India Hosts Tarang Shakti Air Exercise with Germany, France, Spain, and UK
The first phase of India’s largest multilateral air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti,’ concluded at Sulur, Tamil Nadu. The exercise involved air forces from Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.
Key Highlights
IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, praised the event for promoting friendship and cooperation. He highlighted the exercise’s comprehensive scope, covering flying, maintenance, sports, and yoga.
The Chiefs of the German, French, and Spanish Air Forces commended the IAF’s capability to host such a complex exercise and noted the improved ability to work together.
Upcoming Events
The second phase of the exercise will take place from August 29 to September 14 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
International Participation
The Royal Air Force brought six Typhoons, two Voyager aircraft, and an A400 to the exercise. Wing Commander Mark Robertson expressed the RAF’s eagerness to enhance interoperability with the IAF.
The French contingent included Rafale fighter jets, A400M transports, A300 MRTT mid-air refuellers, and 160 personnel. Germany deployed five Eurofighters and an A400M transport aircraft, led by Tactical Air Force Wing 71 ‘Richthofen.’ Spain also participated with its Eurofighters.
Showcasing Advanced Technologies
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased multiple Made-in-India weapon systems. DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat emphasized the exercise as an opportunity to display domestic weapons and boost confidence in the IAF’s capabilities.
The exercise provided a platform to demonstrate advanced military technologies, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerial refuelling systems, enhancing regional stability and promoting collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Doubts Revealed
Tarang Shakti -: Tarang Shakti is the name of a big air exercise where different countries’ air forces come together to practice and learn from each other.
Sulur -: Sulur is a place in Tamil Nadu, a state in India. It has an air force base where the first part of the exercise took place.
IAF Chief VR Chaudhari -: IAF Chief VR Chaudhari is the head of the Indian Air Force. He is like the top boss of all the air force activities in India.
Air Force Station Jodhpur -: Air Force Station Jodhpur is another air force base in India, located in the state of Rajasthan. The second part of the exercise will happen there.
Indo-Pacific region -: The Indo-Pacific region is a large area that includes the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Many countries around these oceans work together to keep the area safe and peaceful.