By Chaitali Bag
The skies over Tamil Nadu’s Sulur have recently transformed into a dazzling arena of aerial prowess and international camaraderie during the Indian Air Force (IAF) largest-ever multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti. This monumental event, held from August 6 to August 14, coincided perfectly with the celebrations of India’s Independence Day, infusing a sense of pride and patriotic spirit as nations came together to showcase their air power.
With the participation of air forces from ten countries, including notable powerhouses like Germany, France, and Spain, Exercise Tarang Shakti embodied a robust spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. As at least 67 fighter aircraft, including the remarkable Eurofighter Typhoon, the sophisticated French Rafale, and India’s own indomitable Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, roared through the skies, a vivid tapestry of international collaboration was woven—a vivid demonstration of modern strength, strategic partnerships, and shared objectives.
The atmosphere in Sulur was electric, reflecting not just the strength of the aircraft, but the collective will of nations coming together for a common purpose. The first phase of Tarang Shakti not only spotlighted flying machines; it exemplified the essence of global unity in addressing shared challenges in a complex security environment. The presence of high-ranking air force chiefs like General Stephane Mille from France, Lt. General Ingo Gerhartz from Germany, and Air General Francisco Braco Carbo from Spain underscored the exercise’s significance, marking a pivotal moment in international military cooperation.
Accompanied by these distinguished air force leaders, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari announced ambitious plans to institutionalize Tarang Shakti as a biennial event, highlighting the exercise’s desirability and importance in fostering enduring relationships among air forces worldwide. “This is definitely not the last,” ACM Chaudhari stated, emphasizing that this exercise should not be viewed as a challenge to any other nation but rather as a platform for learning and collaboration. His commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect resonates strongly in a world where cooperation is more critical than ever.
A highlight of the exercise was the opportunity for leaders to fly sorties together, including ACM Chaudhari and the Spanish Chief in the powerful Su-30MKI, while the German and French chiefs took to the skies in the indigenous LCA, demonstrating India’s impressive advancements in aviation technology. The praise for the LCA as a vital asset in air combat drills is a testament to India’s strides toward self-reliance in defence capabilities.
As the exercise unfolded, indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and the HTT-40 trainer showcased India’s growing aviation industry and operational capabilities, serving as a reminder of India’s evolving status on the global stage. The thrilling aerobatic displays by the Sarang helicopter team further highlighted the ingenuity and skill of the IAF.
The recent exhibition of indigenous aviation platforms during Exercise Tarang Shakti underscores India’s remarkable strides in the field of military aviation. This event not only showcased the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) but also served as a crucial platform for fostering international collaboration and reinforcing strategic ties amidst an increasingly complex global security landscape.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) played a pivotal role in this exercise, presenting a range of Indian-made weapon systems that exemplify the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology. DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat emphasized the significance of the Tarang Shakti exercise as a venue for highlighting India’s indigenous capabilities. The presence of Governor R N Ravi, who inaugurated a three-day International Defence and Aviation exhibition at the Sulur station, further accentuated the event’s importance. With a total of 70 stalls, the exhibition provided a comprehensive view of India’s advancements in military aviation and defence systems.
A salient feature of the Exercise Tarang Shakti was the participation of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which has emerged as a symbol of India’s self-reliance, or ‘Aatmanirbharta’, in military aviation technology. The LCA Tejas demonstrated not only India’s ability to design and develop advanced combat aircraft but also its readiness to deploy such technologies on an international stage. By participating in multinational exercises, the LCA Tejas highlighted India’s growing prowess in military aviation and its capability to engage in collaborative defense initiatives with other nations.
The Tarang Shakti exercise marked the conclusion of the “Pacific Skies 24” exercise series, which involved the air forces of Germany, Spain, and France since mid-June. This multinational exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, improve combat readiness, and foster mutual understanding among the participating air forces. Such collaborative efforts are vital in today’s geopolitical climate, where the ability to operate cohesively with allied forces is paramount. By sharing best practices, testing new tactics and technologies, and simulating real-world scenarios, these exercises significantly bolster the collective capability of nations to respond effectively to regional and global security challenges.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the exercise is slated to take place in Jodhpur from August 29 to September 14, featuring participation from Australia, Bangladesh, the UAE, Singapore, the US, and Greece. This expanding participation reflects not only the success of Tarang Shakti but also the growing recognition of the significance of multinational exercises in enhancing strategic understanding and operational readiness among diverse air forces.
