DRDO Showcases Indigenous Weapon Systems at Tarang Shakti Exercise
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made a significant mark at the ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise, showcasing its state-of-the-art, made-in-India weapon systems at Tamil Nadu's Sulur airbase. This multinational exercise, the first of its kind to be hosted on Indian soil, has not only brought together the best of the Indian Air Force (IAF) but also seen participation from air forces of countries like Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
DRDO's Showcase: A Testament to Indigenous Excellence
The highlight of the event has been DRDO's display of cutting-edge indigenous technologies, reflecting India's growing self-reliance in defense production. DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat emphasized the significance of this showcase, stating that the Tarang Shakti exercise presents a vital opportunity for the organization to demonstrate the capabilities of domestically developed weapons. "The display of these products gives confidence to all our countrymen that the Air Force is fully capable of safeguarding the nation when the need arises," Kamat remarked.
Among the systems on display is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's ambitious 5.5-generation stealth fighter jet currently under development. Kamat provided updates on this critical project, noting that the design phase is complete, and the development trials are expected to be finished by 2034, with induction into the IAF slated for 2035. The AMCA represents a significant leap in India's aerospace capabilities, placing the country among the few that operate stealth technology.
International Participation and Collaboration
The Tarang Shakti exercise has also been a platform for international collaboration, with several foreign air forces participating. German Air Force Chief, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, expressed his admiration for the professionalism of the IAF and the experience of flying alongside Indian pilots. He specifically mentioned the impressive interception maneuvers performed by the LCA Tejas, India's homegrown light combat aircraft, flown by Air Marshal AP Singh.
The exercise's multinational nature is further highlighted by the participation of the French and Spanish air forces, whose pilots had the unique opportunity to fly aboard Indian aircraft, including the Tejas. Brigadier General Guillaume Thomas of the French Air Force praised the exercise, describing it as a brilliant initiative by the IAF and commending the skill and discipline of Indian pilots.
A Step Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Tarang Shakti exercise, which began on August 6 and runs in two phases—first in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, and then in Jodhpur, Rajasthan—serves as a testament to India's commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense. The inclusion of indigenously developed systems like the AMCA and LCA Tejas in such a significant international exercise underscores India's strides toward becoming Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in defense production.
The exercise also strengthens India's strategic relationships with its international partners, demonstrating the country's growing role on the global stage as a capable and reliable defense partner. The participation of advanced aircraft like the Mirage 2000, Rafale, and LCA Tejas alongside the air forces of Germany, France, Spain, and the UK reflects India's growing aerospace capabilities and its determination to showcase these on a global platform.
As DRDO continues to develop and refine its indigenous weapon systems, exercises like Tarang Shakti provide a crucial platform to validate these technologies in real-world scenarios, bolstering the confidence of the Indian Armed Forces in domestically produced defense equipment. The future of India's defense sector looks promising, with the nation on track to become a significant player in the global defense landscape.
