The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to showcase its prowess and operational capabilities during the upcoming ‘Gagan Shakti-2024’ exercise scheduled from April 1 to 10. This exercise will provide a realistic environment for the IAF to conduct high-intensity operations, involving all air force bases and assets across the country. The last ‘Gagan Shakti’ exercise was held in 2018, where the IAF executed over 11,000 sorties over two phases, shifting assets from the western sector to the eastern front within 48 hours. This exercise aimed to assess the IAF’s readiness for a potential two-front conflict with China and Pakistan, testing various scenarios from deep strikes to air dominance, maritime operations, and air defense strategies.
Preceding the ‘Gagan Shakti-2024’ exercise was the ‘Vayu Shakti-2024’ conducted on February 17 at the Pokhran air-to-ground range near Jaisalmer. During this exercise, the IAF showcased its frontline assets including Rafale fighter jets, Mirage-2000s, Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), Jaguars, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, Apache attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and surface-to-air missile systems. The recently held tri-services ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise on March 12 at Pokhran exhibited the synergy between the Indian military’s indigenous capabilities in ensuring battlefield dominance and national security.
Looking ahead, the IAF is gearing up to host the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise, anticipated to gather 12 global air forces for a mega exercise focused on enhancing interoperability, sharing best practices, and strengthening military cooperation among participating nations. This exercise will bring together various aircraft such as fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, mid-air refuelers, airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, and unmanned systems. While ‘Tarang Shakti’ marks the largest multi-nation air exercise on Indian soil, the IAF has actively engaged in similar drills on foreign territories, highlighting its commitment to enhancing operational capabilities and fostering international military collaboration.
