The Indo-French Air Exercise began today at Istres Air Base in France. The twelve day Air Exercise ‘GARUDA-IV’ would conclude on 25th of this month. An IAF Spokesperson said in New Delhi, the focus of the Air Exercise is learning from each other’s best practices.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports, the air exercise comes at a time when India and France are all set to ink a ten thousand crore rupee deal to upgrade the 56 Mirage -2000 fighter aircraft in the IAF's combat fleet. The exercise will involve simulated air combat missions and feature multi-role combat aircraft, transporters and air to air refuellers. <br/><br/>During the exercise the IAF’s Special Forces ‘Garuds’ would also be proactively participating and shall be carrying out jumps along with the French Special Forces. <br/><br/>The IL-76 aircraft which are an integral part of the exercise flying missions would practice static line drops with the French Special Forces. <br/><br/>The IAF is participating with six SU-30 MKIs, three IL-78s and one IL-76 aircraft. Singapore Air Force is also participating in the Ex-Garuda for the first time with the F-16 Aircraft. The French Air Force assets such as the mid -air refueller have commenced their participation in the exercise.