Air Chief Pushes for Faster Data Link Setup at 'Tarang Shakti' Exercise

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari emphasized the need for a common data link for interoperability with foreign air forces during the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted progress in India's defence sector towards self-reliance. The exercise phases took place in Sulur and Jodhpur, showcasing Surya Kiran aircraft and Tarang helicopters.

Addressing a press conference, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari emphasized the urgent need to formalize a pattern for holding exercises, particularly Tarang Shakti. "We are lacking a common data link to share data with friendly foreign nations. The biggest lesson for us is to speed up the process of procuring and setting up a data link that can interoperate with other air forces for future exercises," said Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Thursday.

Further elaborating, he stated, "We are now going to formalize the pattern in which we will hold such exercises, particularly Tarang Shakti, a multilateral one." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the multilateral aerial exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024'. In his address, the Defence Minister noted, "The Indian Air Force and defence sector are advancing rapidly with the resolution of a self-reliant India."

The Defence Minister added that India's defence sector has made significant strides in indigenizing weapon manufacture, platforms, and aircraft. Singh said, "We have become largely self-sufficient in areas like Light Combat Aircraft, Sensors, Radars, and Electronic warfare, and we are constantly striving to advance in these domains."

'Tarang Shakti' has been organized in two phases. The first phase was held in Sulur, while the second phase is being conducted in Jodhpur. He said that large-scale exercises enable participating countries to learn significantly from one another. When an exercise of such complexity and magnitude occurs, soldiers from different cultures and air combat experiences can gain invaluable insights. "We are not only the fastest-growing economy in the world, but our armed forces are also considered among the most powerful globally," he said. The multilateral aerial exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024' on Thursday showcased Surya Kiran aircraft and Tarang helicopters of the Indian Air Force. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)