In a last-minute change, Bangladesh has decided not to deploy its C-130 aircraft for the second phase of the multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, which began in Jodhpur. This adjustment marks a notable shift from the country's original plan to include its C-130 in the exercise. However, representatives from the Bangladesh Air Force will still participate as observers. 

To fill the void left by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka has decided to participate with its own C-130 aircraft in the second phase of the Tarang Shakti exercise. This phase, which is the largest multinational air exercise hosted by India, will run from August 30 to September 14. The event will feature impressive aerial demonstrations from fighter jets representing Australia, the US, Greece, Bangladesh, Singapore, and the UAE. 

The Tarang Shakti air exercise will see Greece participating for the first time in a military drill in India, a development following the strengthening of military ties between the two nations in April 2023. 

India will display a variety of its advanced military assets, including the LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKIs, and Rafales. With participation from over 18 countries and approximately 67 fighter jets, Tarang Shakti 2024 underscores India's expanding role in promoting multinational defence collaboration and improving interoperability among the participating air forces. 

Air forces from 10 countries are actively participating in Tarang Shakti, showcasing their assets, while other nations are taking part as observers. The exercise will feature Australia's F-18, Sri Lanka’s C-130, Greece's F-16, and the USA's A-10 and F-16, demonstrating their capabilities in Indian skies near the western border. 

The Indian Air Force will contribute a diverse array of assets, including Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage, Jaguar, and Tejas fighter jets, as well as MiG-29s, Prachand and Rudra attack helicopters, ALH Dhruv helicopters, C-130s, IL-78 tankers, and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. 

The Air Force Chiefs from the participating countries will be present during the exercise. The first phase of Tarang Shakti took place in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, from August 6 to 14, with France, Germany, Spain, and the UK taking part. 

The current phase of Tarang Shakti, hosted by the Indian Air Force, aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence relations among the participating nations. Operations will be conducted near India's western border, reinforcing the exercise's role as a key platform for fostering multinational cooperation in the region. 

Image source: India TV