The Indian Air Force is set to host its largest multilateral air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti,’ in two phases starting August 6.

The first phase will be held in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, from August 6 to 14, followed by the second phase in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from August 29 to September 14.

Air Marshal A P Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, said at a press conference in New Delhi that 51 countries had been invited to participate in the exercise. 

The exercise aims to demonstrate India’s defence capabilities and strengthen cooperation among participating nations.

“Invitations have been extended to 51 countries. Ten countries will participate with assets, and 18 will join as observers, with one more country likely to participate,” Singh said.

Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore are among the ten participating nations.

“The aim is to foster interoperability and share best practices and also to showcase the indigenous defence industry”, he added.

Singh said that India would showcase its indigenous fighter aircraft and equipment, including the Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MIG 29.

“Our endeavour will be to demonstrate our energy and dynamism during this exercise, learn from each other, learn operating procedures, tactics, strategies. We also aim to strengthen our cultural and diplomatic relations with these countries,” he added.