France Bolsters Indo-Pacific Security through Tarang Shakti Exercise

France Bolsters Indo-Pacific Security through Tarang Shakti Exercise\n\nIn a significant development, France has deployed its Rafales, A400Ms, and MRTTs to Jodhpur for the Tarang Shakti exercise, a multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force. This move underscores France's commitment to regional and global security in the Indo-Pacific region, where it is a resident power.\n\nThe French Air and Space Force is participating in the exercise as part of its ongoing Mission Pégase, a long-range air projection exercise that aims to demonstrate France's core capabilities. The mission, which began on September 8, will cover a unique route of 40,000 km with nine stopovers, flying to the Near and Middle East, via the Pacific, East Asia, and the Indian Ocean.\n\nFrance's participation in the Tarang Shakti exercise is a testament to its strategic partnership with India, which has been strengthened through regular bilateral military exercises such as Varuna at sea, Garuda in the air, and Shakti on land. The exercise will also feature the participation of seven foreign nations, including the US, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.\n\nThe Indian Air Force will showcase its air assets, including the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, and Su-30 MKI, during the exercise. The aim is to exhibit India's defense prowess and provide a platform to foster interoperability between the French and Indian air forces.\n\nFrance's involvement in the Tarang Shakti exercise is also a reflection of its commitment to ensuring regional and global security and upholding international law and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise will help to consolidate France's air force's support bases and reaffirm its commitment to contributing to freedom of access to shared airspace and collective security.\n\nIn a statement, the French embassy said that the seventh edition of Mission Pégase is deploying a 300-strong aircrew and four Rafale F4s, three A330 MRTT Phénix aircraft, and two A400M Atlas aircraft. The mission will also be visited by Lt Gen Dominique Tardif, Vice Chief of the French Air and Space Force, and Head of Mission Pégase Maj Gen Julien Sabéné, who will hold discussions with the Indian armed forces.\n\nThe Tarang Shakti exercise will take place from September 28 to October 12, and it is expected to further enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the French and Indian air forces. The exercise will also provide a platform for the two forces to showcase their capabilities and demonstrate their commitment to regional and global security.\n\nIn conclusion, France's participation in the Tarang Shakti exercise is a significant development that underscores its commitment to regional and global security in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise will help to consolidate France's air force's support bases and reaffirm its commitment to contributing to freedom of access to shared airspace and collective security.