In a significant development in the field of international relations, India has taken a step as it is going to host its first and largest multinational air exercise named ‘Tarang Shakti-2024’, announced by the Indian Air Force on Wednesday. The IAF reported that a total of 51 countries have been invited to take part in the drill, of which around 30 nations will take part. The exercise will take place in two different phases in the months of August and September.
The first phase of the exercise will start from August 6 to 14 in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, in which, out of 30 countries, 10 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, France, and more, will join the exercise with their own fighter aircraft, whereas 18 countries will participate as observers in the drill.
The remaining two nations, the Russian Federation and Israel, which are India’s two greatest allies, will not take part because of their own ongoing conflict in their respective regions. The information has been confirmed by Air Marshal A. P. Singh. Adding to the same, he said India’s fighter aircraft, including Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MIG 29 aircraft, and more, will take part in the exercise.
Additionally, due to ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, the country cannot join the first phase of Tarang Shakti-2024, although it is uncertain that they will participate in the second phase.
Reportedly, the second phase is expected to take place from August 29 to September 12 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. As per reports, the IAF will deploy 75 to 80 aircraft for the mega exercise in both phases.
If we talk about the technicalities, the exercise will begin with a PowerPoint presentation on the term ‘Atma Nirbharta’ which means self-reliance, followed by India’s military prowess and the development of indigenous capabilities and capacity. Air Marshal AP Singh said that the exercise is a landmark event in the history of the Indian military and the largest international air exercise ever conducted in the country.
This exercise will showcase India’s and its major allies like the US, UK, France, Australia, and Germany’s military muscle to the notorious China, which was flexing its military power a few months back in the Indo-Pacific.
As we talk about India’s future plans, soon after this air combat exercise, India will also host the top-tier Malabar Naval exercise with the other ‘Quad’ countries, including the US, Japan, and Australia, in the Bay of Bengal in the month of October, aiming to combat China’s expansion in the Indian Ocean.
ALSO READ: “Air India to Resume Delhi-Dhaka Evening Flights Today Amid Dhaka Unrest”
Comments