Know about Tarang Shakti 2024
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to host its most extensive multilateral military exercise yet, known as ‘Tarang Shakti,’ scheduled for August and September 2024. This landmark event underscores India’s dedication to fostering strong international defense ties and enhancing military collaboration on a global scale.
Objective of ‘Tarang Shakti’
The primary aim of ‘Tarang Shakti’ is to strengthen cooperation and synergy among participating nations through intricate aerial drills and coordinated missions. This exercise marks a significant stride in India’s military diplomacy, promoting deeper mutual understanding and more effective collaboration among the world's air forces.
Phases of the Exercise
The exercise will be conducted in two distinct phases:
Phase One (August 6-14, 2024) – Sulur, Tamil Nadu
Focus: Joint operations, including air combat maneuvers, air-to-air refueling, and strategic airlift.
Participating Countries: Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.
Phase Two (August 29-September 14, 2024) – Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Focus: Advanced scenarios such as simulated combat missions and electronic warfare exercises.
Participating Countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the UAE, and the US.
Participation and Significance
Out of the 51 nations invited, nearly 30 countries, including major players like the US, UK, and Germany, have confirmed their participation. Notably, Russia and Israel, despite being long-standing defense partners, will not be part of this year’s exercise.
Showcasing India’s Defence Capabilities
‘Tarang Shakti’ will serve as a platform to showcase India’s indigenous military assets, such as the LCA Tejas and Rafale jets, aligning with the nation’s vision of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defense. Alongside the military drills, a defense industrial expo will be held to highlight Indian defense innovations and facilitate partnerships between established firms and startups.
About Tarang Shakti
Tarang Shakti, an annual naval exercise initiated in 2019, is designed to enhance maritime strength and security. It brings together naval forces from India and other nations, focusing on:
Anti-submarine warfare: Detecting and countering enemy submarines.
Surveillance and reconnaissance: Monitoring maritime regions and collecting intelligence.
Humanitarian assistance: Providing aid during emergencies.
The exercise is a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding regional waters, employing modern naval tactics, and advancing technological capabilities. It underscores the importance of multinational cooperation in maritime operations, featuring both Indian and foreign naval ships working in unison.