IAF Showcases Global Air Power At Spain’s Ocean Sky 2025; First Non-NATO Nation To Participate In Exercise
Indian armed forces regularly take part in military drills with other nations to bolster their ties and defence capabilities. Once again, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is partaking in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025, a high-intensity multinational air combat drill hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base, Spain, from October 20 to 31, 2025.
However, what makes this air drill even more special is the fact that this is the first time a non-NATO country is participating in this exercise, a testament to the burgeoning ties between India and Spain and to the excellence of the Indian Air Force. Exercise Ocean Sky aims to “foster mutual learning, enhance interoperability, sharpen air combat skills, and strengthen defence cooperation with friendly nations.”
Exercise Ocean Sky 2025: Why is it strategically important for India?
The participation underscores India’s growing footprint in global military aviation and highlights its focus on joint operational readiness with allied nations. Such multinational engagements provide invaluable experience in air combat tactics, mission planning, and joint operations, enhancing the IAF’s ability to operate seamlessly with partner air forces.
Worth noting here is that the Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 follows the IAF’s recent milestone — the induction of 16 Airbus C-295 tactical transport aircraft, which significantly enhances India’s airlift and mission versatility. The final aircraft was delivered two months ahead of schedule at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Spain’s Seville on August 3, 2025.
Indian Ambassador to Spain Dinesh K Patnaik, along with senior IAF officials, received the aircraft, marking what the Indian Embassy described as “an important milestone in strengthening India’s defence capabilities.”
Why is the C-295 being dubbed as a game-changer?
The Airbus C-295 is a multi-role tactical airlifter capable of performing diverse missions, ranging from troop and cargo transport to maritime patrol, surveillance, signals intelligence, medical evacuation, and close air support. Globally recognised as the world’s most versatile and reliable tactical transport, over 300 C-295s are already in service.
India-Spain defence ties: How do they look now?
India’s procurement of 56 C-295 aircraft from Airbus Spain in a $ 2.5 billion deal has become a cornerstone of bilateral defence cooperation. Notably, 40 of these aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems, marking the first-ever ‘Make in India’ project in the defence aviation sector.
The first C-295 was officially handed over to India on September 13, 2023, in Seville, in a ceremony presided over by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
Earlier this year in February, the 5th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Ministry of Defence of India and Spain was held in New Delhi. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation activities and discussed the plan for multiple joint activities.
From participating in high-end multinational drills like Ocean Sky 2025 to expanding its strategic defence manufacturing footprint, the IAF is reinforcing India’s status as a credible aerospace power. Further, the synergy between operational training and indigenous capability-building continues to define India’s modern air power narrative.
