SOURCE: AFI
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, a significant multilateral air exercise held in India, showcased the impressive capabilities of participating fighter jets, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Indian Su-30MKI. A video that has gone viral captures a thrilling moment during the exercise, where a Typhoon and an Su-30MKI engaged in a simulated dogfight.
In the video, the Eurofighter is seen maneuvering aggressively in an attempt to achieve a radar lock on the Su-30MKI, a critical step in simulated air-to-air engagements. However, the Indian Su-30MKI swiftly executes a tight right-hand turn, evading the Typhoon’s lock-on attempt with impressive agility. This visual demonstration of the Su-30MKI’s supermaneuverability highlights the aircraft’s prowess in close-combat situations, known as within visual range (WVR) dogfights.
The viral dogfight video underscores the importance of these close encounters, which test the aircraft’s maneuverability, pilot skill, and quick decision-making. The Su-30MKI, known for its thrust-vectoring engines, is capable of executing high-angle-of-attack maneuvers that few aircraft can match, making it a formidable opponent in a WVR fight. On the other hand, the Eurofighter Typhoon, with its advanced avionics and powerful engines, is also a world-class fighter, excelling in both BVR and WVR scenarios.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 not only focused on BVR (Beyond Visual Range) engagements but also on close combat dogfights, showcasing the diverse range of aerial combat scenarios. The successful participation of the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Su-30MKI in this exercise underscores the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing in the field of military aviation.