Desert Flag 2021 military drills have kicked off at Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE - and will last until March 26.

The air forces of the UAE, the United States, Saudi Arabia, India, France, South Korea, and Bahrain are participating in the drills.

Greece, Jordan, Kuwait, and Egypt will be observers, The Diplomat reported.

The purpose of the exercise is to ensure operational interaction with the participating forces in training them to conduct simulated combat operations in the air in a controlled environment. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their operational capabilities along with the mutual exchange of best practices, the Indian defense ministry said in a statement.