The 12th edition of the joint military training (JMT) exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) began at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Bengal.
The exercise is aimed at creating a collaboration between the two navies as they engage in advanced air combat simulations, joint mission planning and debriefing sessions.
The bilateral phase of the exercise will be held from November 13 5o 21. During this phase, the combat readiness of the two sides will be boosted and there will be a major exchange of knowledge.
Besides, the air operations, the personnel of the two air forces will exchange best practices as they interact with each other during various sports and cultural activities during the exercise.
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The RSAF is participating in the drill with its largest contingent till date, comprising aircrew and support personnel from F-16, F-15 squadrons along with G-550 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) and C-130 aircraft. Rafale, Mirage 2000 ITI, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft of the IAF will be part of the exercise.
The exercise comes after RSAF's participation in one of the largest multinational aerial exercises, 'Tarang Shakti' hosted by the IAF.
“JMT-2024 highlights the strong bilateral defence relationship built over years of collaboration and joint exercises, as well as the mutual respect between India and Singapore,” the defence ministry said in a statement.