India’s Largest Multilateral Air Exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ Draws Participation from 30 Nations

New Delhi, India: India is poised to showcase its defence prowess through ‘Tarang Shakti’, the largest multilateral air exercise ever conducted on its soil. A top Indian Air Force (IAF) official announced on Wednesday that the exercise will feature air forces from the US, Germany, France, and several other nations. The first phase will occur at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from August 6-14, while the second phase is scheduled for Jodhpur, Rajasthan from August 29-September 14.

This exercise aims to provide a platform for participating nations to enhance interoperability and demonstrate their air assets in various combat scenarios. With invitations extended to 51 countries, nearly 30 will be participating, including notable aircraft such as the Rafale from France, Typhoon from Germany, F-18 from Australia, and F-16 from Greece. The Indian Air Force will also display its assets, including the LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale fighters.   

Absence of Russia and Israel   

Despite extensive international participation, Russia and Israel will not be part of the exercise. Officials clarified that although both nations are significant defence partners for India, they have opted out of this event. Russia's absence is attributed to ongoing conflicts, while Israel’s non-participation is due to timing concerns communicated through its defence attaché.

Air Marshal A P Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), emphasized that ‘Tarang Shakti’ represents a significant milestone in Indian military history. Describing it as a “landmark event,” Singh highlighted that this will be the largest international air exercise conducted in India. With confirmation from ten participating countries and 18 others observing, the exercise is expected to involve around 30 nations, including India.   

Operational Goals and Participants   

The first phase at Sulur will see participation from Germany, France, Spain, and the UK, each contributing their advanced air assets. In the second phase at Jodhpur, Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the UAE, and the US will bring their aircraft. Additionally, 18 countries will send observers to the exercise, contributing to a comprehensive operational overview.

The diverse participation necessitates a two-phase format to cater to the varied requirements of the friendly foreign forces involved. India will prominently feature its Indigenous products, including the LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, Rafale, LCH Prachand, Dhruv, and Rudra helicopters, showcasing the country’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.

Strategic and Diplomatic Objectives   

One of the primary objectives of ‘Tarang Shakti’ is to strengthen strategic relationships with participating nations and enhance mutual understanding of air operations. The exercise will involve complex missions to practice multiple combat scenarios in a realistic environment. This provides an excellent opportunity for sharing best practices and learning from each other’s operating procedures, tactics, and strategies.   

Air Marshal Singh also noted that Agniveers stationed at the exercise locations will participate, although they will not have specific roles assigned. The Indian Navy will contribute to the first phase with one of its aircraft, further demonstrating India's multifaceted defence capabilities.

The exercise aims to not only display India's military prowess but also to foster cultural and diplomatic relations with the participating countries. Senior military officials, including Chiefs of Defense Staff and air chiefs from various nations, are expected to attend, enhancing the exercise’s significance. Through ‘Tarang Shakti,’ India seeks to reinforce its commitment to Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence and demonstrate its growing capabilities on a global stage.   

Given the diverse participation, and also to cater to the requirements of certain friendly foreign countries, “we have decided to do it in two parts”, he added. Air Marshal Singh said it will be a display of “Indian capabilities and capacity” during this exercise, both in flight and in exhibition.