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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting Exercise AviaIndra-2025, a joint air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), from December 15 to 22, underscoring the long-standing defence partnership between India and Russia.
The exercise is part of the AviaIndra series, which began in 2014, and is aimed at strengthening operational cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces. Personnel from both sides are undertaking joint flying operations involving Su-30 MKI and Tejas fighter aircraft, IL-78 aerial refuellers, and Mi-17 helicopters.
According to the IAF, the exercise provides a platform to share best practices and lessons learnt, while enhancing mutual understanding and aerospace synergy. “Exercise AviaIndra-2025 offers an opportunity to further deepen bilateral cooperation and refine joint operational capabilities,” the Air Force said.
Announcing the exercise in a post on X on Tuesday, the IAF noted that AviaIndra-2025 reflects the enduring Indo-Russian relationship and continues a tradition of military engagement aimed at fostering trust and cooperation between the two forces.
The #IAF is hosting Exercise AviaIndra-2025, a joint exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) from 15–22 Dec 2025. The exercise reflects the long-standing Indo-Russian relationship and continues the AviaIndra series which began in 2014. Personnel from both… pic.twitter.com/UIazJH7TcX
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 16, 2025
The exercise comes close on the heels of renewed momentum in India-Russia defence ties. Earlier this month, New Delhi and Moscow agreed to further expand their defence partnership during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, with a focus on collaboration in niche military technologies and enhanced defence-industrial cooperation.
During the visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov reiterated that bilateral defence ties are rooted in “a deep sense of trust, common principles and mutual respect.” The two sides also signed a protocol outlining ongoing and prospective areas of defence cooperation, reinforcing the strategic and long-standing military relationship between the two countries.
Team BharatShakti
