The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced a key bilateral air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), known as Exercise AviaIndra-2025, reinforcing a decades-long defence partnership between India and Russia.
Scheduled from December 15 to 22, 2025, this edition of the exercise is aimed at enhancing operational coordination, interoperability, and aerospace synergy between the two air forces at a time of evolving global security challenges.
Background of AviaIndra-2025
India and Russia share one of the most enduring strategic defence relationships in the world. Military cooperation between the two nations dates back to the Cold War era, with the Soviet Union being India’s largest defence equipment supplier for decades, a role largely continued by the Russian Federation.
Over the years, this partnership has grown beyond arms imports to include joint development and production projects, such as the BrahMos cruise missile and several aerospace and military technology collaborations.
Continued joint exercises like Aviandra reflect both nations’ commitment to maintaining deep military-to-military engagement.
What Is Exercise AviaIndra-2025?
Exercise AviaIndra is a bilateral air force exercise series that was initiated in 2014 to foster cooperation, mutual understanding, and interoperability between the Indian Air Force and its Russian counterpart.
The 2025 iteration, hosted by the IAF in India, involves:
Joint flying operations involving multiple aircraft types;
- Exchange of tactical and operational best practices;
- Simulated missions to sharpen combat readiness; and
- Collaborative drills involving command and control procedures.
The participating aircraft and platforms include India’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole jets, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), IL-78 aerial refuellers, and Mi-17 helicopters, showcasing a mix of platforms that emphasise both legacy and indigenous capabilities.
Significance of AviaIndra-2025 for India
1. Operational Interoperability and Aerospace Synergy
One of the key objectives of Exercise AviaIndra-2025 is to enhance interoperability between the two air forces.
This includes coordinating flight missions, synchronising communication systems, and sharing lessons from varied operational environments. Such collaboration helps both nations improve joint tactical efficiency and readiness.
2. Reinforcing Strategic Defence Partnership
India-Russia defence cooperation has long been a cornerstone of India’s security architecture.
AviaIndra-2025 underscores the strategic continuity of this relationship, especially as geopolitical tensions shift and global alliances evolve. Regular joint exercises strengthen trust and ensure mutual preparedness.
3. Boosting Indigenous Aviation Capabilities
The inclusion of the Tejas LCA in the exercise highlights India’s progress in developing indigenous aerospace technology.
Joint drills with Russian platforms enable Indian forces to refine tactics that integrate both locally developed and foreign aircraft — a crucial step as India advances its defence manufacturing ambitions under the “Make in India” initiative.
4. Knowledge Exchange and Tactical Learning
AviaIndra-2025 facilitates the exchange of operational procedures, maintenance practices, mission planning strategies, and logistical approaches.
Such knowledge sharing enhances the professional acumen of air force personnel from both countries, encouraging best practices and mutual learning.
