India Air Force Readies for 'Gagan Shakti-2024': Ten-Day Exercise at Pokhran

Tags: Defence

On April 1, 2024, the exercise started at the field firing range in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

An Overview of the News

• Over ten thousand Air Force personnel are expected to participate in this exercise.

• The exercise, held every five years, involves both the Western and Northern fronts, with fighter planes and helicopters engaged in simulated attacks on mock targets at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

Logistical Support by the Indian Army:

• An operational rail deployment that moved almost 10,000 IAF personnel across the country was made possible by the logistical support that the Indian Army provided prior to 'Gagan Shakti 2024'.

• Strategic rail transport planning, provision of 'Joint Express' trains with required facilities, and network assurance via the Movement Control Organization (MCO) are all part of the Army's engagement.

• To enhance operational capabilities, two ammunition trains are being sent to supply exercise zones with ammunition from depots.

Recap of 'Gagan Shakti-2018’ Exercise:

• More than 11,000 sorties were conducted in the 2018 version, which tested the readiness for fast deployment from the western to the eastern regions in less than 48 hours.

'Tarang Shakti', the Future Mega Exercise:

• The IAF will organize "Tarang Shakti," an international exercise involving 12 air forces from around the world, after "Gagan Shakti-2024."

'Tarang Shakti's' Goals:

• The objectives of "Tarang Shakti" are to improve interoperability, exchange best practices, and promote military cooperation among member countries.

• With the participation of AWACS, transport, fighter, helicopter, and unmanned systems, Tarang Shakti is expected to be the biggest international air exercise conducted in India.