Q. Which countries participated in the trilateral air combat exercise called Desert Knight?
Answer:
India, France, and United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Notes: India, France, and the UAE launched the "Desert Knight" defence exercise to boost trilateral defence cooperation and air force interoperability in complex combat scenarios. The Indian Air Force deployed Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C (airborne early-warning and control) systems from Jamnagar, India. French Rafale jets and UAE's F-16 fighters operated from the Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE. The exercise featured large-force engagements and intensive combat manoeuvres over the Arabian Sea, southwest of Karachi. It aims to strengthen defence ties in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf amidst China’s growing influence. It follows the 2022 trilateral framework, emphasizing defence, technology, and energy cooperation.
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