Jodhpur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday attended the multilateral aerial exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024'. In his address the Defence Minister said, "Indian Air Force and defence sector are moving ahead rapidly with resolution of self-reliant India".
He added that India's defence sector has taken strong steps towards indigenisation in the manufacture of weapons, platforms and aircraft.
In his address to senior defence officers and senior defence officers of participating countries, Singh said, "We have become self-sufficient to a large extent in things like Light Combat Aircraft, Censors, Radars and Electronic warfare, and we are constantly striving to move ahead in these areas."
"Earlier, India was seen only as an importer country in terms of arms and equipment, but today India exports arms and equipment to about 90 countries. There are many such examples, which tell the golden story of the evolution of the Air Force and defense sector of India", he added.
'Tarang Shakti' has been organised in two phases. Its first phase was organised in Sulur, while its second phase is being organised in Jodhpur.
He said that when any exercise takes place on such a large scale, the countries participating in it learn a lot from each other. When an exercise of such complexity, and of such a large magnitude, takes place, soldiers with different work cultures, different air combat experiences, and warfighting principles learn a lot from each other.
"We are not only the fastest growing economy in the world, but our armed forces are also considered one of the most powerful armed forces in the world," he said.
Exercises like Tarang Shakti have their own strategic importance, but going beyond this, it as a medium to increase mutual cooperation, coordination and trust between countries, he added.
"India is not only manufacturing defence equipment for its own needs, but along with this, we are also manufacturing parts of many foreign equipment in our country. India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and France's Safran Helicopter Engines are working on the design and development of high power engine under a joint venture. It has been named "Safhal.". This joint venture will also be successful in its endeavours and will prove to be helpful in enhancing skills and experience for both the countries in the field of defence manufacturing," he said.
"Indian Air Force indirectly make a huge contribution to other sectors of the economy. Indirectly, there is a long supply chain linked behind it, which not only leads to employment generation in the country, but due to all this, a scientific temperament also develops in the country", he added.
The multilateral aerial exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024' on Thursday also showcased the display of Surya Kiran aircraft and Tarang helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF)
