NEW DELHI, JULY 31 : For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will hold a multinational air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti, which will be conducted in two phases at Sulur and Jodhpur.

The main objective of the exercise is to showcase the booming indigenous defence ecosystem in India and also to highlight India’s resolve towards Aatmnirbharta.

Addressing a press conference here, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal AP Singh said, “IAF had extended invitation to 51 friendly foreign countries. We got confirmation from 10 countries, who will participate with their assets and 18 countries will participate as observers. Including India, it is going to be a 30 countries exercise”.

He said, “This exercise aims to strengthen relation with our friends from international community. Complex missions are planned to enhance our mutual understanding of air operations. It will also enhance the practicing multiple combat scenarios of the realistic environment”.

He further said that this exercise will provide an excellent opportunity to share best practices with each other.

He informed that the exercise will be conducted in two parts. The Phase-1 will be conducted at IAF station Sulur from August 6 to 14. This phase will see participation from four countries — Germany, France, Spain and United Kingdom with their assets.

Phase -2 will be held at Jodhpur from September 1 to 14 and will see participation from Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, UAE and USA with their assets, he added.
He added that there will be 18 countries, who will be sending their observers and not their assets.
“We will see assets like F-18, C 130 aircraft, F-16 aircraft along with the assets of Indian Air Force taking part in this exercise,” he said. He said, Indian Navy will participate in the first phase.

In the flying part assets like Tejas, Prachand, Dhruv and Rudra will be actively taking part, the Vice Chief of Air Staff said..(UNI)