India, UAE, France begin joint air drill today over Arabian Sea; Su-30, Jaguar lead

• India, UAE, and France will conduct a joint air combat exercise today over the Arabian Sea.
• The drill aims to strengthen trilateral defense cooperation and enhance military interoperability in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.
• India will deploy Su-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 refuellers, and AEW&C aircraft from Jamnagar and Naliya airbases.
• France and UAE will participate with Rafale and Mirage fighter jets from Al Dhafra airbase.
• A Notam has been issued for the exercise area, located near Pakistan's Karachi, for December 10-11, 2024.

Why It Matters: This exercise enhances military cooperation and interoperability for regional stability.