Jaguar and MiG-29 to Roar in UAE Skies: Indian Air Force Gears Up for Desert Flag-10

Abu Dhabi, April 21 The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to display its aerial might at Desert Flag-10, a high-profile multilateral air exercise hosted at the Al Dhafra Airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With Jaguar and MiG-29 fighter jets deployed, India will join air forces from 12 nations in showcasing advanced combat capabilities and enhancing strategic cooperation.

India Joins Global Aerial Powers in UAE

Participating nations include the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, South Korea, and the host UAE, alongside India. The exercise runs from April 21 to May 8, 2025, offering a unique platform for joint operations, tactical drills, and combat-readiness assessments in a desert environment.

The Indian contingent’s deployment of MiG-29s for air dominance and Jaguar strike aircraft for ground attack roles signals a robust show of strength. It is also a strategic assertion of India’s growing footprint in global defense collaborations.

Not Just Training — A Strategic Message

Indian defense officials describe the exercise as more than just military training. It reflects India’s role as a rising global security partner. The high-speed MiG-29 and the precision of the Jaguar highlight the IAF’s capability to operate in diverse scenarios and terrains.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that participation in Desert Flag-10 strengthens India’s operational readiness while reinforcing defense ties with West Asian powers, especially the UAE.

India-UAE Defense Relations on the Rise

This joint exercise follows high-level defense talks between India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE’s Defence Minister. The discussions highlighted bilateral military training, strategic exchanges, and expanded cooperation in defense manufacturing.

India’s presence at Desert Flag-10 is both symbolic and functional—a testament to deepening defense diplomacy and trust between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.