DRDO Showcases Indigenous Weapon Systems At Tarang Shakti Exercise In Tamil Nadu

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased a range of indigenous weapon systems during the ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise at Sulur in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat said that the Tarang Shakti exercise, organized by the Indian Air Force, provides an excellent platform for DRDO to highlight the capabilities of domestically developed weapons. "This exercise is a strong demonstration of the domestic products we are developing. The display of these products reassures our countrymen that the Air Force is fully prepared to defend the nation when required," ANI quoted Kamat as saying.

Addressing questions about the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Kamat explained that the AMCA is a 5.5 generation stealth fighter jet developed by DRDO. "We have just initiated the development project, with the design now complete. We aim to conclude development trials by 2034, with induction expected by 2035," he said. Kamat added that this achievement would mark a significant milestone in India's journey toward self-reliance in defense products.

"This is truly a world-class fighter. Very few countries possess stealth aircraft, and India will soon join that elite group. We are showcasing several products needed by the Air Force, and we are confident that these products will be inducted into service, bringing us closer to becoming fully self-reliant in defense. It will be a proud moment when the development is complete," Kamat added.

The multinational air exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024' has drawn international participants, including the German, Spanish, and French air forces. Chief of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, praised the experience of flying with the Indian Air Force, noting, "It was a great experience flying together with the Indian Air Force alongside the Spanish and French forces. The hospitality in this country is amazing."

Brigadier General Guillaume Thomas of the French Air Force also lauded the professionalism of the Indian Air Force, expressing satisfaction with the exercise. "It was a brilliant exercise organized by the Indian Air Force. We were very happy to fly alongside Indian aircraft such as Tejas. Our pilots were able to fly onboard 'Tejas'," he said.

Earlier in the exercise, Indian Air Force's homegrown LCA Tejas, piloted by Air Marshal AP Singh, intercepted German, French, and Spanish contingents participating in the war games. The Royal Air Force is also taking part in the exercise, which marks the first time the Indian Air Force has hosted a multinational exercise on Indian soil.

The first phase of Tarang Shakti, held in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, runs from August 6 to 14, while the second phase will take place in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from August 29 to September 14. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari welcomed Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, the commander of the German Air Force, at the beginning of the aerial exercise.

Also, DRDO successfully test-fired the Made-in-India Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) at the field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, as reported by DRDO officials.