Blitz Bureau
IN a landmark event for India’s armed forces, the Vice- Chiefs of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force made history on September 9 by flying in the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Vice- Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal AP Singh flew the lead fighter and Vice- Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as well as Vice- Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice- Admiral Krishna Swaminathan flew in the Tejas twin seater.
Their joint participation in the exercise demonstrates the growing focus on cross-domain cooperation, with land, sea, and air forces working together to face modern challenges. This unprecedented joint flight is a powerful testament to India’s advancing integrated defence capabilities, commitment to self-reliance and showcases not only their leadership but also the seamless integration of India’s armed forces.
The flight took place over the skies of Jodhpur wherein Indian Air force has organised the exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, India’s first multi-national exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination amongst participating Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
With an array of participants, the IAF led exercise aims to foster closer ties that strengthen cooperation with a myriad of capacities. Inclusion of Tejas in this mission underscores the critical role indigenous platforms are playing in modernising India’s defence infrastructure.
