<p>Rafale fighter jets of Indian and French air forces along with a number of other aircraft undertook complex missions including "large force engagements" as part of exercise 'Ex Desert Knight' in Jodhpur, the defence ministry said on Saturday.</p>.<p>The four-day-long mega drill concluded on Saturday.</p>.<p>"Rafale aircraft from both sides along with Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF undertook complex missions including large force engagements," the ministry said in a statement.</p>.<p>Apart from its frontline combat jets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed its IL-78 flight refuelling plane as well as airborne warning and control system (AWACS) in the exercise, officials said.</p>.<p>The French side participated with Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft.</p>.<p>"Both air forces exercised in realistic settings with an aim to enhance operational capabilities and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet," the ministry said.</p>.<p>Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat visited the air force station Jodhpur on Thursday and interacted with participating forces.</p>.<p>He also flew on-board the MRTT along with Maj Gen Laurent Lherbette, the leader of the French Air and Space Force.</p>.<p>On Saturday, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria visited the air force station Jodhpur along with the Ambassador of France to India Emmanuel Lenain, the ministry said.</p>.<p>It said Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria interacted with both the contingents.</p>.<p>"He expressed his appreciation on the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of four days," the ministry said.</p>
<p>Rafale fighter jets of Indian and French air forces along with a number of other aircraft undertook complex missions including "large force engagements" as part of exercise 'Ex Desert Knight' in Jodhpur, the defence ministry said on Saturday.</p>.<p>The four-day-long mega drill concluded on Saturday.</p>.<p>"Rafale aircraft from both sides along with Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF undertook complex missions including large force engagements," the ministry said in a statement.</p>.<p>Apart from its frontline combat jets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed its IL-78 flight refuelling plane as well as airborne warning and control system (AWACS) in the exercise, officials said.</p>.<p>The French side participated with Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft.</p>.<p>"Both air forces exercised in realistic settings with an aim to enhance operational capabilities and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet," the ministry said.</p>.<p>Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat visited the air force station Jodhpur on Thursday and interacted with participating forces.</p>.<p>He also flew on-board the MRTT along with Maj Gen Laurent Lherbette, the leader of the French Air and Space Force.</p>.<p>On Saturday, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria visited the air force station Jodhpur along with the Ambassador of France to India Emmanuel Lenain, the ministry said.</p>.<p>It said Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria interacted with both the contingents.</p>.<p>"He expressed his appreciation on the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of four days," the ministry said.</p>