Context:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host its largest multilateral exercise, Tarang Shakti.

Key Highlights 

• Invitations were extended to 51 countries, with 10 participating with air assets and 18 as observer countries. 
• The exercise is designed to foster interoperability, share best practices, and showcase India's indigenous defense industry.
• This mega-exercise aims to enhance professional interaction among participating air forces, enrich combat doctrines, and facilitate valuable exchanges of insights. 

About exercise “Tarang Shakti”

The IAF has structured the exercise in two phases to accommodate the diverse participants and cater to the requirements of friendly foreign countries.

• Phase-I: Scheduled from August 6 to 14 at Air Force Station Sulur, Tamil Nadu, featuring participants from Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.
• Phase-I will see 32 foreign aircraft and over 40 IAF aircraft. The Indian Navy will also participate with its Mig-29K fighters.
• Phase-II: Set for August 29 to September 14 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, involving Australia, Bangladesh, Singapore, Greece, the UAE, and the USA, along with 18 observer countries.
• The USA will participate with F-16 and A-10 aircraft, but without the F-35.

Industrial Exposition

• An associated defense industrial exposition will be held at Sulur and Jodhpur, featuring 68 participants, including defense public sector undertakings, private firms, and start-ups. 
• This exposition aims to highlight India's indigenous defense capabilities and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat(self-reliance) initiative. 
• The IAF will showcase indigenous platforms such as Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopters, and Light Combat Helicopters.

Involvement of Agniveer

• The IAF confirmed that Agniveer personnel would also participate in Tarang Shakti 2024.