New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host its largest-ever multilateral exercise, Tarang Shakti 24, beginning this month. This event will feature participation from nearly 30 countries, including India, and involve around 150 aircraft from both the IAF and international forces, according to senior IAF officials.
Air Marshal AP Singh, Vice-Chief of the IAF, said that 51 countries have been invited to the grand event. Out of these, 10 countries will actively participate with their air assets, while 18 others will join as observers. The exercise, which will be conducted in two phases in August and September at Sulur and Jodhpur, may also see the involvement of one additional country alongside India.
Exercise aimed at promoting cooperation
The exercise is not themed or directed against any particular nation, as clarified by Air Marshal Singh. Since 2001, the IAF has engaged in 91 international air exercises, with 32 either hosted or organized by India. During a media briefing, Air Marshal Singh said that observer countries have been invited alongside active participants like Germany, France, Spain, and the UK, who will join in the first phase. The second phase will include Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Each phase will see the participation of 70-80 air assets, The Indian Express reported.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, exchange best practices, and promote India’s indigenous defence industry. Cultural exchanges have also been planned to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties, with the overarching goal of building mutual trust and showcasing India’s domestic defence capabilities.
Phased participation
The first phase of the exercise, scheduled from August 6-14 at Sulur in Tamil Nadu, will feature 32 foreign aircraft. The second phase, from September 1-14 at Jodhpur, will involve 27 fighters, two refuelling aircraft, two airborne early warning aircraft, and four C-130 Special Forces aircraft from participating nations. The IAF will contribute over 40 aircraft to each phase, with the Navy’s Mig-29K jets also joining in the first phase.
Defence expo to showcase India’s indigenous might
In addition to the exercises, a defence industrial exposition is expected to take place at Sulur and Jodhpur, featuring 68 participants, including defence public sector units, private companies, and start-ups. The event will highlight India’s domestic defence industry with platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopter likely to be showcased.