The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted air-to-air refuelling operations for the Egyptian Air Force during the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. The exercise, which commenced on August 27, 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, has been a platform for fostering global defence cooperation and strengthening strategic relations among participating nations.

The footage of the exercise, which was shared by the news agency ANI on social media platform X (previously Twitter), shows the IL-78 tanker refilling MiG-28 and Rafale aircraft mid-air.

#WATCH | An IL-78 tanker of the Indian Air Force refuels Mig 29 M and Rafale fighters of the Egyptian Air Force as part of Ex Bright Star 23. IAF Mig 29 UPG also seen as part of this mission. pic.twitter.com/53eZT4dFdd

— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2023

The IAF announced yesterday that Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 had entered its final phase. The last phase, which comes after a build-up to complex combined missions, will require the resources of all participating forces.

Exercise #BrightStar 23 moves on to its culmination phase.

The last phase follows a build up to more complex joint missions and will involve assets of all participating forces. @indembcairo#DiplomatsInFlightSuits pic.twitter.com/iTQYk6e7dO— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 11, 2023

The IAF's participation in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 marks its debut in this biennial multilateral tri-service event. This year's exercise has seen the involvement of air force contingents from various nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar.

According to reports, the Indian Air Force contingent, comprising five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft, has played an essential role in executing joint operations and strengthening international bonds. IAF's Garud Special Forces and Squadrons Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 actively participated in the exercise, an IAF official said according to the report.

Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 scheduled to continue until September 16, 2023, has not only provided an opportunity for military collaboration but also showcased the diplomatic role of the IAF abroad.

The Indian Air Force's involvement in such international exercises is seen as a vital step towards building stronger relations between nations and fostering cooperation in the defence sector.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)