EXERCISE EASTERN BRIDGE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: An IAF contingent comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars and C-17s is ready to set course to participate in Exercise Eastern Bridge in Oman.

Exercise Eastern Bridge

• About: It is bilateral exercise endeavors to enhance interoperability between Royal Oman Air Force and the Indian Air Force.

oIt shall provide a platform for both teams to engage in a series of joint training missions designed to strengthen strategic cooperation and operational readiness.

• Host: Masirah, Oman
• Objective: To improve tactical and operational skills, foster mutual understanding and bolster the ability of both air forces to collaborate effectively in diverse scenarios. 

oThe exercise will include complex aerial maneuvering, air to air and air to ground operations, and logistical coordination, reflecting the evolving defense needs and strategic interests of both nations.

• Significance: The participating teams are expected to benefit from the shared expertise and operational experience gained during this extensive training period.
• Other Exercise: Exercise AL NAJAH.

Oman

• About: Oman, country occupying the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula at the confluence of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
• Bounded by: 

oSouthwest - Yemen

oSouth and East - Arabian Sea

oNorth - Gulf of Oman

oNorthwest - United Arab Emirates

oWest - Saudi Arabia.

• Capital: Muscat
• Mountain Ranges: North (Al-Hajar) and southeast coast (Qara or Dhofar Mountains)
• Gulf of Oman: It also known as the Gulf of Makran or Sea of Makran, forms the only entrance to the Persian Gulf from the Indian Ocean.
• Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Pakistan and Iran in the north, by the United Arab Emirates in the west and by Oman in the south.