The Indian Air Force conducts a mega-multilateral exercise in the name ‘Tarang Shakti’ in Sulur, Coimbatore from 6th August to 14th August.
The air exercise will take place in two phase one in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and the second phase in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from August 29 to September 14.
Air Marshal AP Singh, Vice Chief, Air Staff (VCAS) termed the exercise a “landmark” event in Indian military history and the largest international air exercise ever conducted in the country.
The Air forces from the US, Germany, France, and other nations will participate in ‘Tarang Shakti,’ which is India’s largest multilateral air exercise, showcasing defence capabilities.
As many as 51 countries were invited to participate in Tarang Shakti, of which around 30 will participate. Indian Air Force’s LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale will also participate in the mega exercise. Russia and Israel, two of India’s main defence partners, are not taking part in the drills.
The UK, France, Germany and Spain will take part in the first phase, while the remaining foreign air forces will participate in the second and final leg.
Each phase of the drills will involve the participation of 70-80 aircraft, including fighter planes, helicopters, special operations planes, mid-air refuellers and airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft.
The Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1), Prachand light combat helicopter, Dhruv advanced light helicopter and its armed version Rudra are among the locally produced assets taking part in the drills.
IAF fighters taking part in the drills include the Rafales, Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Mirage 2000s, Jaguars and MiG-29s. The fighter jets to be deployed by the foreign air forces include F-18s, F-16s, Rafales and Typhoons.
