Jodhpur, Oct. 1 -- French Air Defence Deputy Commander Julien Sabene said that the exchange of operational lessons learned during Exercise Tarang Shakti has provided invaluable training for future conflict for Indian and French air forces, with both the nations having operated Rafale fighter jets in real-world combat scenarios.

Calling the exercise the "highlight" of France's PEGASE 26 deployment, Sabene said the two air forces shared a long history of cooperation, dating back to the Indian Air Force's acquisition of French aircraft in the 1950s.

"The Indian Air Force has had French equipment since the 50s, 1952 with the Ouragan. Now, the Indian Air Force has had the Rafale for quite a few years now, and it's great because we can exchan...