Our Bureau
New Delhi
In a historic move, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has made its inaugural deployment of combat aircraft to India to participate in the second phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 24. The exercise, which is being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from August 30 to September 13, 2024, marks a significant milestone in defense cooperation between Australia and India.
Australia has sent three state-of-the-art EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft from No 6 Squadron, accompanied by up to 120 personnel, to take part in the multinational exercise. This deployment showcases Australia’s commitment to supporting regional partners and fostering international cooperation to address shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, emphasized the strategic importance of this exercise, stating, “India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our nations, we are prioritizing practical cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.”
Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 is the largest multinational air exercise ever conducted by India, with 11 participating nations and 18 observer nations in attendance. The participating countries include Australia, Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.
The Growler aircraft, known for its advanced electronic warfare capabilities, will play a crucial role in the exercise, demonstrating Australia’s ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats in the region. Air Marshal Chappell noted that the exercise will provide Australian aviators with the opportunity to develop interoperability with foreign militaries, enhance their understanding of tactical operations, and foster international relations.
Australia and India have enjoyed increased air defense cooperation in recent years, with the Indian Air Force participating in Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black in 2018, 2022, and 2024. The two nations also conduct regular training and engagement activities involving Indian Navy P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft, further strengthening their defense ties.
The first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti, held in Tamil Nadu in August, involved the air forces of Germany, France, Spain, and the UK. The second phase in Jodhpur will build upon the lessons learned and further enhance military interoperability among participating nations.
As the Indo-Pacific region faces evolving security challenges, the deployment of Australian combat aircraft to Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 underscores the growing defense cooperation between Australia and India, two key players in the region. This historic move not only strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations but also contributes to the collective security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.
