New Delhi: Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 entered its operational phase at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday, bringing together the Indian Air Force and air forces from seven foreign countries for multinational air-combat drills. The exercise is being held from September 26 to October 12 under the theme “Power in Partnership”.
Australia, the US, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating in the exercise with a mix of fighter, transport, surveillance and aerial-refuelling aircraft. The foreign aircraft include the US F-35 Lightning II, French Rafale, UAE F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and Australian KC-30A.
The IAF is participating with frontline aircraft including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and MiG-29. Airborne early warning and control aircraft, transport platforms and air-to-air refuelling tankers are also part of the exercise, allowing different aircraft and crews to train together across multiple missions.
The United States has deployed six F-35 lightning II fighters and more than 200 airmen for the exercise, marking the first participation of the fifth-generation fighter in Tarang Shakti. The US embassy said the exercise will focus on developing joint operational skills and strengthening security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.
The United States ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, also joined American and Indian airmen at Jodhpur Air Force Station. Gor posted about his visit on X, welcoming the arrival of American airpower in Jodhpur and highlighting the F-35’s first participation in Tarang Shakti alongside the IAF and other partner air forces.
The exercise will also bring together aircrew, mission planners and support personnel from the participating countries. Their interaction will focus on sharing operational experience, improving coordination and developing a better understanding of different procedures and capabilities.
The second edition of the multinational exercise follows the maiden edition in 2024, Tarang Shakti 2026. The first edition involved 11 countries with air assets, with 45 aircraft flying 76 missions and generating more than 800 sorties.
The current edition also includes activities beyond flying operations, including a seminar, industrial visits, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions. Several other friendly foreign countries are participating as observers.
As RNA Media reported earlier, Tarang Shakti opened at Jodhpur with US F-35A stealth fighters, French Rafales and UAE F-16s joining IAF aircraft. The report had also highlighted the participation of around 40 countries as participants or observers and the wider mix of fighter, transport, surveillance and aerial-refuelling aircraft taking part in the exercise.
With the operational phase now underway, Tarang Shakti will provide participating air forces with an opportunity to conduct joint training, exchange operational practices and gain experience of working together in a multinational air environment.