Desert Knight Exercise: Trilateral Air Combat Exercise

December 14, 2024

India, France, and the UAE have commenced an air combat exercise named “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea, which aims to enhance defence cooperation among the three nations. The exercise focuses on improving the air forces’ ability to operate collaboratively in complex combat scenarios.

Exercise Overview

“Desert Knight” is a three-day event designed to strengthen military ties, taking place approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi. The exercise involves a variety of aircraft, including the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 refuellers, and AEW&C systems.

The Indian Air Force is deploying advanced fighter jets and support aircraft from Jamnagar. The French military contributes to Rafale jets, renowned for their versatility and combat capabilities. The UAE is utilising F-16 fighters, which are stationed at Al Dhafra airbase.

Objectives of the Exercise

The primary goal of “Desert Knight” is to enhance interoperability among the air forces of the participating countries. The exercise includes intense combat manoeuvres to simulate realistic scenarios. It serves as a platform for sharing tactics and improving operational readiness.

This exercise is crucial for boosting defence ties in strategic regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific and the Persian Gulf. It reflects a collective response to growing concerns regarding China’s influence in these areas. Strengthening military cooperation is vital for regional stability.

Historical Context

“Desert Knight” builds on a trilateral framework established in 2022 by the foreign ministers of India, France, and the UAE. This framework encompasses collaboration in defence, technology, energy, and environmental issues. The exercise marks the second trilateral military operation this year, underscoring the commitment to joint defence initiatives.

GKToday Facts for Exams:
AEW&C stands for Airborne Early-Warning and Control. It enhances situational awareness in combat. AEW&C systems monitor airspace, detect threats, and coordinate responses effectively.
Al Dhafra is a key military airbase in the UAE. It hosts various fighter jets, including F-16s. The base plays important role in regional security operations.
Sukhoi-30MKI is a multirole fighter jet developed by Russia. It is customised for the Indian Air Force. The aircraft excels in air superiority and ground attack missions.
Indo-Pacific refers to a geopolitical region combining the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has strategic significance for trade and military presence. Nations focus on security and cooperation here.

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