SHOWCASING POWER OF COLLABORATION

Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening operational capabilities, also demonstrated India's growing stature in global military and defence production

- AIR VICE MARSHAL SANJAY BHATNAGAR (RETD)

AMONGST THE VARIOUS BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL combat exercises that the Indian Air Force (IAF) participates with its Friendly Foreign Countries, the recently concluded Exercise Tarang Shakti was one of the most talked-off in geopolitical circles and also very well covered by the international media.

This indicates India’s recognition as a serious professional player in the global military arena and a force to reckon with. Exercise Tarang Shakti, India’s largest multinational air exercise was aimed at enhancing interoperability, build better cooperation amongst participating forces, gain operational experience and enhance coordination among Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). Primarily, it strengthened partner forces’ capability to work cohesively across multiple domains.

Air Forces of ten friendly nations including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Singapore flew in with 67 combat aircraft. There were also 38 observers from 18 countries. This landmark air warfare combat exercise was conducted in two phases at two different locations.

THE FIRST PHASE: AF BASE SULUR

The first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti was conducted at AF Station Sulur, Tamil Nadu from August 6 to 14, 2024. Sulur witnessed diverse array of advanced fighter aircraft from FFCs operating more than 34 aircraft provided by air forces of four nations, viz. French Air and Space Force, Luftwaffe Air Force, Spanish Air Force, and the Royal Air Force of UK. Overall a total of more than 205 sorties were flown. Exercise involved more than 700 personnel.

The French contingent comprised of Rafale fighter jets, A400M transports, A300 MRTT mid air refuellers and 160 personnel. Five German Eurofighters and an A400M transport aircraft took part. The Spanish Air force participated with its Eurofighters.