On September 12, 2023, during the ongoing BRIGHT STAR Exercise, an Indian Air Force IL-78 tanker performed air-to-air refuelling of the Egyptian Air Force’s Rafale and MiG fighters, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said. The exercise BRIGHT STAR which is a biennial, multilateral tri-service exercise started at Cairo (Egypt) Western Airbase on August 27, 2023 and will continue till September 16, 2023.
Contingents from the US, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar are part of the exercise. This is the first time that the IAF is participating in this defence exercise, the IAF said.
Importance of Air-to-Air Refuelling
It is a critical aspect of modern aerial operations where fighter aircraft can extend their range, loiter time, and contribute to overall mission effectiveness. It involves a delicate ballet in the sky where a tanker aircraft equipped with specialised equipment, transfers fuel to the receiver aircraft mid-flight. This enables the receiver aircraft to stay in the air for an extended period cover greater distances and execute a complex mission that demands more fuel than they can carry internally.
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Objective of the Exercise
The Objective of the Exercise is to practice the planning and execution of joint operations. Besides leading to the formation of bonding across the border such interactions also provide a means to further strategic relations between participating nations, the Ministry of Defence added.
Assets Involved
The IAF said “Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during the Exercise BRIGHT STAR where the IAF IL-78, air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force,” The IAF Contingent consisted of five MiG-29s, two IL-78 aircraft, two C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster Aircraft.
The personnel of the Indian Air Forces the Garud Commando Force as well as those from Numbers 28, 78, 77 and 81 squadrons are participating in this exercise, the IAF official added. The IAF transport aircraft also provided airlift to approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army, those who are participating and joining the exercise.
According to the Ministry of Defence, India and Egypt have had exceptional relations and deep cooperation wherein the two jointly undertook the development of an aero-engine aircraft in the 1960s and training of the Egyptian Fighter Pilots was done by India.
The Indian Navy Ship, INS Sumedha arrived at Port Alexandria, Egypt on September 6, 2023, to participate in the exercise BRIGHT STAR-23. This is the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in the exercise. The exercise will also witness the participation of naval ships from other foreign navies.
Exercise BRIGHT STAR
The BRIGHT STAR Exercise was conceptualised as a training exercise between the US and Egypt during the Camp David Accord of 1977 The first edition of the exercise was conducted by Egypt in 1980 and it was expanded to include more nations in the year 1995.
Enhancing Global Partnerships
The exercise BRIGHT STAR 2023 has not only highlighted the Indian Air Force’s air-to-air refuelling capacities but also emphasised the importance of international cooperation in ensuring global security. As nations come together to train and collaborate, they strengthen their collective defence posture, fostering peace and stability in an ever-changing world.
The successful refuelling mission during the exercise BRIGHT STAR 23 serves as a testament to the professionalism and commitment to international partnerships and the ability to execute complex aerial operations with precision and finesse
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