With their trademark banshee shrieks, six blue Su-30 combat jets shot into the blazing sun as the Indian Air Force (IAF) Thursday flagged off a major contingent on its way to training exercises in France.

Called Garuda II, the wargame will be held at Itres airbase in France June 16-30. Garuda I was held in India in February 2003.

"This is a momentous occasion for us," said Air Marshal  S.K. Malik, the IAF's vice chief. "It is a great opportunity to learn new technologies from the French, who have one of the most advanced air forces in the world."

India is sending a 120-strong aircrew and an Il-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft for the exercise along with the frontline Su-30 jets.

French aircraft participating in the exercise would be Mirage 2000 jets and C-135FR tanker aircraft. This will be the first time the French Air Force will conduct an exercise with Sukhoi jets.

"We are really looking forward to this exercise," said Group Captain Shreesh Mohan, the leader of the IAF contingent going to France.

"India has a reputation of being very professional and we want to keep up that reputation."

During an exercise with F-16 jets of the US Air Force in India last year, it was widely reported that IAF pilots had got the better of their American counterparts, despite taking them on in ageing Russian-made MiG-21 fighters.

The Su-30 jets Thursday flew to Jamnagar in Gujarat, from where they will depart June 12 to Istres via Jyanklis in Egypt.

"This is the first time we are flying such a long distance (4,000 nautical miles) with just one halt," said Flight Commander Sunil Nair. "This is a great movement forward."

Of the personnel travelling to France, 18 are Su-30 aircrew, five are aircrew of IL-78, 10 are engineers and 87 technicians.

IAF personnel gathered in droves at the airbase in Bareilly to watch the Su-30s take to the air and clapped and cheered loudly when they did.

"It's a very proud moment for us," said Malik.

Some officials said a good performance in wargames, especially with NATO countries, would push India's overall international standing.

"As you know, we want a permanent seat in the (UN) Security Council, and every little thing builds on a country's reputation and how the world looks at it," said an IAF official who asked not to be named.

India's next planned wargame is scheduled to be held at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh with the Americans in November.