IAF set to hold its largest-ever multilateral exercise: What is 'Tarang Shakti'?

As per officials, fifty-one countries were invited to take part in the exercise and nearly 30 of them have given a go ahead including US, UK, Germany, France, Australia among others

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to host its largest multilateral exercise so far in August and September. The exercise 'Tarang Shakti' will display the country's defence prowess and strengthen military ties with air forces from the US, Germany, France and several other countries set to participate.

More than 150 aircraft from 10 nations will soar into the skies during the exercise marking a major milestone in India's military diplomacy. The exercise aims to promote interoperability as well as mutual understanding among the participating countries through a series of complex aerial drills and missions.

When will the largest multilateral exercise be conducted?

The first phase of 'Tarang Shakti' will be held at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from August 6-14 and the second phase from August 29-September 14 at Rajasthan's Jodhpur.

Officials told news agency PTI that Russia and Israel, India's defence partners, will not be a part of the exercise.

51 countries invited to take part

As per officials, fifty-one countries were invited to take part in the exercise and nearly 30 of them have given a go ahead including US, UK, Germany, France, Australia among others.

Air Marshal AP Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), said that this exercise will showcase India's defence prowess and move towards 'Atmanirbharta' in defence. "We have confirmation from 10 countries which will participate with their assets, and 18 countries as observers. One more country is likely to join in, so including India it is likely to become a 30-country exercise," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Global powers set to unite

Rafale from France, Typhoon from Germany, F-18 from Australia and F-16 from Greece, among others, will participate in the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise. From India, LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, Rafale, LCH Prachand, Dhruv and Rudra will be taking part in the flying part showcasing India's indigenous products.

Indian Navy will be participating in the phase one with an aircraft, Air Marshal Singh said.

A defence exposition has also been planned as part of the exercise.

There will be participation from the DRDO, defence PSUs, aviation industry, CSR labs, and top-notch startups as well.

(With PTI inputs)