Blitz Bureau
IN the country’s largest-ever multinational military exercise, Tarang Shakti, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas showcased its capabilities alongside some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, including the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon. The event, held at Sulur Air Base in Tamil Nadu, saw Tejas garnering widespread attention and praise from military leaders, including the Air Force Chiefs of France, Germany, and Spain.
As part of the ongoing military exercise involving 11 nations, Tejas flew alongside the world’s best fighter planes. Chief of the German Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz, and his French counterpart flew in the Tejas and lauded its capabilities. General Gerhartz highlighted the aircraft’s advanced features and potential.
During a press conference in Sulur, along with his counterparts from France, Germany, and Spain, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari noted that Tejas played a crucial role during the exercise Tarang Shakti and demonstrated its operational effectiveness. He also said that Tejas would be deployed in future international military exercises, with plans to harness its capabilities and potential further.
Air Chief Chaudhari also said that India’s prime focus through the air exercise is on ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and to put on display its indigenous capabilities. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tejas is the world’s lightest fighter aircraft in its class.
The Indian Air Force operates two Tejas squadrons and has placed orders for more than 100 additional aircraft from HAL. The Tejas is designed to perform in all weather conditions, cementing its role as a versatile and vital component of India’s defence arsenal. The first of the two-phased air exercise was held at the Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu.
A total of 51 countries were sent invitation for the air exercise. The air forces of Germany, France, Spain and Britain were in India for the first phase of ‘Tarang Shakti’.
The second phase of the air exercise would be held from August 29 to September 14 in Jodhpur in which air forces of the US, Australia, Greece, Bangladesh, Singapore, and the UAE would take part
