Exercise BRIGHT STAR to witness India's foray into tri-service cooperation

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent embarked on a mission to participate in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 and reached Egypt on Monday. BRIGHT STAR-23 is a biennial multilateral tri-service exercise set to be hosted at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt from August 27 to September 16, 2023. This marks the IAF's debut in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 which will see the participation of contingents from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar.  

The Indian Air Force contingent comprises five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft. Notably, the contingent includes personnel from the IAF's elite Garud Special Forces, as well as members from the Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 Squadrons. Additionally, the IAF's transport aircraft will provide airlift support for approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army.  

Fostering international cooperation

The primary objective of Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 is to hone the planning and execution of joint operations. Such multilateral exercises foster camaraderie across borders while simultaneously bolstering strategic relations among participating nations. These international endeavours emphasise that IAF contingents involved in foreign flying exercises are, in essence, "Diplomats in Flight Suits."  

Exercise #BrightStar 2023, the largest Multi-Nation Tri-Service Exercise in Middle East & North African region, will witness participation of #IndianArmedForces for the first time.

With the participation of 34 countries across the globe, the Exercise in #Egypt aims to counter… pic.twitter.com/b7tyWjvpsE

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 28, 2023

India and Egypt have shared an exceptional relationship marked by deep cooperation. Notably, both nations collaboratively ventured into aero-engine and aircraft development during the 1960s. Indian counterparts also contributed to the training of Egyptian pilots. Recent high-level visits, including those by the Chief of Air Forces of both nations, the Indian Defence Minister, and the Prime Minister to Egypt, have further solidified this robust relationship. The two countries have also expanded their joint training efforts through regular exercises involving their Armed Forces.  

A grand multinational exercise

In parallel, a contingent from the Indian Army, comprising 137 personnel, embarked for Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23. This multinational tri-services joint military exercise, led by US CENTCOM and the Egyptian Army, is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 14, 2023, at the Mohammed Naguib Military Base in Egypt. Initially conceived as a bilateral biennial training exercise between the US and Egypt during the Camp David Accord of 1977, Exercise BRIGHT STAR expanded to include participation by other nations from 1995 onwards. 

This year's Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 will witness an impressive participation of 34 countries, making it the largest-ever joint military exercise in the Middle East and North Africa region. Furthermore, the Indian Armed Forces joined this prestigious event with a contingent of 549 personnel. The Indian Army's contingent is represented by the 23 JAT Battalion.  

Focus on training and cooperation

Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 will feature an array of training activities, with a central focus on countering emerging unconventional threats and strengthening regional partnerships among participating nations, all in the pursuit of global peace. These activities will encompass field and situational training exercises and will culminate in a combined arms live-firing exercise set within a tactical scenario. Additionally, a panel discussion on contemporary topics, with the Indian Armed Forces leading the discussion on Cyber Security, is planned.  

The Indian Army looks forward to leveraging this unique opportunity to share best practices and experiences with other armies while enhancing defence cooperation. It's anticipated that Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 will provide a rich and enlightening professional experience for all participants, reaffirming India's commitment to global peace and security.