“India`s first Multinational Air Exercise “, Tarang Shakti”

17 Jun “India`s first Multinational Air Exercise “, Tarang Shakti”

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details of “India`s first Multinational Air Exercise “, Tarang Shakti”. This topic is relevant to the “International Relations” section of the UPSC—CSE Exam.

Why in the news?

The Indian Air Force’s inaugural multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, is set to involve 10 countries, with several others participating as observers. Officials have indicated that friendly foreign nations, with whom the IAF maintains regular interaction and interoperability, will be invited to participate and are now scheduled to take place in two phases. Participating countries include Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Key objectives of ‘Tarang Shakti’ :

• Reinforce Military Coordination: The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and military cooperation among participating countries, showcasing international teamwork and military capabilities.
• Improve Interoperability: The exercise will enhance seamless interaction between participating countries, demonstrating the ability of different air forces to work together effectively.
• Showcase International Military Capabilities: Tarang Shakti 2024 will provide a platform for various air forces to engage in the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and joint training, highlighting India’s role as a significant military power.
• Demonstrate Strategic Cooperation: The exercise will promote international cooperation and improve interoperability among participating air forces, regardless of the type of aircraft they operate.
• Enhance Regional Security: By participating in this exercise, India aims to contribute to regional security and stability by sending a strong message to any government with hostile or hegemonic intentions.
• Highlight India’s Growing Military Influence: The exercise is expected to showcase India’s growing military influence and ability to host large-scale multinational exercises, solidifying its position as a major player in global military collaboration.

Focus area:

Fighter Operations:

• Integrated combat operations.
• Air-to-air engagements and simulated dogfights.
• Offensive and defensive counter-air operations.

Transport Aircraft Operations:

• Airlift and air-drop missions.
• Formation flying and tactical manoeuvres.
• Interoperability in air logistics.

Joint Exercises:

• Air-to-ground coordination with ground forces.
• Search and rescue operations.
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills.

Challenges:

• Scheduling Conflicts: Several participating air forces initially expressed their inability to join the exercise if it was held in the current year, leading to a rescheduling of the event to the middle of 2024.
• Logistical Challenges: The exercise involves the mobilization of a large number of personnel and equipment across the country, which poses logistical challenges in terms of transportation and coordination.
• Interoperability: The exercise aims to improve interoperability among participating air forces, which can be challenging due to differences in operational procedures, communication systems, and aircraft capabilities.
• Security Concerns: Hosting a multinational exercise with sensitive military assets and personnel requires robust security measures.
• Weather Conditions: Conducting an exercise across multiple locations in India, with varying weather conditions, can pose challenges for the participating air forces and their equipment.
• Integration of Different Aircraft: The exercise involves the participation of various fighter jets, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and potential US fighter jets, which require careful integration and coordination to ensure seamless operations.
• Maintaining Service-Specific Core Capabilities: The exercise needs to balance the need for joint operations with the requirement to maintain service-specific core capabilities, as outlined in the Indian Air Force doctrine.
• Validation of Operational Rail Mobilisation Plan (ORMP): The exercise aims to validate the ORMP, which involves the comprehensive movement of personnel and ammunition across the country and requires precise planning and execution.

The long-term goals of Tarang Shakti for regional security include:

• Enhanced Military Coordination: The exercise aims to improve interoperability among participating air forces, enabling them to work together seamlessly in various scenarios, including combat situations.
• Regional Stability: By showcasing international teamwork and military capabilities, Tarang Shakti will contribute to regional security and stability by sending a strong message to any government with hostile or hegemonic intentions.
• Multilateral Cooperation: The exercise will foster a culture of multilateral cooperation among participating countries, promoting a collective approach to regional security and enhancing the effectiveness of joint military operations.
• Improved Operational Preparedness: Tarang Shakti will enhance the operational preparedness of participating air forces by providing a realistic operational setting, enabling them to refine their operational procedures and tactics.
• Strategic Cooperation: The exercise will strengthen strategic cooperation among participating countries, solidifying their commitment to regional security and stability.
• Regional Influence: Tarang Shakti will demonstrate India’s growing role in global military cooperation, enhancing its regional influence and credibility as a significant military power.
• Enhanced International Relationships: The exercise will strengthen international relationships among participating countries, fostering trust and cooperation that can be leveraged for future joint military operations and regional security initiatives.
• Regional Security Framework: Tarang Shakti will contribute to developing a regional security framework by promoting a collective approach to security and stability, enhancing the effectiveness of joint military operations, and fostering a culture of multilateral cooperation.

Prelims based Question:

Q. The Red Flag multilateral  exercise is organised by:

1. USA
2. EU
3. UK
4. Saudi Arabia

Answer: A

Mains based Question:

Q. Discuss the role of multilateral exercise worldwide in maintaining global order based on international laws and treaties. 

Vishal Yadav