Tarang Shakti: IAF's Largest Ever International Air Exercise Set to Soar with 30 Countries

In a monumental display of aerial prowess and international collaboration, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for its largest international air exercise, 'Tarang Shakti.' This ambitious endeavor, set to feature participation from 30 countries, promises to be a significant milestone in the IAF's history and a testament to India's growing influence in global defense cooperation.

The exercise, divided into two phases, will witness a massive assembly of aircraft and personnel from around the world. The first phase will take place from August 6 to August 14 at Sulur in Tamil Nadu, followed by the second phase in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from August 29 to September 14. Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal A.P. Singh announced these details in a recent press briefing in New Delhi.

During the first phase in Sulur, nations such as Germany, France, Spain, and the UK will showcase their advanced aviation assets. The second phase in Jodhpur will see participation from Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the UAE, and the US, among others. This diverse group of participants underscores the global scale and strategic importance of 'Tarang Shakti.'

The variety of aircraft taking part is equally impressive. From India's side, the lineup includes the LCA Tejas, Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-29 (both IAF and Navy versions), the Light Combat Helicopter (Prachand), ALH Mk-IV (Rudra), C-130, IL-78, and AWACS. Foreign participants will bring in an array of cutting-edge aircraft, such as F-18s from Australia, C-130Js from Bangladesh, Rafales from France, Typhoons from Germany, Spain, and the UK, F-16s from Greece and the UAE, and a mix of A-10s, F-16s, and Flight Refuelling Aircraft from the US.

The exercise is designed to be more than just a display of air power. It will include complex flying missions like within visual range (WVR) and beyond visual range (BVR) combat missions, large force engagements (LFE), air mobility operations, low light operations, dynamic targeting, air-to-air refuelling missions, combat search and rescue, high-value aerial asset protection, and mixed formation air-to-air refuelling missions (MRTT and IL-78).

Additionally, 'Tarang Shakti' will feature ground training, subject matter expert exchanges, and various seminars and expos aimed at fostering deeper defense cooperation and showcasing India's defense manufacturing capabilities. A significant highlight will be the defense expositions held at Sulur and Jodhpur, featuring participation from numerous Indian defense public sector undertakings, private companies, MSMEs, and start-ups, as well as German industries specializing in aviation and missile technology.

Air Marshal Singh emphasized that one of the primary objectives of 'Tarang Shakti' is to highlight India's commitment to self-reliance in defense, aligning with the nation's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The exercise aims to bolster ties with friendly countries, enhance mutual understanding of air operations, and practice multiple combat scenarios in realistic environments.

The initiative also serves as a platform to share best practices and operational techniques among participating nations. By bringing together such a diverse group of international partners, 'Tarang Shakti' aims to strengthen global defense ties and showcase India's burgeoning defense ecosystem.

As 'Tarang Shakti' takes flight, it symbolizes not only the IAF's growing capabilities but also India's strategic ambition to play a pivotal role in international defense cooperation. With the participation of 30 countries and an extensive array of aircraft and missions, this exercise is set to be a landmark event in the annals of military aviation.