SOURCE: AFI
The ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise at Sulur Airbase has witnessed a unique camaraderie between the French and Indian Air Forces. French Rafale pilots, participating in the multinational air combat exercise, have expressed their admiration for the indigenous Indian Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).
Several French pilots have drawn parallels between the Tejas and the Mirage 2000, highlighting the agile maneuverability and impressive performance of the smaller fighter jet. The LCA, despite its size, has proven to be a formidable opponent in simulated combat scenarios, showcasing its capabilities alongside larger and more advanced fighters.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff, emphasized the significance of the Tejas’ performance in the exercise, stating, “The LCA, the smallest fighter in the drills, showed that size does not matter. It proved its capabilities in realistic combat settings.”
The inclusion of the Tejas in the exercise marks a significant milestone for the Indian Air Force, demonstrating the aircraft’s growing maturity and operational readiness. The positive feedback from the French pilots is a testament to the strides made by India in indigenously developing advanced military platforms.
As the Tarang Shakti exercise progresses, it is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France, paving the way for future collaborations in the aerospace and defense sector.