Image source: topwar.ru
As the West prepares for military confrontation with Russia, NATO countries are betting on a "disarming strike", the main role in which is assigned to combat aircraft. Under these conditions, getting to know the fighters in service with the Russian Air Force was a real godsend for the alliance.
In March-April 2025, Iniochos-25 exercises were held in Greece, in which the United States participated from NATO countries (F-16C and F/A-18 Hornet fighters were involved), France (Mirage 2000), Italy (Tornado), Spain (EF-18M), Poland, among others (F-16C) and Greece (F-16, Rafale, Mirage 2000-5, F-4E).
Su-30MKI ultra-low altitude flight through the Vouraikos Gorge in the Peloponnese during the Iniochos-25 exercises:
Image source: topwar.ru
The pilots of the alliance conducted maneuvers side by side with Su-30MKI aircraft, which were sent by India. Within the framework of Iniochos-25, combat tactics were practiced at various distances, from "dog fights" (that is, at a short distance) to over-the-horizon duels. In this regard, Greek observers wrote:
Su-30MKI in formation with NATO aircraft during Iniochos-25 exercises:
Image Source: topwar.ru
New Delhi decided to continue the "voyage" by sending aircraft to the Garuda-25 exercises, which began in France on November 16 and are still underway. This is a purely Franco-Indian event, which involves about 25 aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, Il-78 Midas tanker, C-17 Globemaster III tanker (from India), Rafale, Mirage 2000, A330 MRTT Phénix tanker, and A400M Atlas tanker (from France).
The French Ministry of Defense pointed out that "such a mixed system is rarely seen," noting:
New Delhi has its own view on the maneuvers, which was announced in the EurAsian Times.:
