About the Exercise

• The Exercise Desert Flag is an annual multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.
• The aim of the exercise is to provide operational exposure to the participating forces, while training them to undertake simulated air combat operations in a controlled environment.
• The participating forces will get an opportunity to enhance their operational capabilities. There will also be a mutual exchange of best practices.

Why in News?

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to participate in the Exercise Desert Flag-VI along with the air forces of the UAE, the US, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain for the first time.
• The exercise is scheduled from March 3 to 21 at the Al-Dhafra airbase in the UAE.
• The IAF is participating with six Su-30 MKI, two C-17 and one IL-78 tanker aircraft.
• Over the last decade, IAF has regularly hosted and participated in multi-national operational exercises, wherein collaborative engagements are undertaken amongst the best air forces of the world.

Reference:

1. http://newsonair.com/News?title=Indian-Air-Force-to-participate-for-the-first-time-in-Exercise-Desert-Flag-beginning-in-UAE-today&id=410987