The Israeli “Samson” aircraft, C-130J “Super Hercules”, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, participated in the training. Israel has seven such aircraft, located at the Nabataean Air Force Base in the Negev, and the Indians have six C-130J aircraft.
The Israeli deployment to India was commanded by the commander of the “Elephants” Squadron, an officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel. .
The defense systems of Israel and India maintain extensive working relations, and the Air Force defines its Indian counterparts as a “strategic partner.” Despite the excellent ties between the two countries, relations have been maintained for years with a low exposure profile, in part in view of the pro-Palestinian position of the Government of India.
During the time of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, relations between the two countries became particularly close. In 2017, he was the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel, and the countries agreed on extensive, economic and security cooperation. In the field of security, India is one of the largest customers of Israeli weapons and is interested in advanced technologies for the navy and air force.
The Air Force maintains extensive cooperation with several countries around the world, including joint training in Israel and abroad, and reciprocal visits by senior commanders.