India will host its first multinational air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’ in two phases starting on the 6th of next month in Sular, Tamil Nadu. The exercise will showcase India’s defence prowess and provide a platform for participating militaries to foster interoperability. Invitations have been extended to 51 countries. Ten countries will be participating with assets and 18 as observers with one more country likely to join,” Air Marshal Singh said while briefing the media. Air forces from the US, Germany, France and several other countries will take part in ‘Tarang Shakti’. First phase of ‘Tarang Shakti’ will be held at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from August 6-14, and the second phase from August 29-September 14 at Rajasthan’s Jodhpur.Besides the observer countries, Germany, France, Spain and the U.K. are scheduled to take part in Phase-1, while Phase-2 will see participation of Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Air Marshal Singh termed it a “landmark event” in Indian military history and the largest international air exercise ever conducted in India with invitation extended to 51 countries. On a query on Agniveers, Air Marshal Singh said that all those Agniveers, who are posted at the bases where the exercise will be taking place, will participate. There is no specific role being given to Agniveers, he said. Exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ aims to strengthen strategic relationship with “our friends from international community”, he added. The A400M aircraft would be showcased to the IAF given that it is also a contender in its Medium Transport Aircraft tender that is under way. Germany will deploy fighter jets and also a A400M transport aircraft.In the flying part of the exercise, assets like Tejas, Prachand, Dhruv, and Rudra will be participating actively, showcasing India’s ability with indigenous products. “In line with India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047 and to take our defence cooperation with our friendly neighbours and countries to the next level, we will showcase our capabilities in defence research and production,” Air Marshal AP Singh said.