We have transcended from the Latin phrase “Cuius est solum, eius est usque ad coelum et ad inferos” (Latin for “Whoever owns the soil (land), it is theirs all the way to Heaven and the all the way to Hell”) of 13thCentury to “He who owns the air and space now owns the land.”
In addition to India’s expanding ascendancy in the aerospace manufacturing and supply chains, our country is going to host its maiden multinational aerosphere training in the month of August 2024. The event not only promises to be one of the first in India’s history but is also essentially the pilot episode for all the future achievements we will witness. Participation from across the globe will be welcomed, this may prove as a major flight of India’s international stance and facilitate stronger political relations. This event marks an important pedestal that develops through the geopolitical understanding of showcasing power in the Aero-Space domains.
Tracing back through the yarn of weaponisation of aerospace strength, the dreadful kismet of Hiroshima and Nagasaki emanating from the World War II, is broadly dimmed in the memories of world folk. But the afterclap dynamics between United States and Russia have witnessed an epoch of asserting power in soft waves, which is sadly seen as an accepted pattern worldwide. Such tensed strings largely affect the international diplomacy.
In such scenario all in all this particular initiative will trail India’s image among the front ranked nations in this sphere.
In addition to the international stance, this will also facilitate improved military coordination among participating air forces, ensuring seamless and conjoint operations in diverse situations, including combat scenarios inflating India’s national combat capacity.
The US Air Force (USAF) recently hosted the second “Red Flag Exercise” of the four segment series which is further going to be held this year in Alaska at the Eielson Air Force Base.
Starting from June 4th to June 14th,the second segment saw participation from Air Force contingents of Singapore, UK, India, Netherlands, and Germany.
The Indian Air Force participated with eight Rafale fighters, where it was aided by IL – 78 mid-air refuellers travelling across the vast Atlantic airspace, along with a special aircraft widely known as the C-17 Globemaster.[i]
Continuing the culture at the Red Flag, India will host the Tarang Shakti in August 2024, this exercise will largely be di-segmented and carried out in two distinct phases. Although the prestigious event holds immense importance for India and was scheduled for the end of 2023, it is only now in August 2024 that its augustness would be witnessed by the world. The intention behind this exercise is to furnish good ties and comity between congenial global nations and the Indian Air Force.
The event will take place partly in South India for two weeks and partly in western sector for another run. A few nations shall take part in both segments of the exercise, although other nations may choose to be part of either.[ii] Apart from the leading contingent and allied nations, such as the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates, India will also witness the participation of France, Japan, Australia, Spain, the UK, and the Germany.
The event will also showcase varied military aircraft for trade and merchandising. Germany as known for its fabrication of military aircrafts will be projecting active display of legion of fighter jets.
Mentionably the debuting “A400M transport aircraft” is going to be a strong contender for trade between the two countries as a medium transport aircraft.
The military coordination among the air units participating from different countries is one of the most crucial objectives of Tarang Shakti. This in turn leads to an effective mechanism where conflict resolution scenarios are built-in and practically dealt by the defense forces of these nations. This will definitely improve field tactics and procedure mechanisms by providing them a real-world environment for training and utilizing their procedural skills. In a friendly environment and staged combative set up a lot could be learnt and be adapted for future situations. This strategy cooperation aims to build a strong foundation for security projects in the future, enhancing the ultimate objective of prowess in the air.
This also leads to India’s growing role and influence in the neighbouring global landscape, enhancing its stature as one of the major regional military forces, while also showcasing its growing ability to participate in international military exercises. The conclusion therefore leads us to a situation of more openness among allies and a deterrent front for the enemies. This marks a significant step in India’s role globally. After so much the nations awaits legislations and initiatives of aero-space programmes, one can surely say that a myriad of advancements are to follow soon.
[ii] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2025644
About the Author: Khyati Shekhar Is A Fifth Year Law Student From Gujarat National Law University. She Is An Aspiring Legal Professional With Interests In Business Law And Public Policy.
Edited By: Kavya Nayak
Image Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/what-india-needs-to-become-a-developed-country-by-2047/amp_articleshow/93704180.cms
