IAF vice chief Air Marshal AP Singh said that the air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ will be the largest international air exercise ever conducted in India
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024
IAF vice chief Air Marshal AP Singh said that the air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ will be the largest international air exercise ever conducted in India, with invitations extended to 51 countries. The IAF has received confirmation from ten countries for participation with their assets and 18 countries as observers for the international exercise, which will be held in two phases.
Phase one of the exercise will be conducted at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from August 6 to August 14 and four countries including France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom will participate with their assets. However, phase two will be held at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 1 to 14 and it will see participation from Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, UAE and the USA with their assets.
“We will see assets like F-18, A-18, C-130 aircraft, F-16 aircraft, A-10, KC-130 aircraft, KC-135 aircraft along with all the assets of the Indian Air Force taking part in this exercise. Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale from other countries will also be taking part,” said Vice Chief Air Marshal AP Singh added.
The Indian Navy will also be participating in phase one of the air exercise with MiG-29K aircraft, said the vice chief marshal, adding that another objective of the event is to showcase the booming indigenous defence ecosystem in India. In the flying part of the exercise, assets like Tejas, Prachand, Dhruv, and Rudra will be participating actively, showcasing India’s ability with indigenous products.
Tarang Shakti 2024 aims to boost military cooperation and highlight India’s defence industry, supporting the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The exercise will have a variety of aircraft from homegrown models like the LCA Tejas to advanced fighters like the Rafale and Sukhoi. The event will also feature a defence industrial expo that will showcase top Indian defence companies and innovative startups.
