(Image source from: x.com/IAF_MCC)
IAF, the Indian Air Force Rafale fighters has completed participation in exercise Red Flag 2024 conducted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The Red Flag exercise was organized by the United States Air Force from 4th June to 14th June 2024. This was the second edition of Ex Red Flag 2024, which is an advanced aerial combat training exercise held by the US Air Force four times a year. This was the first time IAF Rafale aircraft participated in Ex Red Flag. The fighters and crew were actively involved in the role of Mission leaders for designated missions during the exercise. The air witnessed the participation of the Indian Air Force with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), German Luftwaffe and the US Air Force (USAF). Despite challenging temperatures, which were almost in sub-zero temperatures, the IAF crew performed diligently to ensure the serviceability of the aircraft throughout the exercise. IAF has undertaken more than 100 sorties being flown during the exercise.
The #IAF Rafale operated alongside the @TheRSAF and @usairforce F-16, F-15s and the A-10, and combat enablers from @RoyalAirForce, #RNLAF and @Team_Luftwaffe.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 16, 2024
Missions included Beyond Visual Range combat with active involvement in planning and as mission leaders for designated… pic.twitter.com/D11Thul4nb
On May 29th 2024, the contingent carrying the personnel and equipment through C 17 Global master aircraft landed at the USAF base in Alaska. The IAF contingent participated with the Rafale aircraft and personnel comprising aircrew, technicians, engineers, controllers and experts. Red Flag combat exercise is done in the desired environment with the Red Force simulating Air defence elements and the Blue Force simulating with the offensive composite elements. The Red Flag air combat exercise was performed in freezing temperatures and near-to-realistic combat settings. Undertaking the return journey, the crew has planned to split and en route along with the mutual supporters and participants in exercises, that is with Air Force elements of Greece and Egypt. Besides this, the Indian Air Force is going to host the Tarang Shakti 2024 in August. This is the first time India will host such an event. More than ten countries are going to take part in the event. IAF released a statement on Sunday stating that “Enriched with the Red Flag exercise experience, the IAF keenly looks forward to hosting the participating contingents from other countries during Tarang Shakti 2024, which is the first-ever Indian multinational air exercise to be held later this year,”.
With this India is going to invite friendly foreign countries, that is with which the IAF is interacting frequently. Tarang Shakthi was planned for 2023 but was postponed later. The event will be held in two phases, first to be held in the southern part of the country in August for the first two weeks and the second phase will be held in the western sector by the end of August and to continue till September. Australia, Germany, Japan, Spain and the UAE are expected to join in the event.
