The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced its most extensive multilateral air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2024,’ designed to showcase India’s defense capabilities and promote international collaboration. The exercise, which starts today, will be conducted in two phases.

The first phase runs from August 6 to 14 in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, while the second phase will take place in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from August 29 to September 14. The event will feature participation from nearly 30 countries, with ten nations contributing their own fighter jets and another 18 observing the activities.

Air Marshal A P Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, revealed that the exercise is intended to boost interoperability among the participating nations and highlight India’s homegrown military technology. He said that 10 countries including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, and Singapore will join the exercise with their aircraft and 18 countries will attend as observers.    

The exercise will feature Indian-made aircraft like the Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MIG 29.

‘Tarang Shakti 2024’ will involve extensive flying and ground training, a defense exhibition, and cultural exchange events. Additionally, defense officials from participating countries will visit Indian technology companies to further strengthen ties.

“This exercise serves not only as a display of our military prowess but also as a platform for exchanging best practices and enhancing cultural and diplomatic relations with the participating nations,” Singh added.