India is the first non-NATO country to sign the Ocean Sky 2025 of Spain

• Historic Participation Indian Air Force (IAF) is the first non-NATO member when it comes to Exercise Ocean Sky 2025, which will occur in Gando Air Base, Spain, between October 20 and 31, 2025.

Exercise Highlights:

• Air combat exercise of the Spanish Air Force.
• Increases IAF operational readiness, tactical prowess and inter-operability with other world air forces.

IAF Modernisation Boost:

• Delivery of Airbus C-295 tactical transport The last Airbus C-295 aircraft were to be delivered in 2025 and the first was delivered prematurely on August 3, 2025, in Spain.
• The concept of an aircraft worth USD 2.5 billion, and 40 of the aircraft were to be produced in India by Tata Advanced Systems.

Exam-Oriented Facts:

• The first non-NATO country to take part in the Ocean Sky 2025.
• Exercise in Gando Air Base, Canary Islands.
• In 2025, 16 Airbus C-295s will be inducted enhancing airlift capability and operational flexibility.

India–Spain Defence Ties:

• C-295 56 aircraft ordered in first Make in India defence aviation program.
• Bilateral cooperation is conducted in the form of joint exercises, indigenous production and expansion with the 5th Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation.