India is set to host its largest-ever international air exercise, Tarang Shakti 2024, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities and commitment to self-reliance in defence. This guide provides a detailed overview of the exercise, its objectives, and its significance for India’s defence aspirations.
1. Overview of Tarang Shakti 2024
Announcement and Scope:
- Announced by Indian Air Force Vice Chief, Air Marshal AP Singh, Tarang Shakti 2024 is poised to be the largest multinational air exercise ever conducted in India.
- The exercise will take place in two phases, with invitations extended to 51 countries. Confirmations have been received from ten countries participating with their assets and 18 countries participating as observers.
2. Objectives and Vision
Enhancing Military Cooperation:
- Tarang Shakti 2024 aims to strengthen military cooperation among participating nations.
- The exercise will foster mutual understanding and interoperability between the air forces of different countries.
Promoting Indigenous Defence:
- Aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the exercise will highlight India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
- The event underscores India’s commitment to developing and showcasing homegrown defence products and technology.
3. Phases of the Exercise
Phase One:
- Location: Sulur, Tamil Nadu
- Dates: August 6 to August 14
- Participants: Countries including France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom will participate with their assets. The Indian Navy will also participate with its MiG-29K aircraft.
Phase Two:
- Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Dates: September 1 to September 14
- Participants: Countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, UAE, and the USA will participate with their assets.
4. Showcasing Indigenous Defence Capabilities
Indigenous Assets:
- The exercise will feature significant participation of indigenous defence assets, including:
- Tejas: India’s indigenous multi-role light fighter jet.
- Prachand: A domestically developed attack helicopter.
- Dhruv: An advanced light helicopter designed and developed in India.
- Rudra: An armed version of the Dhruv helicopter.
- The exercise will feature significant participation of indigenous defence assets, including:
Defence Industrial Expo:
- A concurrent defence industrial expo will showcase top Indian defence companies and innovative startups.
- The expo aims to demonstrate India’s booming defence ecosystem and the strides made in indigenous defence technology.
5. Strategic Importance
Boosting Self-Reliance:
- Tarang Shakti 2024 serves as a platform to exhibit India’s advancements in defence technology and its commitment to self-reliance.
- The exercise will reinforce India’s strategic position in the global defence landscape and enhance its reputation as a key player in international military cooperation.
Strengthening Alliances:
- By hosting such a significant exercise, India aims to strengthen its military alliances and partnerships with participating nations.
- The exercise will contribute to regional stability and collective security through enhanced cooperation and interoperability.
6. Conclusion
- Tarang Shakti 2024 represents a significant milestone in India’s defence journey, showcasing the nation’s capabilities and commitment to self-reliance.
- The participation of various countries and the focus on indigenous assets underscore the strategic importance of this exercise for India’s defence aspirations.
About the Indian Armed Forces
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Founded: October 8, 1932
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General Anil Chauhan
- Commander-in-Chief: President Draupadi Murmu
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource on Tarang Shakti 2024, providing essential details and context to understand the significance of India’s first multinational air exercise. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as the exercise unfolds.
