Indian Air Force, Army and Navy Vice Chiefs Fly Tejas During Exercise Tarang Shakti – Goosebump Moments | Watch
Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force soar in the indigenous Tejas during Exercise Tarang Shakti
In a historic event, the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force flew the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during the ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024. This marks the first time that Vice Chiefs from all three services have taken to the skies together, showcasing the growing synergy between India’s defence forces.
Vice Chiefs Lead the Way
Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal AP Singh led the flight in a single-seater Tejas, while Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, and Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, piloted the twin-seater variant. Their joint participation highlights the increasing emphasis on cross-domain collaboration, with land, sea, and air forces working cohesively to tackle modern defence challenges.
The flight took place over the skies of Jodhpur, where the Indian Air Force is conducting Exercise Tarang Shakti, India’s first multinational exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination among participating Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
Tejas Shines During Exercise Tarang Shakti
The key highlight of the event was the Vice Chiefs flying the Tejas, an advanced, indigenous fighter jet, during Exercise Tarang Shakti. The inclusion of Tejas in this high-profile exercise reflects India’s growing confidence in its homegrown defence manufacturing capabilities. The Indian Air Force confirmed the joint flight via its official X handle, stating that all three Vice Chiefs flew in the Tejas fighter jets of the “Flying Bullets” squadron, known for its illustrious history and the Param Vir Chakra award.
All the three Vice Chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces took to the skies at Air Force Station Jodhpur in the indigenous #Tejas fighter jets of "Flying Bullets", the Param Veer Chakra awardee Sqn, during #ExTarangShakti24.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 9, 2024
The Integrated flying was led by Vice Chief of IAF, Air… pic.twitter.com/CBbbUdPkaL
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 9, 2024
A Milestone for India’s Defence and ‘Make in India’
The Vice Chiefs flying the Tejas during Exercise Tarang Shakti underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance. The Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the guidance of the Aeronautical Design Agency (ADA), is a key part of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The fighter jet is not only a symbol of India’s growing defence capabilities but also a testament to reducing reliance on foreign imports.
The event serves as a proud moment for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and reinforces India’s defence modernization efforts through indigenous platforms like the Tejas.
Interaction with Friendly Foreign Forces
Apart from the flight, the three Vice Chiefs took the opportunity to interact with the participating forces from both India and friendly foreign countries. Their involvement is seen as a major boost to fostering stronger military ties and promoting India’s defence capabilities on the global stage.
The Vice Chiefs’ participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti and their flight in the Tejas is a testament to India’s advancing integrated defence systems and self-reliant defence ambitions. This momentous occasion has further solidified Tejas’ role in India’s future defence strategy.
