Context
- The French Air and Space Force is participating in the multinational air combat exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), as part of its ongoing Mission Pégase, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between India and France.
About Exercise Tarang Shakti
- This is the 2nd edition of Tarang Shakti, held at Jodhpur Air Force Station.
- It is India’s largest multinational air combat exercise, hosted by the IAF.
- Seven foreign nations are participating: USA, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and UAE.
- Notably features the first-ever participation of the US F-35 stealth fighter jet in an exercise on Indian soil.
- India’s air assets on display: Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, and Su-30 MKI.
What is Mission Pégase?
- Long-Range Power Projection: Mission Pégase 26 is France’s 7th long-range strategic deployment.
- Global Footprint: Covering about 40,000 km across the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean and Middle East, it demonstrates France’s ability to rapidly deploy air assets worldwide.
Significance
- Strengthens India-France strategic partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific context.
- Enhances interoperability among IAF and partner air forces through joint operations involving diverse aircraft platforms (including 5th-generation F-35).
- Reflects India’s growing role as a hub for multinational defence exercises, alongside existing bilateral drills (Malabar, Varuna, Garuda, Shakti, etc.).
- Aligns with India’s vision of an open, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and international law.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC Prelims— Dassault Rafale Exercise Tarang Shakti |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Exercise Tarang Shakti and Mission Pégase:
1. Exercise Tarang Shakti is a bilateral air exercise conducted between India and France.
2. Mission Pégase 26 involved the deployment of Dassault Rafale F4 fighters, Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix tankers, and Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft.
3. France's Indian Ocean territories include Réunion and Mayotte.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Statement I is incorrect: Tarang Shakti is a multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force, not a bilateral one. The bilateral air exercise between India and France is called Exercise Garuda. Tarang Shakti provides a multilateral platform in addition to bilateral exercises like Garuda (Air Force), Varuna (Navy), and Shakti (Army).
• Statement II is correct: As part of Mission Pégase 26, France deployed 4 Dassault Rafale F4 fighters, 3 Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix tankers, and 2 Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft to participate in the exercise.
• Statement III is correct: France holds territories in the Indian Ocean region, including Réunion and Mayotte, which underpin its strategic interest and presence in the Indo-Pacific region.