Context:
The Indian Air Force is gearing up for Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 at the Pokhran Air near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
About Exercise Vayu Shakti-24:
- The Indian Air Force will display its firepower fighters, helicopters, aircraft, and drones which engage targets at the Pokhran firing field ranges.
- To emphasize delivering long-range, conventional, and precise weapons with devastating effects from multiple air bases.
- It occurs once every three years.
- This exercise encompasses three significant sub-exercises viz. Vayu Shakti, Gagan Shakti and Tarang Shakti.
About Gagan Shakti:
- It will witness the activation of almost the entire air fleet from north to south and west to east, testing integrated war-fighting strategies and tactics with other branches of the military and stakeholders.
- This exercise, held once every five years, will feature prominent weapon systems like the Rafale fighter aircraft and S-400 air defense systems.
About Tarang Shakti:
- It marks the first-ever multinational exercise to be hosted in India.
- Various air forces from countries such as the US, Germany, France, Australia, and neighboring nations will participate, further enhancing cooperation and interoperability among allied forces.