Grit and Glory

AVM Golani

The Indian Air Force since the last couple of years has been giving itself a theme for the year in order to focus upon certain facets of its operations to build on its core competencies and capabilities. The theme for 2024 was ‘Air Power Beyond Boundaries.’

Exercise ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’ held in two phases during the months of August and September 2024 was amongst the largest multilateral exercises carried out by any air force globally and the first of this magnitude and scale, in the region. With 51 countries invited and participation by 11 with their flying platforms and 18 others as observers this effort by the IAF more than lived up to the theme that it dedicated for itself for 2024—Air Power Beyond Boundaries. The willing participation by air forces spanning all the continents of the globe, bears testimony to the professionalism and skills of the IAF air warriors and the recognition of India as an important and emerging great power.

The IAF has come a long way since the last multilateral exercise on Indian soil more than six decades ago and two decades since its fighters crossed the Indian continent during peacetime in 2004, flying to the United States for Ex Cope Thunder. Today, the IAF is recognised as an important player that contributes to regional peace, security and stability.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, with multiple objectives, took more than a year’s dedicated planning and effort to fructify successfully. It also demonstrated the capabilities and capacity of the IAF to undertake this maiden exercise after having participated in various bilateral and multinational exercises overseas and some bilateral exercises in India. The exercise w