Egyptian Jet refuelled by Indian Air Force refuellers during Excercise Bright Star-23

An egyptian jet was refuelled by an IAF IL-78 air-to-air refueling aircraft during Excercise Bright Star-23. The IAF informed about this on its official X account. The IAF is participating in Excercise Bright Star-23 with Egypt, the US and various other friendly nations.

The IAF in its official Twitter handle mentioned this. It showcased bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Excercise Bright Star-23, where IAF’s IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force. IL-78 is an advanced mid-air refuelling tank based on IL76MD -90A military transport aircraft and is equipped with an enhanced propulsion unit and modern avionics, The tanker can be used to provide aerial refuelling for long-range frontline special mission aircraft.

Bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt.

Snippets from the #ExerciseBrightStar, where the #IAF IL-78 AAR aircraft refuelled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force.@EgyArmySpox@indembcairo#DiplomatsInFlightSuits pic.twitter.com/u0ZlbuXLzz

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 3, 2023

About the refueling of Egyptian jets and Excercise Bright Star-23

In a significant move towards enhancing defence cooperation, an IAF contingent reached the Egyptian Air Force Base to participate in Excercise Bright Star-23. They reached Egypt on Monday, August 28. The Indian Air Force on its official Twitter handle wrote “Touchdown at the Egyptian Air Force Base in Cairo. Our Home for the next three weeks”.

At Cairo Air Force Base, the IAF contingent will take part in the yearly trilateral multilateral exercise. The drill, which began on Sunday and will be completed on September 16, was announced by the Ministry of Defence in a press release. The US Air Force, the Air Forces of Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar, as well as the IAF, will all take part in Excercise Bright Star-23 for the first time.

The IAF contingent comprises 5 Mig-29s, 2 IL78S, two C130-J super Hercules aircraft and two C17 aircraft. IAF’s Garud special forces personnel as well as those from the number 28,77,78 and 81 squadrons will be participating in the exercise. The IAF’s transport aircraft will provide approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army.

The IAF's participation aims to increase international defence cooperation as well as provide practice for planning and carrying out joint missions. According to a statement from the MOD, such exercises not only strengthen the bonds between airmen beyond national boundaries but also help to advance the strategic ties between the participating countries. According to the press statement, IAF continents taking part in such exercises abroad are no less than diplomats dressed in flying suits.

India and Egypt have traditionally had an exceptional relationship and deep cooperation. The two countries have been undertaking the joint development of Aero engines and aircraft since the 1960s. The IAF pilots also train their Egyptian counterparts.

With the recent visits by the two countries' respective chiefs of air forces, the friendship between the two nations was further cemented. Also, the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and PM Modi visited Egypt to interact with their counterparts and enhance bilateral ties. The two countries have also regularized joint training exercises between their armed forces.