TeresaGuercio23 at 18:12, 22 April 2026

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{{short description|Indian Air Force multinational training exercise}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| name = 
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| logo = File:Tarang Shakti Official Logo.png
| logo_size =
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption = Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 official logo
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| status = Active
| genre = [[Military exercise]]
| date = 
| begins = 
| ends = 
| frequency = Biennially
| venue =
| location = *[[Sulur Air Force Station]]
*[[Jodhpur Airport|Jodhpur Air Force Station]]
| coordinates =
| country = India
| years_active = {{age|2024|08|06}}
| established = {{start date|2024}}
| founder_name = 
| last =
| prev = 2024 (6 August – 14 September)
| next = 2026 (September – October)
| participants = [[Indian Air Force]] & friendly air forces
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}}
'''Exercise Tarang Shakti''' is a biennial multinational [[Aerial warfare|air combat]] [[Military exercise|exercise]] hosted by the [[Indian Air Force]]. The first edition of the exercise, previously planned in 2023, was held in August and September 2024. An estimated 150 aircraft participated in the multinational air exercise, which was conducted in two phases with 70–80 aircraft deployed in each phase.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-07-31 |title=IAF's largest multilateral exercise Tarang Shakti to see participation of over 150 aircraft |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iafs-largest-multilateral-exercise-tarang-shakti-to-see-participation-of-over-150-aircraft/article68469453.ece |access-date=2024-09-02 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In the first edition, 11 countries are participating with military assets including [[Australia]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Japan]], [[Singapore]], [[Spain]], [[Sri Lanka]], the [[United Arab Emirates]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]].<ref name=":7" /> In addition, 18 other countries participated as observers.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=What is Tarang Shakti, the largest military exercise that India will host? |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-tarang-shakti-the-largest-military-exercise-that-india-will-host-101722435902901.html |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2023-06-07 |title=12 countries to participate in IAF's biggest-ever exercise |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/Jun/30/12-countries-to-participate-in-iafs-biggest-ever-exercise-2589987.html |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The Tarang Shakti 2024 was the first and largest international air exercise hosted by India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Alka |date=2024-08-06 |title=India's first multinational air exercise 'Tarang Shakti' to begin today. All you need to know about it |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-first-multinational-air-exercise-tarang-shakti-to-begin-today-all-you-need-to-know-about-it-11722910325396.html |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Mint}}</ref>

Tarang Shakti 2024 is the second largest air exercise in the [[South Asia]] after [[Exercise Indus Shield]] which featured 24 air forces, organized by the [[Pakistan Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |date=2024-09-05 |title=Exercise Tarang Shakti – Largest Multilateral Air Exercise in India |url=https://www.iadb.in/2024/09/05/exercise-tarang-shakti-largest-multilateral-air-exercise-in-india/ |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Indian Aerospace and Defence Bulletin - News for aerospace and defence in India |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-10-24 |title=COAS Gen Asim Munir reviews Indus Shield-2024 exercises |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2504981/coas-gen-asim-munir-visits-paf-to-review-indus-shield-2024-exercises |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Saad |date=2024-11-05 |title=Pakistan, China hold aerial exercise simulating contemporary combat scenarios |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/572839-pakistan-china-hold-aerial-exercise-simulating-contemporary-combat-scenarios |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en-US}}</ref>

== First Edition (2024) ==
The debut exercise was held in latter half of 2024, in two phases. The first phase was held at [[Sulur Air Force Station]], [[Tamil Nadu]] from 6 August to 14 August. The participants of the first phase, other than Indian Air Force included [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Spain]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. The second phase is to be held at [[Jodhpur Airport|Jodhpur Air Force Stations]], [[Rajasthan]] from 30 August to 14 September.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=Greece makes first fighter jet landing in India ahead of Tarang Shakti Phase 2 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/first-greek-fighter-hellenic-forces-jet-lands-on-indian-soil-as-tarang-shakti-phase-2-jodhpur-2590095-2024-08-29 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |date=2024-09-05 |title=Exercise Tarang Shakti – Largest Multilateral Air Exercise in India – Indian Aerospace and Defence Bulletin – News for aerospace and defence in India |url=https://www.iadb.in/2024/09/05/exercise-tarang-shakti-largest-multilateral-air-exercise-in-india/amp/ |access-date=2024-09-10 |language=en-US}}</ref> The participants of the second phase include [[Australia]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Greece]], [[Japan]], [[Singapore]], the [[United Arab Emirates]] and the [[United States]]. A total of 51 nations were invited while 11 foreign nations will participate in the exercise with their assets and 18 other nations will also be present as observers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |title=Exercise Tarang Shakti: India's Largest multinational air exercise to begin on August 6 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/exercise-tarang-shakti-indias-largest-multinational-air-exercise-to-begin-on-august-6-3131281 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-01 |title=Air Force to host 2-phase Tarang Shakti exercise, 51 countries invited |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-force-to-host-two-phase-tarang-shakti-exercise-51-countries-invited-russia-us-uk-2574745-2024-08-01 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roushan |first=Anurag |date=2024-08-01 |title='Tarang Shakti': India set to host its largest multinational air exercise, 51 countries invited |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/tarang-shakti-indian-air-force-largest-multinational-air-exercise-in-india-two-phases-august-september-51-countries-invited-2024-08-01-944653 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en}}</ref> However, Bangladesh Air Force withdrew their C-130 aircraft just before the 2nd phase commenced and Sri Lankan Air Force joined in while BAF officials joined the exercise as observers.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-30 |title=Bangladesh opts out of multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti, Sri Lanka steps in |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bangladesh-opts-out-of-multinational-air-exercise-tarang-shakti-sri-lanka-steps-in-2590859-2024-08-30 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Japan also confirmed its participation in the exercise few days before the second phase.<ref name=":8" />

A total of 150 aircraft will be deployed by IAF and other air forces which includes:<ref name=":1" />

* '''Phase 1'''
** '''{{Air force|IND}}''' – [[HAL Tejas|Tejas Mk 1]], [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKI]], [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000]], [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale]], and [[HAL Dhruv|Dhruv]] (included transport aircraft)
** '''{{Naval|IND}}''' – [[Mikoyan MiG-29K|MiG-29K]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2024-08-06 |title=India's first ever multinational air exercise 'Tarang Shakti' begins at Sulur Air Force Station |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/indias-first-ever-multinational-air-exercise-tarang-shakti-begins-at-sulur-air-force-station/articleshow/112324197.cms |access-date=2024-08-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
** '''{{Air force|GER}}''' – 5 [[Eurofighter Typhoon]], 1 [[Airbus A400M Atlas]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air drills bring new thrust to India, Germany defense ties – DW – 08/05/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-germany-air-drills-mark-defense-partnership-milestone/a-69862725 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref>
** '''{{Air force|FRA}}''' – 3 [[Dassault Rafale]], 1 [[Airbus A330 MRTT]], 1 [[Airbus A400M Atlas]] and 160 personnel<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-05 |title=French Air and Space Force to take part in Tarang Shakti exercise in Tamil Nadu |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/french-air-and-space-force-to-take-part-in-tarang-shakti-exercise-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/112278116.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-08-06 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
** '''{{Air force|ESP}}''' – [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]
** '''{{Air force|UK}}''' – 6 [[Eurofighter Typhoon]] ([[No. 11 Squadron RAF|No. XI Squadron]]), 2 [[Airbus A330 MRTT|Airbus A330 Voyager]], 1 [[Airbus A400M Atlas]] and 130 personnel<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=Exercise Tarang Shakti: A Historic Multilateral Air Drill Takes Off in India |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-exercise-tarang-shakti-a-historic-multilateral-air-drill-takes-off-in-india-3575469/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=RAF Typhoons make pit stop to take part in India's first multinational air exercise |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/services/raf/raf-takes-part-indian-air-forces-first-multi-national-air-exercise |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=www.forcesnews.com |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Phase 2'''
** '''{{Air force|IND}}''' – [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKI]], [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000]], [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale]], [[HAL Tejas|HAL Tejas Mk 1]], [[SEPECAT Jaguar]], 3 [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J]], 2 [[Ilyushin Il-78|Il-78MKI]], 2 [[DRDO AEW&CS|Netra AEW&CS]], [[HAL Prachand|Prachand]], [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|Apache]], and [[HAL Rudra|Rudra]]<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=Phase 2 of multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti starts tomorrow in Jodhpur |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tarang-shakti-phase-2-air-exercise-jodhpur-rajasthan-indian-air-force-australia-us-greece-2590186-2024-08-29 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5" />
** '''{{Air force|AUS}}''' – 3 [[Boeing EA-18G Growler]] ([[No. 6 Squadron RAAF|No. 6 Squadron]]) and 120 personnel<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title=Tarang Shakti II: Australian Air Force deploys combat aircraft to India for the first time |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/tarang-shakti-ii-australian-air-force-deploys-combat-aircraft-to-india-for-the-first-time-12813615.html |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=Money Control}}</ref>
** '''{{Air force|USA}}''' – [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] ([[148th Fighter Wing]]), [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Thunderbolt II]] ([[25th Fighter Squadron]]), [[Bombardier Global Express|Bombardier E-11A]], [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]] ([[909th Air Refueling Squadron]]), [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed C-130H Hercules]] ([[139th Airlift Wing]]), [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]] ([[62nd Airlift Wing]])<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=PACAF joins allies, partners in Indian Air Force-led exercise to enhance diverse cooperation |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3894111/pacaf-joins-allies-partners-in-indian-air-force-led-exercise-to-enhance-diverse/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=af.mil}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-09-08 |title=Military diplomacy in top gear with back-to-back exercises for three Services |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/military-diplomacy-in-top-gear-with-back-to-back-exercises-for-three-services/article68618770.ece/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
** '''{{Air force|Greece}}''' – 4 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Block 52+ Fighting Falcon]] ([[336th Bomber Squadron|336 Squadron]]), 2 [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" />
** '''{{Air force|JAP}}''' – 2 [[Mitsubishi F-2]]<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Lake |first=Jon |date=2024-08-28 |title=Japanese F-2s make rare overseas deployment for Indian exercise |url=https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/japanese-f-2s-make-rare-overseas-deployment-for-indian-exercise/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=AGN |language=en-en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=Phase Two Of Tarang Shakti Takes Flight In Jodhpur |url=https://bharatshakti.in/phase-two-of-tarang-shakti-takes-flight-in-jodhpur/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Bharat Shakti |language=en-US}}</ref>
** '''{{Air force|Singapore}}''' – [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
** '''{{Air force|SL}}''' – [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed C-130K Hercules]]<ref name=":6" />
** '''{{Air force|UAE}}''' – [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
[[File:HAL Tejas (LA-5022) and Tejas twin seat (LT-5201) during Ex.Tarangshakti24.jpg|thumb|HAL Tejas (LA-5022) and Tejas twin-seater (LT-5201) of [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]] during International Defence Aviation Exposition.]]
On the afternoon of 6 August, the jets from foreign air forces touched down at [[Sulur Air Force Station|Sulur AFS]] where the first phase of the exercise was to be conducted. The jets were escorted by a formation of four [[HAL Tejas|HAL Tejas Mk 1]] aircraft, one of which was piloted by the then [[Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Air Staff]] [[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] [[Amar Preet Singh|A. P. Singh]]. The exercise began with Tejas intercepting German, French and Spanish jets as a part of the training exercise. One of the [[German Air Force]]'s [[Eurofighter Typhoon]] was being piloted by [[Generalleutnant#Germany|Lieutenant General]] [[Ingo Gerhartz]], Chief of the German Air Force who flew for five hours to reach India. It is the first time that the German Air Force is participating in an exercise in Indian airspace.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-06 |title=India's multi-national air exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024' begins in Coimbatore |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/indias-multi-national-air-excercise-tarang-shakti-2024-begins-in-coimbatore/article68493291.ece |access-date=2024-08-07 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=IAF begins its first-ever multinational exercise Tarang Shakti in Sulur with Made in India LCA Tejas in the lead |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/iaf-begins-its-first-ever-multinational-exercise-tarang-shakti-in-sulur-with-made-in-india-lca-tejas-in-the-lead20240806223947/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=[[Asian News International]]}}</ref> The phase saw the participation of 10 foreign nations (Spain, Germany, France and United Kingdom) including six observers. The Indian Air Force also hosted the International Defence Aviation Exposition (IDAX) on 9 August showcasing indigenous aviation platforms to the foreign participants.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=India hosts largest air exercise Tarang Shakti, showcases global aerial prowess |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tarang-shakti-india-air-exercise-multinational-showcases-global-aerial-prowess-2581648-2024-08-13 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> HAL Tejas was assigned to the Red Force (hostile) as well as the Blue Force (friendly) and its capabilities were proven in both the cases. The design capabilities of the fighter jet also received appreciation from the foreign pilots who piloted them. On 13 August, the [[Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force|Chief of French Air Force]], General {{ill|Stéphane Mille|fr}} and the Chief of German Air Force Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz piloted HAL Tejas. The then [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Indian Air Force Chief]] [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Vivek Ram Chaudhari|V. R. Chaudhari]] and the [[Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force (Spain)|Chief of Spanish Air Force]] [[General of the Air (Spain)|Air General]] [[Francisco Braco Carbó]] flew on board a [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=LCA proved its mettle in Tarang Shakti drills, says IAF chief |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lca-proved-its-mettle-in-tarang-shakti-drills-says-iaf-chief-101723547971515.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

The second phase marked the first military exercise of Greece in India. The contingent from the Hellenic Air Force arrived on 29 August at Jodhpur.<ref name=":3" /> According to a report, In the second phase, a total of 40 aircraft including 27 fighter aircraft, two mid-air refuellers, two AEW&CS, three special forces aircraft and helicopters ([[HAL Dhruv]], [[HAL Prachand]] and [[HAL Rudra]]) participated from the Indian Air Force.<ref name=":5" /> On 12 September 2024, [[Surya Kiran]] and [[Sarang display team|Sarang]] [[aerobatic team]]s showcased their skills to the participants of the exercise. The senior officials told that the air forces participating in the exercise lacked a common data link which enables operators to share data with friendly foreign nations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-13 |title=Tarang Shakti: Will formalise pattern to hold exercises, says VR Chaudhari |url=https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/tarang-shakti-will-formalise-pattern-to-hold-exercises-says-vr-chaudhari-124091300064_1.html |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=Business Standard}}</ref> IAF also hosted the India Defence Aviation Exposition-II (IDAX-II) from 12 to 14 September. It was inaugurated by Indian [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]] [[Rajnath Singh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-11 |title=IAF Set to Host the Indian Defence Aviation Exposition-II at Jodhpur |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2053715 |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref>

== Second Edition (2026) ==
The second edition of the exercise is expected to be held around September and October 2026. This was first reported during the state visit of the [[Defence Minister of India]], [[Rajnath Singh]], to Germany to meet his [[German defence minister|counterpart]] in late April 2026.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Raksha Mantri & his German counterpart hold bilateral talks in Berlin to bolster strategic defence partnership |date=2026-04-22 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2254600&reg=3&lang=1 |quote=Raksha Mantri said that India is looking forward to the German Air Force’s participation in the next edition of Ex-TARANG SHAKTI which will be held in India in September/October this year. |access-date=2026-04-22}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[List of exercises of the Indian Air Force]]
* [[Exercise Red Flag]]
* [[Red Flag – Alaska]]
* [[Cope India]]
* [[Indradhanush (Air Force Exercise)]]
* [[Exercise Garuda]]
* [[Exercise Pitch Black]]

== References ==
<references responsive="1"></references>

[[Category:2024 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Military aviation exercises]]
[[Category:Indian military exercises]]
[[Category:Military exercises involving France]]
[[Category:Military exercises involving the United States]]
[[Category:Indian Air Force]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 2024]]

Exercise Tarang Shakti - Revision history

TeresaGuercio23 at 18:12, 22 April 2026