Introduction

India’s participation in Spain’s “Ocean Sky 2025” marks a major milestone in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) international cooperation and strategic outreach efforts. This multinational air combat exercise, hosted by the Spanish Air and Space Force, brings together several nations for joint training in air defense, aerial refueling, and multinational tactical operations. India’s inclusion underlines the growing recognition of its air power and global military partnerships.

About Ocean Sky Exercise

• Host Country: Spain
• Organizer: Spanish Air and Space Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio)
• Venue: Gando Air Base, Canary Islands
• Frequency: Annual multinational air exercise
• Objective: To enhance interoperability among allied and friendly nations’ air forces, focusing on air superiority, aerial refueling, electronic warfare, and tactical leadership training.

“Ocean Sky” has been conducted since 2004, primarily involving NATO nations. The 2025 edition is significant for including India as a new participant, reflecting India’s rising global defense stature.

India’s Participation

For Ocean Sky 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed a contingent including Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets, IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft, and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

• This participation is designed to:
• Enhance joint operational capabilities with European and NATO air forces.
• Develop air combat tactics through realistic combat simulation.
• Strengthen India’s presence in multinational defense diplomacy.

The exercise involves beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, air-to-air refueling, aerial interception, and coordinated mission planning, showcasing India’s advanced air combat proficiency.

Strategic Significance

1. Strengthening India–Europe Defense Relations:

India’s participation signifies a deepening of defense ties with European partners, particularly Spain, France, and Germany, amid a changing global security environment.

2. Enhancing Tactical Readiness:

The IAF gains valuable exposure to Western combat doctrines, real-time joint mission execution, and interoperability with aircraft like Eurofighter Typhoon, F-18, and Rafale.

3. Geopolitical Symbolism:

This move projects India’s growing defense diplomacy in Europe and the Atlantic region, aligning with its Act East and Act West strategic policy approach.

4. Technology and Training Exchange:

The exercise serves as a platform for India to exchange best practices in air defense management, radar tracking, EW systems, and mid-air refueling coordination.

5. First non-NATO nation to join Spain’s Ocean Sky 2025 exercise which reflects demonstrates India’s growing global aerospace and military capabilities, reflecting its strategic partnerships and commitment to international defence collaboration.

India’s Global Air Exercise Footprint

India’s participation in Ocean Sky 2025 adds to a growing list of international air exercises:

Diplomatic and Defense Impact

• India’s participation showcases its readiness to engage in high-end multinational combat environments, reflecting confidence in indigenous platforms like the Su-30MKI and Tejas in the near future.
• It also cements India’s status as a reliable defense partner capable of contributing to global security dialogues and air power collaboration.

Conclusion

• India’s inclusion in Spain’s Ocean Sky 2025 exercise is a strategic leap in defense diplomacy and operational preparedness.
• It reinforces India’s position as a rising aerospace power capable of engaging with global coalitions.
• This partnership not only boosts tactical synergy with European forces but also symbolizes India’s commitment to peace, stability, and collective security in the global airspace.