Jodhpur: The second phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti – 2024, India’s largest multinational air exercise, commenced at the Jodhpur Air Force Station, Rajasthan, on August 30. This phase, which will run until September 14, will see the participation of 18 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
The first phase of Tarang Shakti was conducted in the Sulur Air Force Station from August 6 to August 14, as India Sentinels had reported.
Like its first phase, the second phase of the exercise is also aimed at enhancing interoperability and fostering international cooperation among the participating air forces. In these drills, the Indian Air Force is showcasing a wide array of its advanced military assets, including the Jaguar, LCA Tejas, MiG-29, Mirage, Rafale, and Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft.
The IAF’s Prachand and Rudra attack helicopters along with its ALH Dhruv helicopter, C-130J Hercules tactical transport plane, Ilyushin-78 midair refuellers, and AWACS (airborne warning and control system) aircraft will also take part in the Tarang Shakti Phase 2 drills.
#ExTarangShakti24@usairforce@AusAirForce@JASDF_PAO_ENG@modgovae@TheRSAF@airforcelk@HAFspokesperson pic.twitter.com/Orte2TKLWN
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 3, 2024
Notable firsts
Exercise Tarang Shakti Phase 2 is witnessing some notable firsts in India. A major highlight of this phase is the participation of the Royal Australian Air Force, which has fielded its combat aircraft in a multinational exercise in India for the first time. The RAAF has deployed three EA-18G Growler aircraft from its No 6. Squadron, accompanied by up to 120 personnel.
An EA-18G Growler from the RAAF’s No. 6 Squadron during Exercise Pitch Black – 2018. (Photo courtesy: Defence/Australian Government)
The chief of the RAAF, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, emphasized the importance of this participation. He said India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India, the Australian government is continuing to prioritize practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.
He further highlighted that the exercise provides an opportunity for Australian aviators to develop interoperability with foreign militaries and foster international relations.
The exercise also features Bangladesh Air Force’s fighter jets. This is the first time Bangladesh warplanes will fly from Indian soil. Additionally, this is Greece’s first-ever participation in a military exercise in India, which is in reciprocation of India’s participation in the Iniochos exercise hosted by Greece in April 2023, as India Sentinels had reported then.
#ExTarangShakti24 @TheRSAF
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 30, 2024
@airforcelk
@AusAirForce
@usairforce
@JASDF_PAO_ENG
@modgovae
@HAFspokesperson pic.twitter.com/4LETRBKs5o
With over 67 fighter jets taking part in the drills, the first edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti stands as a significant display of multinational military collaboration. This large-scale operation highlights India’s growing role in advancing international defence partnerships and bolstering security across the region.
