IAF Showcases Air Power at Ocean Sky 2025 in Spain, Strengthens Global Defence Ties
Source: ianslive.in
Canary Islands (Spain) | October 27, 2025: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking part in the multinational air combat exercise Ocean Sky 2025, hosted by the Spanish Air and Space Force at Gando Air Base in the Canary Islands. The large-scale exercise, held from October 20 to 31, is designed to strengthen interoperability, refine air combat tactics, and enhance defence cooperation among friendly nations.
During the event, Air General Francisco Braco Carbo, Chief of Staff of Spain’s Air and Space Force (JEMA), interacted with the visiting IAF contingent, appreciating their professionalism and operational excellence. The meeting was a continuation of the growing camaraderie between the two nations’ air forces, following Spain’s participation in India’s Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024.
“Striking images from Gran Canaria, Spain, where the IAF is participating in Ex Ocean Sky 2025. The Chief of Staff of the Spanish Air and Space Force interacted with the IAF contingent, fondly recalling his visit to India for Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024,”
— Embassy of India in Madrid, on X (formerly Twitter)
Ambassador Khobragade Commends IAF Team’s Excellence
Ambassador of India to Spain, Jayant N. Khobragade, was present at the airbase and praised the IAF team for their precision and commitment. The contingent, led by Group Captain Dhankar and Group Captain Dhruv, received commendations for their meticulous mission planning and exceptional performance during air operations.
Khobragade said the exercise serves as a “significant step in deepening India–Spain defence cooperation” and underlined India’s growing role in global air power diplomacy.
IAF Participation at Ocean Sky 2025
The IAF contingent’s participation at Ocean Sky 2025 showcases India’s focus on joint international training and mutual learning in air combat operations.
According to an official IAF statement on X,
“Exercise Ocean Sky 2025: The Indian Air Force is participating in the multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base, Spain, from October 20–31. The exercise aims to foster mutual learning, enhance interoperability, sharpen air combat skills, and strengthen defence cooperation with friendly nations.”
The exercise comes just months after India received the final Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain’s Airbus Defence and Space facility in Seville, marking a milestone in India’s “Make in India” defence partnership with Spain.
A Vast Sky of Collaboration
The Spanish Ministry of Defence described the skies south of the Canary Islands as a “vast operational arena”, where allied air forces are testing their capabilities in a complex, high-intensity combat environment.
Thanks to its favorable meteorological conditions and low air traffic density, the Canary Islands offer one of Europe’s best environments for large-scale aerial drills.
The exercise is directed by the Air Combat Command (MACOM), with operational control from Gando Air Base and support from Lanzarote Air Base.
Over 50 Aircraft from Global Air Forces Participate
Ocean Sky 2025 brings together over 50 aircraft from multiple nations, including fighter jets and aerial refuellers such as:
- F-18M and Eurofighter Typhoon (Spain)
- F-16 C/D Block 50 and F-16 Fighting Falcon M (Allied forces)
- F-15E Strike Eagle (USA)
- Su-30MKI (India)
- MRTT, KC-767, KC-30M, A-332, and A400M (Tanker and transport aircraft)
These assets simulate Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) and Offensive Counter-Air (OCA) missions, testing pilots in multi-domain scenarios that mirror real-world combat challenges.
“The main objective of Ocean Sky 25 is to train air superiority missions in DCA and OCA domains, simulating combat between large combined air forces. Such exercises enhance interoperability, tactical leadership, and collective security in European airspace,”
— Spanish Ministry of Defence statement
Strengthening India–Spain Defence Partnership
The IAF’s presence in Ocean Sky 2025 marks another chapter in the deepening India–Spain defence relationship. Earlier this year, Indian Ambassador Dinesh K. Patnaik and senior IAF officials had received the last of 16 C-295 aircraft in Seville, a key milestone under India’s joint production programme with Airbus.
This cooperation underscores India’s growing influence in the global defence ecosystem and its commitment to enhancing interoperability with NATO allies and partner nations.
A Platform for Global Air Power Synergy
The Ocean Sky series, launched by Spain in 2015, has evolved into one of Europe’s most complex multinational air combat exercises. For India, participation in such events offers vital insights into advanced aerial warfare, network-centric operations, and joint command control structures.
With India’s Su-30MKI fighters participating alongside NATO-standard aircraft, the exercise provides a valuable opportunity to test compatibility, communication systems, and real-time mission coordination.
Final Thoughts — TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s participation in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 reflects the IAF’s commitment to global interoperability and operational excellence. As the skies above Gran Canaria witness coordinated multinational air combat drills, India continues to cement its status as a responsible and capable air power contributing to global peace and security.