In a first for RAAF aircraft, Australian ‘Growlers’ to fly over Indian skies

Three cutting-edge Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) combat aircraft—the EA-18G ‘Growler’—will take to the hot desert skies of Rajasthan during the second and concluding phase of the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise being held in Jodhpur from August 30. The exercise will conclude on September 13.

About 120 RAAF personnel have also flown in. This marks the first time the RAAF is sending combat aircraft to India.

Along with the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, the 12 ‘Growlers’ provide critical air combat power to the RAAF. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack aircraft that is “capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications”.

India is holding the 'Tarang Shakti' air exercise for the first time. For the ongoing second phase, eight nations have sent their military aircraft with about 18 nations attending as observers.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said Australia’s participation in 'Exercise Tarang Shakti' demonstrated a commitment to supporting regional partners and fostering international cooperation to address shared security challenges.

“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through the comprehensive strategic partnership between Australia and India, the government is continuing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability,” the RAAF chief was quoted in an official release.

“Participation in international exercises such as 'Tarang Shakti 24', showcases our advanced capabilities that ensure rapid response and adaptability to emerging threats and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 will provide our aviators with the opportunity to develop interoperability with foreign militaries, develop a mutual understanding of tactical operations, and foster international relations.”

Australia along with India, United States, and Japan, form the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or the ‘Quad’.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the RAAF have stepped up collaboration in recent years. IAF’s Russian-origin Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft have participated in 'Exercise Pitch Black' in 2018, 2022, and 2024 in Australia besides a number of training and engagement activities with Indian Navy P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft.