India is set to host its largest-ever international air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti,’ in a groundbreaking event aimed at enhancing global military cooperation and showcasing the country’s burgeoning defense capabilities. The exercise will unfold in two phases, first in Tamil Nadu and then in Rajasthan, from August to September 2024.
Scope and Participation
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is organizing the exercise, with Vice Chief Air Marshal AP Singh announcing that the event will feature participation from 51 countries, making it the largest international air exercise ever held in India. As of now, ten countries have confirmed their participation with their assets, while 18 additional countries will be attending as observers.
The exercise will take place in two distinct phases:
- Phase One: Scheduled from August 6 to August 14 at Sulur, Tamil Nadu, this phase will see participation from France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, among others.
- Phase Two: From September 1 to 14 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, this phase will involve Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the UAE, and the USA.
Objective and Features
The primary objective of ‘Tarang Shakti’ is to strengthen strategic relations with international partners and to enhance mutual understanding of air operations. The exercise will feature a wide array of aircraft, including F-18, A-18, C-130, F-16, A-10, KC-130, and KC-135, alongside India’s own assets like the Tejas, Prachand, Dhruv, and Rudra aircraft. Notably, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale from participating countries will also be part of the exercise.
The exercise will not only showcase India’s indigenous defense products but also highlight the country’s defense industrial ecosystem. The event will include a defense industrial expo, featuring top Indian defense companies and innovative startups, aligning with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Significance and Expectations
‘Tarang Shakti 2024’ aims to boost military collaboration and expertise, offering a platform for participating forces to exchange best practices and deepen their understanding of contemporary aerial combat strategies. The exercise promises to enhance interoperability among various air forces, facilitating professional exchanges and showcasing India’s defense prowess.
This significant event follows India’s participation in the second edition of Air Exercise Red Flag held in Alaska in June 2024, where Indian Rafales engaged in joint exercises with Singaporean and American aircraft.
As India continues to strengthen its defense capabilities and international partnerships, ‘Tarang Shakti’ represents a major milestone in its military and strategic endeavors, reflecting the country’s growing role in global defense cooperation.
Sources By Agencies