tarang shakti 2024 air forces of 31 countries will show their might

Greece’s Hellenic Air Force has marked its presence with the landing of its first fighter jet on Indian soil ahead of the multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti Phase 2 starting on Friday. As a symbol of Greece’s growing defence cooperation with other countries, its Hellenic Armed Forces are involved in a series of military exercises around the world, the country’s air force is participating in the second phase of the Tarang Shakti exercise hosted by India in Jodhpur, Rajasthan from August 30 to September 14. The participation follows the signing of a memorandum on military cooperation between Greece and India in April 2023, strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

During the exercise, the Greek Hellenic Force will showcase four F-16 jets from the 336 Squadron arriving at Sulur in Tamil Nadu, supported by two C-130 carriers carrying technicians and equipment. The Tarang Shakti Phase 2 exercise will involve a wide range of operations, including aerial combat, defensive and offensive maneuvers, attacking ground and surface targets, and coordination with international forces. This cooperation between India and Greece is part of a broader pattern of military activities for the Hellenic Armed Forces, which also includes the deployment of elite commandos to the United States and large-scale exercises in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

This is being seen as a reciprocal gesture to India by the Greek Hellenic Armed Forces sending its Su-30MK fighter jets to participate in the multinational Iniochos exercise hosted by Greece in 2023. India and Greece’s deepening military cooperation reflects the strategic interests of both countries in enhancing their defence capabilities and fostering stronger international ties. Other countries participating in Tarang Shakti Phase 2 will be Australia, the US, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.