Multinational Air Exercise, Tarang Shakti – 2024
The first multinational air exercise of the Indian Air Force, Tarang Shakti – 2024, will be held in India in the month of August. A total of 10 countries will participate in this first multinational air exercise of the Air Force, Tarang Shakti-2024 and some other countries will also join as observers. This multinational air exercise is inspired by the Red Flag exercise organized by the US.
Exercise Tarang Shakti – 2024
- Exercise Tarang Shakti was originally scheduled to be held at the end of the year 2023, but due to some reasons, this exercise was postponed in 2023.
- First Phase: The first multinational air exercise of the Indian Air Force, Tarang Shakti – 2024, will be held in South India during the first two weeks of August under the first phase in India.
- Phase II: Air Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 will be conducted from late August to mid-September in the western region of India under Phase II.
- Some countries will participate in both the phases, creating a comprehensive training scenario, while some other countries will participate in specific phases based on operational objectives.
- This is the first multinational air exercise to be conducted by the Indian Air Force.
- Objective: The aim of this exercise is to invite friendly countries with whom the Indian Air Force maintains regular contact and between whom there is some degree of interoperability.
- Countries participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti – 2024: Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
- It will showcase the A-400M aircraft by Germany, which is being seen as a possible alternative to the open tender in the category of medium transport aircraft.
- The main objective of this exercise to be organized by the Indian Air Force is to promote professional interaction, enrich the employment philosophy of various forces participating in it and facilitate the exchange of valuable insights.
- It presents a unique opportunity for these countries to cooperate and enhance their tactical and operational capabilities.
- Recently in June 2024, the Indian Air Force participated in the second edition of the ‘Red Flag’ air exercise in Alaska, which ran from 4 to 14 June 2024.
- In this exercise, Indian Rafale aircraft took part in joint missions along with Singapore and US aircraft.
- The objective of these joint missions was to retaliate, deter counter air attacks and strengthen the capability of air defense in Beyond Visual Range conditions.
- In these joint missions, large-scale engagement missions were conducted in offensive counter air and air defense roles in Beyond Visual Range conditions using Rafale aircraft.
Importance of Exercise Tarang Shakti – 2024
- Advanced military technologies and military technological advancements are demonstrated in the conduct of Exercise Tarang Shakti – 2024.
- It also tests the effectiveness and coordination of equipment among the participating countries.
- This exercise provides a platform to showcase advanced military technologies and capabilities, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerial refueling systems.
- This exercise provides an opportunity for various participating countries to demonstrate the effectiveness and interoperability of their equipment in a multinational environment.
- This exercise will enhance regional stability of the changing geo-strategic countries and promote collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- It reinforces India’s role as a key partner in global security initiatives through exercises and strengthens India’s diplomatic relations with the participating countries.