Multilateral air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ begins in Jodhpur

• Second edition of multilateral air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ commenced at Air Force Station Jodhpur on September 26.

• The exercise is themed “Power in Partnership”, underscoring the strength that comes from working together, sharing expertise and building interoperability among partner air forces.

• It will conclude on October 12.

• Seven Friendly Foreign Countries — Australia, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — are participating in the exercise. 

• The foreign aircraft taking part include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, bringing together a diverse mix of combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.

• The participating contingents will operate alongside the IAF, employing frontline combat platforms and support elements across a range of missions.

• The maiden edition of the exercise was held in 2024 in two phases — at Sulur, Tamil Nadu, and Jodhpur — in which fighter aircraft from the UK, Germany and France, among other nations, took part.

• This edition of Tarang Shakti has a wider canvas beyond flying operations, with a range of professional, cultural and outreach activities planned during the exercise. 

• These include a dedicated seminar, industrial tour for the participating foreign contingents, Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions. 

• These engagements will provide opportunities for professional exchange, exposure to India's aerospace and industrial ecosystem, and greater interaction and camaraderie among the participating contingents.