Introduction to Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! On 1^st of April 2024, the IAF has Launched the Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024. This is a 10-Day long mega drill exercise. Just before this exercise, IAF conducted Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024 & now ready to conduct the Exercise Tarang Shakti. With all of these exercises, Indian Airforce or Indian Military forces has showcasing their readiness for Two-Front war with China & Pakistan.

What is Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024?

Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 is a major military exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). It’s a 10-day drill aimed at testing and showcasing the IAF’s readiness and capabilities for high-intensity operations.

Key Points about Exercise Gagan Shakti

1. Gagan Shakti-2024: IAF’s 10-day drill to test capabilities.
2. Previous Gagan Shakti held in 2018 with 11,000 sorties.
3. 2024 exercise from April 1-10, across India.
4. Realistic environment for high-octane ops.
5. Focus on two-front war readiness.
6. Follows Vayu Shakti-2024 and Bharat Shakti exercises.
7. Recent drill featured Rafale, Mirage, Sukhoi, Tejas, and more.
8. Tri-services exercise witnessed by PM Modi.
9. Includes light combat helicopters, tanks, and missiles.
10. Plans for ‘Tarang Shakti’ with 12 global air forces.
11. Improves interoperability and cooperation.
12. ELF operations in Kashmir Valley.
13. Involves Chinook, Mi-17, and ALH Mk-III helicopters.
14. Coordination with state governments for ELF activation.
15. Aims for Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA).
16. Enhances humanitarian assistance capabilities.
17. Increases operational capabilities of Indian Armed Forces.
18. Focuses on coordinated landing and operations.
19. Emphasizes night operations on restricted surfaces.
20. Addresses natural calamity relief efforts.
21. Strengthens IAF’s logistics and support capabilities.
22. Incorporates lessons from past exercises.
23. Demonstrates combat readiness and preparedness.
24. Highlights India’s commitment to national security.
25. Promotes defense modernization and efficiency.

FAQs – Exercise Gagan Shakti UPSC Questions

Question-1: What is Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 is a 10-day military drill conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to test and showcase its readiness and capabilities for high-intensity operations.

Question-2: When will Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 take place?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 is scheduled to take place from April 1 to April 10, 2024.

Question-3: What is the purpose of Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024?

Answer. The primary purpose of Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 is to evaluate the IAF’s readiness for potential conflicts or emergencies and to demonstrate its ability to respond swiftly and effectively.

Question-4: How often is Exercise Gagan Shakti conducted?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti is conducted periodically by the IAF. The last one was held in 2018.

Question-5: What types of operations are practiced during Exercise Gagan Shakti?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti involves various types of operations, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attacks, air defense, and logistics support.

Question-6: Which assets are involved in Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 involves all air force bases and assets scattered across the country, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned systems.

Question-7: Is Exercise Gagan Shakti open to public observation?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti is a military exercise conducted for operational readiness and is not open to public observation.

Question-8: How does Exercise Gagan Shakti contribute to national security?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti contributes to national security by ensuring that the IAF is prepared to defend the country against any potential threats or aggressions.

Question-9: Are international partners involved in Exercise Gagan Shakti?

Answer. Exercise Gagan Shakti primarily involves the Indian Air Force; however, the IAF does participate in multinational exercises on foreign soil.

Question-10: What are the expected outcomes of Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024?

Answer. The expected outcomes of Exercise Gagan Shakti 2024 include enhanced operational capabilities, improved coordination among air force units, and valuable insights for future training and development.