In an aerial maneuver, the IAF's LCA Tejas demonstrates combat prowess by intercepting a Eurofighter during Tarang Shakti.
After its international debut in a global exercise in 2023, India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas' is garnering attention in the largest multilateral exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The home-built fighter jet successfully intercepted the Eurofighter Typhoon in a simulated combat scenario.
Arpit Pattnaik
An air exercise called Tarang Shakti (which means Power of Waves) is ongoing in India and it is the largest international air exercise in the country. 51 countries were invited to participate. Ten countries have confirmed participation with their assets, while 18 countries will be observing the exercise.
The exercise started at the Sulur air base in South India. During the exercise, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal AP Singh piloted an indigenous fighter jet and intercepted a German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, which was flown by German Air Force Chief Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz in a swashbuckling style.
This exercise marks the first time the German Air Force has participated in an air force exercise in India. It reflects a change in Germany's Indo-Pacific policy.
The indigenous fighter jet LCA Tejas, which is becoming the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), was on a combat air patrol mission during which the interception occurred. The aircraft has been inducted into the IAF's inventory and will soon be deployed at forward bases on the western front with Pakistan. Reports suggest that Tejas will soon be deployed in operational roles in the northern sector, potentially facing Pakistan’s F-16s and China-Pakistan Joint Venture JF-17 in the event of a conflict.
During the exercise, the participating countries simulated electronic warfare situations and air defense exercises against multiple opponents. The complexity of the exercises was increased by the lack of common data links between the visiting air forces, which allow communication between aircraft and ground controllers.
Lt Gen Gerhartz mentioned the challenge of different data link systems and expressed belief that European countries can learn from the IAF's procedures, given their use of different aircraft and procedures.
Tarang Shakti aims to increase interoperability among different air forces and showcase India’s indigenous platforms such as LCA Tejas and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. The first phase of the exercise took place in Sulur, the home base of LCA Tejas, and the second phase will be in Jodhpur, the home of LCH Prachand.
Additionally, the first squadron of the LCH, 143 Helicopter Unit, was established at the Jodhpur Air Base, and it is the only attack helicopter in the world that can operate in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield.
Other Indian-made equipment to be deployed include Netra AEW&C, Akash SAM, and various other weapon systems, which will be displayed at the ground events.
