EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR-23

About EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR-23: 

• It is a biennial multilateral tri-service exercise. 
• This multinational exercise was launched in 1980 as part of the US-brokered peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
• This is for the first time that IAF is participating in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23.
• Participating countries: United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar.
• The Indian Air Force contingent will consist of five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft.
• Personnel from the IAF's Garud Special Forces, as well as those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 Squadrons will be participating in the exercise.
• Objective: To practice planning and execution of joint operations. Besides leading to the formation of bonding across borders, such interactions also provide a means to further strategic relations between participating nations.
• India and Egypt have had exceptional relationship and deep cooperation wherein the two jointly undertook development of aero-engine and aircraft in 1960s and training of Egyptian pilots was done by Indian counterparts.

Q1) What is a C-17 Globemaster aircraft?

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft developed by Boeing's Defense, Space & Security division in the United States. It is used by various countries around the world for airlift missions, strategic and tactical transport, and humanitarian relief operations.

Source: PARTICIPATION OF THE INDIAN AIR FORCE IN EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR-23 AT CAIRO AIR BASE, EGYPT