The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to strengthen its strategic military ties with Russia through a major joint air exercise this month. Exercise AviaIndra-2025 will be hosted by India from December 15 to 22, featuring personnel from both the IAF and the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF).
Deepening Strategic Ties Through Joint Operations
This edition of the exercise underscores the enduring defence partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. The AviaIndra series, which began in 2014, is a cornerstone of bilateral military cooperation. The upcoming drill follows high-level defence talks during Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India, where both nations agreed to enhance collaboration in niche military technologies and defence-industrial production.
In a post on social media platform X, the IAF stated the exercise provides a crucial platform to enhance bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding, and aerospace synergy. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov have previously emphasized that the relationship is built on a foundation of deep trust and mutual respect.
Advanced Aircraft and Shared Expertise
The week-long exercise will see pilots and personnel from both air forces conducting intensive joint flying operations. The aircraft roster includes some of the most advanced platforms in the IAF's inventory:
- Su-30 MKI fighter jets
- Indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft
- IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft
- Mi-17 helicopters
The focus will be on sharing best practices, operational tactics, and lessons learned from previous engagements. This hands-on collaboration is designed to improve interoperability, allowing the two forces to work seamlessly together in complex scenarios.
A Foundation of Trust and Future Cooperation
The protocol signed earlier this month between Defence Minister Singh and Minister Belousov outlines ongoing and prospective areas for defence cooperation. Exercise AviaIndra-2025 is a direct manifestation of this reinforced commitment.
Analysts view this exercise as more than a routine training event. It is a significant political signal of the continued strength of the Indo-Russian strategic partnership, even as India diversifies its defence procurement. The joint operations on Russian-origin platforms like the Su-30 and Mi-17, alongside the Indian-made Tejas, highlight a practical and evolving defence relationship.
The successful execution of AviaIndra-2025 is expected to set the stage for more advanced and technologically complex collaborations in the future, solidifying a partnership that has been a pillar of India's defence policy for decades.
