The Royal Australian Air Force has made its first deployment of fighter aircraft to India to participate in Exercise ‘Taranga Shakti’, the Australian Department of Defence said in a statement.
The second phase of India’s largest multilateral air exercise ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ is being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from August 30 to September 13. Australia, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE, Japan, Singapore and the US are participating in it.
Australia has sent three EA-18G Growler aircraft from No. 6 Squadron and 120 personnel.
“This is the first time India is hosting Exercise Tarang Shakti, in which 11 partner countries and 18 observer countries are participating,” the statement said.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, said Australia’s participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti reflects Australia’s commitment to support regional partners and promote international cooperation to address shared security challenges.
Air Marshal Chappel said, “India is a top-tier security partner for Australia and through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India, the Government prioritises practical and concrete cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.”
He said Australia’s participation in such exercises reflects its advanced capabilities. The Air Force chief said the exercise will provide an opportunity for aviators to develop interoperability with foreign armies.
“Participation in international exercises such as Tarang Shakti 24 demonstrates our advanced capabilities, ensuring rapid response and adaptability to emerging threats and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region,” Chappel said.
He said, “Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 will provide an opportunity to our aviators to develop inter-operability with foreign militaries, develop mutual understanding of tactical operations and promote international relations.”
The Australian Department of Defence said air defence cooperation between Australia and India has increased in recent years, including hosting Indian Air Force Flankers in Exercise Pitch Black in 2018, 2022 and 2024.
The Air Force also conducts a number of training and engagement activities with the Indian Navy’s P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft.
Australia will continue to support India’s leading role in the region by increasing the depth and complexity of our defence cooperation, the statement said.
The first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti concluded in Tamil Nadu in August.
Air forces of Germany, France, Spain and UK participated in the first phase of India’s largest multilateral air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’.
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