Exercise Tarang Shakti: FFCs Share Best Practices Amid Rain Delay in Jodhpur

Torrential rains interrupted flying operations during phase II of Exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur, but Air Warriors from Friendly Foreign Countries turned the weather-induced pause into an opportunity to share top operational practices. The exercise, involving 11 participating nations, is India’s largest multilateral air exercise.

Torrential rains in Jodhpur brought flying operations to a halt during phase II of Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multilateral air exercise, on Wednesday. According to a post on X by the Indian Air Force Media Co-ordination Centre, the unexpected downpour stopped operations on 04 Sep 24.

Despite the interruption, Air Warriors from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) utilized the pause to exchange top operational and maintenance practices. They also deepened bonds of friendship, with anticipation for clearer skies ahead to resume the largest air exercise, which runs from August 30 to September 13.

Australia's Royal Air Force marked its first deployment of combat aircraft in India for this exercise, sending three EA-18G Growler aircraft and up to 120 personnel. Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 saw participation from 11 nations and 18 observer countries, demonstrating a strong commitment to regional cooperation and addressing shared security challenges.

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell described India's role as a top-tier security partner for Australia. Through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both nations are prioritizing practical cooperation for Indo-Pacific stability. Chappell emphasized the development of interoperability between aviators through international exercises.

The first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti concluded in Tamil Nadu in August, involving air forces from Germany, France, Spain, and the UK. The ongoing phase in Jodhpur aims to continue the collaborative efforts despite weather challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)