Indian Air Force begins Tarang Shakti 2026 multilateral exercise

The Indian Air Force has commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. Running from September 26 to October 12, the multilateral exercise operates under the theme ‘Power in Partnership’ to enhance interoperability and expertise sharing among participating nations.

Seven friendly foreign countries are actively participating: Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Over 40 nations are involved in total, with many others serving as observers. The exercise utilizes airspace up to 40,000 feet across Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Phalodi.

A significant highlight includes the participation of six US F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, marking the platform’s first-ever tactical mission alongside the Indian Air Force. Other participating foreign aircraft include French Rafales, Emirati F-16s, and various transport and refueling assets such as the Airbus A400M and KC-30A. These will operate alongside Indian frontline assets, including Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Tejas, and Mirage-2000 fighters, to conduct complex mission-based training and large-scale air operations.