The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host its first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, in August. This significant event will feature the participation of ten countries, with additional nations acting as observers.
Background
Tarang Shakti-2024 marks a milestone for the IAF, enriched by experiences from the Red Flag exercise hosted by the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The IAF is enthusiastic about hosting various international contingents for this unprecedented exercise.
Participants and Observers
The IAF plans to invite friendly foreign countries with which it regularly interacts and has established a degree of interoperability. Initially scheduled for late 2023, Tarang Shakti-2024 was deferred and is now set for August and September 2024.
Phases of the Exercise
- First Phase:
- Location: Southern India
- Duration: First two weeks of August
- Second Phase:
- Location: Western sector
- Duration: End of August to mid-September
Some countries will participate in both phases, while others will join one of the two.
Participating Countries
Among the confirmed participants are Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Germany will deploy fighter jets and an A-400M transport aircraft, which is a contender for the IAF’s medium transport aircraft tender.
Red Flag Exercise Recap
The recently concluded Red Flag exercise, held from June 4 to 14 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, featured participation from the IAF, Singapore Air Force, UK’s Royal Air Force, Royal Netherlands Air Force, and German Luftwaffe. The IAF deployed eight Rafale fighters, supported by IL-78 mid-air refuellers and C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
Exercise Details
Red Flag is designed to simulate realistic combat settings with the following elements:
- Red Force: Simulates air defence elements (USAF Aggressor Squadron flying F-16 and F-15 aircraft).
- Blue Force: Simulates offensive composite elements.
Indian Rafales operated alongside Singapore and U.S. F-16s, F-15s, and USAF A-10 aircraft. Missions included beyond visual range combat exercises as part of large force engagements in offensive counter air and air defence roles.
Key Takeaways
The exercise provided insights into interoperability with international partners and a collaborative understanding of employment philosophy in a multinational environment. The IAF crew also gained valuable experience in long-distance ferrying and air-to-air refuelling.
Return Journey
The IAF contingent, along with refuellers and transport aircraft, plans to split enroute and participate in exercises with the air forces of Greece and Egypt before returning to India on June 24.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When is the Tarang Shakti-2024 exercise scheduled to take place?
- a) July 2024
- b) August 2024
- c) September 2024
- d) October 2024
- Answer: b) August 2024
- Which countries are participating in Tarang Shakti-2024?
- a) Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UAE, UK, USA
- b) China, Russia, North Korea, Iran
- c) Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Canada
- d) Italy, Greece, Turkey, Sweden
- Answer: a) Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UAE, UK, USA
- Where was the recent Red Flag exercise held?
- a) Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
- b) Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
- c) Edwards Air Force Base, California
- d) Hill Air Force Base, Utah
- Answer: b) Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
- Which aircraft did the German Luftwaffe deploy for the Tarang Shakti-2024 exercise?
- a) Eurofighter Typhoon
- b) A-400M transport aircraft
- c) Tornado
- d) F-35 Lightning II
- Answer: b) A-400M transport aircraft
- What were the main roles simulated in the Red Flag exercise?
- a) Cargo transport and medical evacuation
- b) Offensive counter air and air defence
- c) Search and rescue operations
- d) Humanitarian aid and disaster relief
- Answer: b) Offensive counter air and air defence