Australia Deploys First Aircraft in India for ‘Tarang Shakti’- II

India has conducted Exercise Tarang Shakti for the first time, with the second leg, ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’, taking place at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 30 August to 13 September. The participation includes Australia, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.

Australia has deployed three EA-18G Growler aircraft from No 6 Squadron and up to 120 personnel for the exercise. Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, highlighted Australia’s commitment to supporting regional partners and fostering international cooperation.

He emphasized the significance of India as a top-tier security partner and the priority placed on practical cooperation contributing to Indo-Pacific stability. Australia’s involvement in the exercise aims to showcase their advanced capabilities for rapid response and adaptability to emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Furthermore, recent years have seen increased air defence cooperation between Australia and India, with various joint activities and engagements. The statement added that Australia will continue to support India’s crucial role in the region by enhancing the depth and complexity of their defence cooperation.

The first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti, which took place in Tamil Nadu in August, involved the air forces of Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.