Why in news?

• A 6th edition of 5-day bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) namely ‘Eastern Bridge-VI’ commenced at Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
• Objective: This exercise is an opportunity to enhance operational capability and interoperability between the two Air Forces.
• Participants:
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed a fleet of Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 fighter jets for the sixth edition of the exercise ‘Eastern Bridge.
• The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has deployed its F-16 jets.
• Eastern Bridge promotes professional interaction, exchange of experiences and enhancement of operational knowledge, and strengthening of bilateral relations.
• Exercise Eastern Bridge V was held in October 2019 at the Air Force Base Masirah, Oman.