The Indian Air Forces contingent participating at the Bright Star-23 military exercise in Egypt. Photo : Indian Ministry of Defense.
According to the Indian Ministry of Defense Ministry, approximately 150 Indian army personnel are scheduled to participate in Bright Star-23, the largest tri-service exercise of its kind in the Middle East.
They will include a contingent from the Indian Air Force (IAF) consisting of five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s and two C-17 aircraft, along with a unit from the IAF's Garud Special Forces.
According to the Global Fire Power Index (GFP Index), in 2023 India has the fourth most powerful military globally after the United States, Russia, and China.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Armed Forces maintained its position in 2023 as the 14th most powerful global military, out of 145 nations, according to the GFP Index.
The Bright Star military drills have been held biannually since their start in 1980.
In its 22nd edition in 2021, 21 countries participated in the exercises.
On Saturday, the Egyptian Armed Forces released the first promo video for this year's Bright Star.
According to an Egyptian Armed Forces statement, 8,000 personnel from dozens of national militaries will come together at the "most important and biggest joint military exercise in the Middle East".
The joint drills aim to boost military cooperation to address common threats faced by participant nations, according to the statement.
The drills will also include forces from the United States, the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Greece, among other nations.
Short link: