The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently completed a month long training engagement of its fighter pilots with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF). This was first interaction between the Fighter Weapon Schools of both air arms. 

Three IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and six Combat Instructor Pilots belonging to its Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) participated in the month-long training engagement in July, which took place at the Egyptian Fighter Weapon School, located at Cairo West Air Force Base.

The training missions undertaken under the aegis of the EAF’s Tactical Leadership Programme involved planning for large force engagements in complex, multi-aircraft missions. 

The United Arab Emirates Air Force provided mid-air refuelling with its A330 MRTT aircraft supporting IAF Su-30 MKIs, which flew directly from Indian to Egypt and vice-versa on flights lasting over six hours.