The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jets are currently in Egypt for Ex- HOPEX. The C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 tankers are also participating in the weeklong exercise (21-26 June). The aim of this exercise is to promote bilateral and regional cooperation, which is a symbol of the long-standing relations between the two countries.
On its way back from Alaska after joining in the ‘Red Flag’ exercise, the IAF contingent landed in Egypt.
On Sunday, Indian Ambassador to Cairo Ajit V Gupte reached Berighat Airbase in Egypt and met the IAF’s team participating in Ex-HOPEX. Following this meeting, the Indian Embassy in Egypt gave information on its X account: “India-Egypt defense cooperation is continuously getting stronger. The fourth joint exercise of IAF (Indian Air Force) and EAF (Egyptian Air Force) will be held in Egypt from 21 to 26 June.”
Relations between India and Egypt have strengthened considerably in recent years. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge of the country for the third time, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated him on winning the election.
Diplomatic relations between India and Egypt began on 18 August 1947 at the ambassadorial level. Both countries have cooperated closely on multilateral forums as founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement. In the year 2022, India and Egypt celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which reflects the depth of the relationship.
Earlier, the Rafale fighter jets and air-crew of the Indian Air Force went to Alaska to participate in the US multinational exercise ‘Red Flag 24’. The exercise was conducted from 30 May to 14 June in an area of 77 thousand square miles. Eight Rafale fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, one C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and one IL-78 air-refueler participated in it.
The aim of Red Flag was to integrate the airmen into the multinational environment and improve interoperability. A total of 100 aircraft and 3100 airmen from the air forces of four countries participated in it.