EXERCISE TARANG SHAKTI KICKSTARTS TOMORROW: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IAF’S BIGGEST MILITARY EXERCISE

Indian defense preparedness is all set to achieve a new milestone as the Air Force will host its biggest military exercise. Tarang Shakti, the much-anticipated multi-national air exercise, will kick off tomorrow. Initially planned for 2023, the exercise will take place this month, with its second leg in September.  

While our air warriors participate in and host various bilateral exercises and have participated even in some multinational ones like Exercise Red Flag, Blue Flag, and Pitch Black, this will be the biggest international air exercise to be held in India. Tarang Shakti is inspired by the U.S.-led Red Flag exercise, known for its realistic combat scenarios and extensive international participation.

The exercise will take place over 2 halves –

Phase I – August 6 to 14, 2024 (Sulur, Tamil Nadu)

Phase II – September 1 to 14, 2024 (Jodhpur, Rajasthan)

Image Source: INDIA TV

Participating Countries –

More than 50 nations were sent invitations and around 30 are expected to participate. These include the United States, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Spain, Greece, UAE, among others. Russia was also invited, but is not participating due to its own ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Indian Air Force’s Vice Chief Air Marshal AP Singh at a press conference announced that at least 10 countries will join the exercise with assets, 18 will be observers, and others will join as attendees. The diverse and extensive participation highlights the exercise’s importance in strengthening international defense ties.

Aircrafts and drills involved –

The exercise will feature more than 150 aircrafts soaring over Sulur and Jodhpur. Some notable aircrafts from the Indian Air force will be the Indian LCA Tejas, Prachand light combat helicopter, Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, ALH Mk-IV (Rudra), C-130, IL-78 and AWACS among other. The Indian Navy’s Mig-29K will also be in action along with F16s, F18s, C130s, Typhoons, etc from participating nations.

The flying exercises will encompass 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, asset protection, and mixed formation air-to-air refuelling missions (MRTT and IL-78). Additionally, the exercises will feature flying and ground training, and subject matter expert exchange, including an air domain awareness seminar.

Objectives –

The exercise will allow India to showcase its defense prowess at the world stage, highlighting its indigenous aircrafts and capabilities as a part of the country’s big Atmanirbharta push. Exhibitions and cultural exchange programmes will also be organised. The defense exposition will see participation from public sector undertakings, private companies, MSMEs and start-ups.

It will also very importantly boost military collaboration and help in the sharing of best practices among countries, improving interoperability among air forces, thus enhancing mutual understanding and collective security. It aims to strengthen strategic relations with the international community.

Overall, this military exercise would be a landmark in our defense preparation and is critical considering the country’s volatile neighbourhood. It is essential for India’s strategic capabilities and international cooperation.