19 Jun Indian Air Force’s first multinational Air exercise : Tarang Shakti- 2024
( This article is related to the section ‘ Issues related to India’s internal and external security, Various Security Forces, Agencies and their mandate’ of UPSC Civil Services Mains General Studies Paper – 3 and ‘ Exercise Tarang Shakti– 2024, Red Flag Exercise ’ section of UPSC Prelims Exam. It also includes suggestions from the PLUTUS IAS Team. This article is related to ‘ Indian Air Force’s First Multinational Air Exercise : Tarang Shakti – 2024 ’ under ‘ Daily Current Affairs. )
Why in the News ?
- The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti – 2024, will be conducted in India in the month of August.
- A total of 10 countries will participate in this first multinational air exercise of the Air Force, Tarang Shakti-2024 and some other countries will also participate in it as observers.
- This multinational air exercise is inspired by the Red Flag exercise conducted by the US.
Tarang Shakti – 2024 :
- Exercise Tarang Shakti was originally scheduled to be conducted in late 2023, but due to certain reasons the exercise was postponed to 2023.
- Now this air exercise will be conducted in two different phases.
- First round / Phase : The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti – 2024, will be conducted in South India during the first two weeks of August under the first phase in India.
- Second phase : Air Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 will be conducted in the Western Region of India under Phase II from late August to mid September.
- Some countries will participate in both phases, creating a broad training scenario, while some other countries will participate in specific phases depending on operational objectives.
- This is the first multinational air exercise to be conducted by the Indian Air Force.
- Objective : The objective of this exercise is to invite friendly countries with whom the Indian Air Force regularly interacts and who have some degree of interoperability.
- Participating countries in Exercise Tarang Shakti – 2024 : Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
- Germany will showcase the A-400M aircraft, which is being seen as a possible option for the open tender in the medium transport aircraft category.
- The main objective of this exercise being organized by the Indian Air Force is to promote professional interaction, enrich the employment philosophy of the various participating forces and facilitate exchange of valuable insights.
- This presents a unique opportunity for these countries to cooperate and enhance their strategic and operational capabilities.
- The Indian Air Force participated in the second edition of ‘Red Flag’ air exercise in Alaska, which ran from 4 to 14 June 2024.
- Indian Rafale aircraft took part in joint missions with Singapore and American aircraft in this exercise.
- The objective of these joint missions was to counter, interdict and strengthen air defense capability against counter air attacks in Beyond Visual Range conditions.
- In these joint missions, large scale engagement missions were conducted in offensive counter air and air defense roles in Beyond Visual Range conditions using Rafale aircraft.
What is a Red flag practice ?
- Exercise Red Flag (also known as Red Flag – Nellis) is an advanced two-week air combat training exercise conducted by the United States Air Force (USAF) several times throughout the year.
- Its purpose is to provide realistic air combat training for military aircraft pilots and other flight crews from the United States and allied countries.
- Each year, three to six Red Flag exercises are held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, while four more, called Red Flag – Alaska, are held at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
- It was first held on November 29, 1975, as Exercise Red Flag involving aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy (USN), United States Marine Corps (USMC), United States Army (USA), and several allied nations. Brings employees together on one platform.
- Red Flag exercises are conducted under the control of the United States Air Force War Center (USAFWC) at Nellis. They are operated by 414 Aircraft Training Squadron (414 CTS) of 57 Wing (57 WG).
- Organized by USAF : Exercise Red Flag, which recently concluded at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, included several international partnerships.
- Indian Air Force deployment : The Indian Air Force deployed eight Rafale fighter aircraft for the exercise, supported by IL-78 mid-air refuelers and C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
- War Simulation : The exercise covered various air combat scenarios, with the Red and Blue forces simulating defensive and offensive roles respectively.
Importance of Exercise Tarang Shakti : 2024 :
- Exercise Tarang Shakti – 2024 advanced military technologies and Military technological progress is demonstrated.
- Along with this, it also tests the effectiveness of the instruments and coordination among the participating countries.
- The exercise provides a platform to showcase advanced military technologies and capabilities, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerial refueling systems.
- The exercise provides an opportunity to the various participating countries to demonstrate the effectiveness and interoperability of their equipment in a multinational environment.
- This exercise will enhance regional stability of the changing geo-strategic countries and promote collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- This exercise reinforces India’s role as a major partner in global security initiatives and strengthens India’s diplomatic relations with participating countries.
Source – The Hindu and PIB.
Practice Questions for Preliminary Exam :
Q.1. Consider the following statements regarding Exercise Tarang Shakti : 2024.
- This is the first multinational air exercise to be conducted by the Indian Air Force.
- It will be held in four phases in India.
- It will be organized by the Indian Army as a joint military exercise between the armies of other countries.
- The second phase of this exercise will be conducted in the western region of India from late August to mid September.
Which of the above statement /statements is/are correct?
A. Only 1, 2 and 3.
B. Only 2, 3 and 4.
C. Only 2 and 4.
D. Only 1 and 4.
Answer – D
Practice Questions for Main Exam :
Q.1. Underlining the importance of Exercise Tarang Shakti, Discuss how it is a platform to showcase advanced military technologies and capabilities for India’s internal and external security? Present a rational opinion. ( Word limit – 250 Marks – 15 )
Qualified Preliminary and Main Examination ( Written ) and Shortlisted for Personality Test (INTERVIEW) three times Of UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION in the year of 2017, 2018 and 2020. Shortlisted for Personality Test (INTERVIEW) of 64th and 67th BPSC CIVIL SERVICES.
M. A M. Phil and Ph. D From (SLL & CS) JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY, NEW DELHI.
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