NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Navy carried out a joint aerial exercise over the Indian Ocean Region on Tuesday, aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening strategic cooperation between the two forces.The IAF in a statement said: “On 14 Oct 25, IAF Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguars, AWACS & AEW&C aircraft joined Royal Navy F-35Bs from HMS Prince of Wales for a joint exercise over the Indian Ocean Region. The training strengthened interoperability, mutual trust, and collective commitment to regional stability.”The coordinated mission featured some of the most advanced platforms from both sides — including India’s Sukhoi-30 MKI and Jaguar fighter jets, as well as Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. From the Royal Navy, F-35B stealth fighters launched from HMS Prince of Wales took part in the manoeuvres.The exercise comes amid deepening defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom, particularly in maritime security and joint operations across the Indo-Pacific.In a related development, Indian defence officials confirmed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working to extend the range of its Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile to beyond 200 kilometres. The IAF is expected to acquire around 700 of these missiles for use on its Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft fleets, marking a major boost to India’s indigenous air combat capabilities.