The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting Exercise AviaIndra 2025, a bilateral air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), reinforcing long-standing defence cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow. The exercise is underway from December 15 to December 22 and forms part of a series that began in 2014.
The drill comes amid renewed emphasis by both countries on sustaining military-to-military engagement, even as global geopolitical alignments continue to shift.
What is Exercise AviaIndra 2025 and what does it involve?
Exercise AviaIndra 2025 is a joint air exercise aimed at enhancing operational coordination and interoperability between the Indian Air Force and the Russian Federation Aerospace Force. Personnel from both forces are undertaking joint flying operations involving fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, refuellers, and helicopters.
According to the Indian Air Force, participating platforms include the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters. The exercise is structured to enable aircrew and ground personnel from both sides to exchange operational practices and lessons learned.
What has the Indian Air Force said about the exercise?
In a post on X, the Indian Air Force stated that Exercise AviaIndra 2025 reflects the long-standing Indo-Russian defence relationship and continues a bilateral exercise series that has been conducted regularly since 2014.
The IAF said the exercise provides an opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding, and aerospace synergy between the two air forces through joint flying and operational interaction.
Why is the exercise significant for India-Russia defence cooperation?
Exercise AviaIndra 2025 takes place against the backdrop of continued defence engagement between India and Russia, which remains one of India’s oldest and most extensive strategic partnerships in the military domain.
Earlier this month, India and Russia agreed to further strengthen their defence relationship during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. The discussions included expanding cooperation in niche military technologies and reinforcing defence industrial collaboration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov have emphasised that ties between the two countries are founded on a deep sense of trust, shared principles, and mutual respect. During the visit, both sides signed a protocol outlining ongoing and prospective areas of defence cooperation.
What does AviaIndra signal going forward?
The continuation of the AviaIndra series underlines the intent of both air forces to maintain regular operational engagement and dialogue. For the Indian Air Force, such exercises support familiarisation with diverse operating doctrines and platforms, while reinforcing existing strategic relationships.
As Exercise AviaIndra 2025 continues through December 22, it serves as a visible marker of sustained India-Russia defence ties at a time of evolving regional and global security dynamics.