The Royal Australian Air Force has made its debut deployment of combat aircraft to India for the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise, according to a statement from Australia’s Defence Department. This marks Australia’s first participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti, India’s largest multilateral air exercise, which is currently underway at Air Force Station Jodhpur from August 30 to September 13.
The exercise, named ‘Tarang Shakti 24,’ features participation from Australia, Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the United States, alongside a number of observer nations. Australia has sent three EA-18G Growler aircraft and up to 120 personnel for the event.
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, highlighted that Australia’s involvement underscores its dedication to supporting regional partners and enhancing international cooperation to tackle common security challenges. “India is a crucial security partner for Australia. Through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our nations, we are committed to deepening practical cooperation that supports stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Chappell stated.
Chappell also noted that the exercise serves as a platform for showcasing Australia’s advanced military capabilities, offering aviators a chance to build interoperability with other nations’ forces. He emphasised that participating in international exercises like Tarang Shakti 24 helps enhance rapid response capabilities and adaptability to emerging threats in the region.
Australia and India have strengthened their air defence cooperation in recent years, including hosting Indian Air Force Flankers at Exercise Pitch Black in 2018, 2022, and 2024. Additionally, the Australian Air Force engages in training activities with Indian Navy P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft.
The first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti, which concluded in Tamil Nadu in August, involved the air forces of Germany, France, Spain, and the UK. The exercise continues to evolve, reflecting the growing depth and complexity of defence collaboration between Australia and India.
