TAMIL NADU-SULTUR: India's first-ever multinational air combat exercise, Tarang Shakti, has officially kicked off in Sulur, Tamil Nadu on August 6 which is ending at August 14. This landmark event features a range of advanced aircraft, including India's Rafale and Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon, and involves participation from several countries such as Germany, the UK, and Spain.

The exercise is scheduled to unfold in two phases. Phase I, which began this week in Sulur, will continue until August 14. Phase II will shift to Jodhpur from August 29 to September 12. A total of 67 fighter jets and military aircraft from 10 different nations will take part, with observers from 18 additional countries.

India will contribute approximately 75 to 80 fighters, aircraft, and helicopters to the exercise. The primary objective of Tarang Shakti is to bolster military interoperability and strengthen strategic partnerships on a global scale.

IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh highlighted the exercise's goals: "The aim is to build mutual trust, explore further avenues for interoperability, and share best practices. This will enhance our strategic relationships with allied nations."

On the first day of the exercise, Air Marshal Singh flew a Tejas fighter jet from Sulur to conduct an "aerial rendezvous" with Lt-Gen Ingo Gerhartz of the German Air Force, who was piloting a Typhoon jet.

The Tarang Shakti exercise not only aims to improve India's operational capabilities but also serves as a showcase for its defense production strengths. Foreign officials will visit various defense facilities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad as part of the event.

German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann remarked, "Tarang Shakti is Germany’s first joint exercise with India on the subcontinent, underscoring our deepened partnership and commitment to a secure and prosperous region."

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron added, “Our collaboration in security and defense spans across seas, land, and air. It is vital for our armed forces to work together to maintain stability and enhance prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”

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