Context
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti-26 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- It is a multinational air exercise involving air forces from several countries.
Key Features
- The maiden edition was conducted in August–September 2024 in two phases.
- Eight countries will participate with air assets: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE and USA.
- Another 32 countries will attend as observers.
- Foreign platforms include the US F-35, French Rafale, UAE F-16 and Bangladeshi C-130J.
- The IAF will deploy the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.
Objectives
- Strengthen interoperability, or the ability of different air forces to operate effectively together.
- Facilitate the exchange of operational experience and best practices.
- Provide a platform to demonstrate and assess India’s air combat capabilities.
Conclusion
Exercise Tarang Shakti-26 provides a structured platform for participating air forces to deepen professional engagement and improve their understanding of joint operations. It thereby supports broader multilateral defence cooperation and operational coordination.
FAQs
Q1. What does interoperability mean in a multinational air exercise?
It refers to the ability of air forces from different countries to coordinate procedures, communication and operations effectively.
Q2. Why are observer countries included in such exercises?
Observer participation allows countries to follow the exercise and gain exposure to operational practices without necessarily deploying air assets.
Q3. How does interoperability benefit participating air forces?
It helps different forces develop greater familiarity with common procedures, coordination mechanisms and operational practices.
Q4. How do participating and observer countries differ?
Participating countries contribute air assets to the exercise, while observer countries attend to observe and gain exposure to the exercise.
