Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh (C) briefing reporters on Exercise Tarang Shakti in New Delhi, on July 31, 2024. (Photo: IAF)
New Delhi: India is poised to host its inaugural multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, in two stages at Sulur in Tamil Nadu and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, from August 6 to August 14 and from August 29 to September 14 respectively, the Indian Air Force said on Wednesday. This is the first time that the IAF will be hosting a multinational air exercise.
At a news briefing here in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force vice-chief, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, said, “The first phase, to be held in the south at Sulur, will see participation from the air forces of Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom, as they will be returning home after participating in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia during the same period.”
The second phase will occur in Jodhpur in September, with air forces from Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and the US (United States) joining with their assets. Ten countries will observe the grand exercise, he added.
The air marshal revealed that invitations were extended to 51 air forces. However, he said, eleven countries have confirmed to participate with their aircraft, while 18 others will take part as observers. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighter aircraft will take part in the exercise.
During the exercise, the IAF will deploy Rafale, Tejas light combat aircraft, Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar fighters, along with helicopters such as the Prachand light combat helicopter, ALH (advanced light helicopter) Mk-IV.
Moreover, platforms like the C-130J Hercules transport aircraft and AWACS (airborne warning and control system) aircraft will participate in both phases of the exercise.
According to the IAF vice-chief, the German, Spanish and UK air forces will join with their Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, while Australia, the UAE and the USA will bring F-18 fighters. France’s air force will participate with Rafale fighter aircraft.
Regarding US assets, AM Singh said, “The US is participating with their F-16 and A-10 aircraft.”
In a statement, the IAF said Exercise Tarang Shakti aims to foster professional interaction, enrich the operational philosophies of participating forces, and exchange valuable insights. It added that during the exercise, the service plans to showcase its “Make in India” products, including the LCA, LCH, ALH and Akash air-defence missile system.
Furthermore, five defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs); 20 private sector companies, including L&T, Godrej, and Bharat Forge; 20 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and 16 startups will be part of the event.
