The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Oman Air Force started a five-day bilateral exercise at Jodhpur Air Base on Monday. The exercise, titled “Eastern Bridge-VI”, is in its sixth edition.

“This will provide an opportunity to enhance operational capabilities and interoperability between the two air forces,” the Defense Department said in a statement.

It also said that the participation of the air forces of the two countries in the exercise “will promote professional interaction, experience sharing and enhancement of operational knowledge, in addition to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries”.

During the five-day exercise, several dignitaries will visit the Jodhpur Air Base, the Indian Air Force said.

Sharing the image on Twitter, the IAF wrote: “Improving operational efficiency through #interoperability. #IAF and #RAFO contingents prepare for Exercise East Bridge VI. The event provides both Air Forces a way to learn best practices and act together. Platform. #FriendshipBridge.”

The bilateral exercises come weeks after Oman’s top defence official, Mohammed Nasser al-Zabi, made an official visit to India from January 30 to February 4. Zabi co-chaired a meeting of the Joint Military Cooperation Committee, which is said to have launched a series of high-level defense engagements between the two countries.
East Bridge V exercise was held at Masirah Air Base in Oman in October 2019.

The IAF contingent consists of MiG-29 and C-17 aircraft. This is the first time MIG-29 fighter jets have participated in an international exercise outside India.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times