What happened
On October 23, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) joined Exercise Ocean Sky 2025, a multinational air combat drill hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base, Spain. The exercise, held from October 20–31, aims to enhance interoperability, foster mutual learning, and strengthen defence cooperation among participating nations. The IAF’s participation follows its recent induction of 16 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, marking a key milestone in India’s defence modernization.
Why it matters to India
Exercise Ocean Sky underscores India’s expanding engagement with European defence partners and highlights its growing airpower diplomacy. The participation builds operational synergy, tactical expertise, and exposure to diverse combat environments, strengthening India’s readiness for multinational missions. It also complements the Make in India initiative through India–Spain cooperation on the C-295 project, reinforcing India’s aspiration to be a self-reliant yet globally connected aerospace power.