India Defence

‘Tarang Shakti’ 2024: Check out photos of first-ever multinational air exercise in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore

Anish Kumar | Published : Aug 8, 2024 8:01 PM

In a statement, the British High Commission, in India said that the UK’s Royal Air Force contingent for this year’s Tarang Shakti comprises 130 personnel, six Eurofighter Typhoons, two A330 Voyager air-to-air refuellers and an Airbus A400M military-transport aircraft are participating.

‘Tarang Shakti’ 2024: Check out photos of first-ever multinational air exercise in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore

The first-ever multinational air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ 2024 entered into its second day at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district on Thursday.

The exercise, which began on August 7, is being conducted into two phases. The first phase is underway at Sulur while the second phase will start on August 29 at Jodhpur Air Force station in Rajasthan. The first phase would conclude on August 14.

In the exercise, a total of 29 countries are participating, including 11 with fighter aircraft and 18 as observers. The aim of the exercise is to showcase India’s defense prowess and provide a platform for participating militaries to foster interoperability.

In the first phase, the air forces from France, Germany, Spain, Greece and the United Kingdom are participating.

The six Typhoons from RAF’s XI (Fighter) Squadron arrived in India after participating in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia, where they operated alongside the Indian Air Force.

From the French Air Force, a total of 160 personnel, three Rafale fighters, one Airbus A330 multi role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft and one Airbus A400M transport aircraft are participating.

“Tarang Shakti is Germany's first joint exercise with India on the subcontinent. Very exciting to witness it on the ground - and in the air! Showcases our deepened partnership with India, for a secure and prosperous region, together with our European friends,” German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann said.

A total of 51 countries were invited to take part in the exercise. Indian Air Force’s LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale to take part in the mega exercise, they added.

About the Author

Anish Kumar

Anish Kumar reports on defence, national security and diplomacy at Asianet Newsable. In the past, Anish had extensively wrote on business, economic affairs and politics.In his 13 years of career, he worked with several publications, including United News of India and Times of India. He has been working at Asianet Newsable since January 2021. As part of his job, Anish has travelled extensively across the country to report on elections, military and border infrastructures.Read More...