the exercises. The Indian Air force had sent C-130J “super Hercules” aircraft along with Garud commandos then.

The Blue Flag drill is a bi-annual exercise designed to strengthen Israel’s military cooperation internationally.