India, France, and UAE team up for 'Desert Knight' air combat drills

India Dec 10, 2025

India, France, and the UAE have just kicked off a three-day joint air combat exercise called "Desert Knight" over the Arabian Sea.
The goal? To boost teamwork and sharpen their air forces' skills together in a region that's getting more attention lately.
The IAF brought out its Sukhoi-30MKIs and Jaguars from Gujarat bases, while France and the UAE joined in with Rafale and F-16 fighters from Al Dhafra.

Why does this matter?

This isn't just about flying fancy jets—it's about these countries learning to work as one unit.
With rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, practicing advanced maneuvers and joint missions helps everyone stay ready.
Plus, it shows how global partnerships are shaping up to handle new security challenges together.