started · updated
Tarang Shakti 2026: Multinational air exercise to feature U.S. F-35s in India
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will host the second edition of Tarang Shakti 2026, a major multinational air exercise at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12. The event is expected to involve more than 40 countries, with seven nations participating with their own aircraft and approximately 32 nations attending as observers.
A primary highlight of the exercise is the participation of the United States' F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, which will take part in an operational military exercise in India for the first time. The U.S. is expected to deploy several F-35s along with KC-135 tankers. Other participating air forces include France, which will bring Rafale aircraft, the United Arab Emirates with F-16 jets, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
The IAF will deploy its own frontline platforms, including the Rafale, Su-30MKI, LCA Tejas, Jaguar, Mirage, and MiG-29, alongside support assets like airborne early warning and control aircraft and aerial refuelling tankers. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, joint tactical maneuvers, and operational cooperation among participating air forces through missions such as air defence, reconnaissance, and airlift.
Entities
Ashutosh Dixit · France · Indian Air Force · Jodhpur Air Force Station · Tarang Shakti 2026 · United States Air Force
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] More than 40 countries are expected to participate in the exercise. www.defencexp.com · navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · www.indiandefensenews.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit stated that seven countries are participating with their own aircraft. www.aajtak.in · www.indiastrategic.in
- [● 4 SOURCES] France is expected to participate with Rafale aircraft and the UAE with F-16 jets. www.defencexp.com · navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · www.indiandefensenews.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Tarang Shakti follows the conclusion of the bilateral Indo-Japan Veer Guardian 2026 exercise. www.defencexp.com · www.indiandefensenews.in
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Indian Air Force will deploy platforms including the Rafale, Su-30MKI, LCA Tejas, Jaguar, Mirage, and MiG-29. www.aajtak.in · www.defencexp.com · samacharnama.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 will be held at Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12. www.defencexp.com · navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · www.indiandefensenews.in · defence.in · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Participating air forces include the United States, France, Germany, Greece, the UAE, Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. www.defencexp.com · navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · www.indiastrategic.in
- [● 5 SOURCES] The United States is expected to deploy F-35 stealth fighter aircraft for the exercise. www.defencexp.com · navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · www.indiandefensenews.in · www.indiastrategic.in