Sulur, Tamil Nadu: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has made history by taking a central role in the Tarang Shakti exercise, marking a significant achievement for India’s indigenous defense technology. Held at Sulur Airbase from August 6-14, this multinational air exercise showcased India’s growing self-reliance in defense as the Tejas, along with Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand and Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), demonstrated their capabilities on a global stage.

The Tarang Shakti exercise brought together air forces from around the world, including England, France, Spain, and Germany. France contributed its Rafale fighter jets, while England, Germany, and Spain showcased their Eurofighter Typhoons. The participation of LCA Tejas in this prominent event underscores its importance to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities.

During the exercise, the LCA Tejas executed a variety of tactical maneuvers, impressing not only Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary but also the visiting Air Force Chiefs from Germany, Spain, and France. The LCH Prachand and LUH helicopters also demonstrated their agility and versatility, earning praise from foreign dignitaries.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary emphasized the significance of the LCA Tejas despite its smaller size compared to other fighter jets in the exercise. The Tejas participated in both ‘Blue Force’ (friendly) and ‘Red Force’ (enemy) scenarios, showcasing its operational flexibility and combat readiness. This highlights the Tejas as a crucial asset in the IAF’s arsenal.

The presence of the LCA Tejas at Tarang Shakti not only reflects national pride but also addresses the IAF’s strategic needs. As India continues to modernize its air force, the LCA Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), offers a versatile platform capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its participation underscores its readiness for broader deployment and its potential to lessen India’s reliance on foreign fighter jets.

The second phase of the Tarang Shakti exercise will take place at Jodhpur Airbase from August 29 to September 14, featuring air forces from 31 countries, including the United States, Greece, Singapore, and Australia. Advanced aircraft such as the F-16s and F-18s, alongside India’s own Sukhoi, Mirage, and Jaguar aircraft, will participate, further demonstrating global recognition of India’s defense advancements.

Indian aircraft, including the LCA Tejas, LCH Prachand, ALH Mark-4 helicopters, AWACS reconnaissance aircraft, and C-130 transport aircraft, will play key roles in this exercise. The event aims to enhance interoperability between participating nations and highlight India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

Tarang Shakti serves as a platform for the Indian Air Force to refine its combat skills and showcase its indigenous air platforms to the world. As India strives towards its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the prominence of the LCA Tejas and other indigenous platforms in such exercises reflects the country’s dedication to achieving defense self-reliance. The active participation of the LCA Tejas squadron at Sulur Airbase signals the IAF’s confidence in its indigenous aircraft, highlighting the growing strength and capabilities of India’s defense forces.