The South India Times
Spcl Correspondent
In a bid to enhance bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Marshal VR Chouhan flew a French Air Force Rafale fighter jet, while French Air chief Gen Stéphane Mille took off in an Indian Russian-origin Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft during ‘Garuda VIl’ bilateral exercise in Jodhpur on Tuesday. Mille met with Chaudhari at the IAF headquarters in New Delhi on Monday. The visit by Mile came amid an 18-day military exercise between the Indian and French air forces in Jodhpur.
Speaking at Jodhpur, Chaudhari said India has learnt how to carry forward its interoperability. “The French Air Force also flies Rafale, we also fly Rafale, but we fly many other aircraft along with Rafale. It’s important to learn how to interoperate with friendly nations,” ANI quoted the IAF chief as saying.
Chaudhari said it’s very important for India to add 4.5 generation aircraft to its inventory. “Definitely, we require 4.5 generation aircraft, five to six squadrons of these aircraft (Rafale) to meet immediate requirements.” the air chief marshal said. On Saturday, the IAF said the two air chiefs discussed ways and means to enhance the bilateral ties. “General Stéphane Mille, Chief of Staff of the French Air & Space Force called on Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, #CAS at Air HQ, New Delhi today. The two Chiefs discussed ways & means to enhance bilateral ties & strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the Indian Air Force (IAF) tweeted.It is learnt that the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean Region figured in the talks between Chaudhari and Mille.
