Tarang Shakti 2026: IAF begins multinational air exercise in Jodhpur
New Delhi, Sep 27. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to commence the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, bringing together air forces from India and seven foreign countries for advanced joint training and interoperability.
The multilateral exercise, being held from September 26 to October 12 under the theme ‘Power in Partnership’, involves Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as participating Friendly Foreign Countries.
The participating foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, providing a mix of fighter, strategic and tactical airlift, and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.
The operational phase follows the inaugural ceremony held on September 26 and builds on the first edition of Tarang Shakti conducted in 2024.
The exercise will see the participating air forces operate alongside the IAF in a range of missions involving frontline combat aircraft and support elements. Several other foreign countries are also participating as observers.
Focus on interoperability
The exercise is designed to provide aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel with opportunities for professional interaction, joint training and exchange of operational experience.
The participating contingents will focus on enhancing interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and familiarity with each other’s operational procedures and capabilities.
Through joint operations and professional engagement, the exercise is expected to enable the participating air forces to better understand each other’s operating philosophies and strengthen their ability to work together in complex operational environments.
Beyond flying operations
Tarang Shakti 2026 will extend beyond flying and operational activities, with a series of professional, cultural and outreach programmes planned during the exercise.
These include a dedicated seminar, industrial visits for foreign contingents, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.
The activities are intended to promote professional exchanges while providing foreign participants an opportunity to gain exposure to India’s aerospace and defence-industrial ecosystem. They will also facilitate cultural interaction and camaraderie among personnel from the participating countries.
The IAF said the exercise would provide an opportunity to showcase its operational capabilities, professional standards and institutional ethos, while highlighting India’s growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.
The ‘Power in Partnership’ theme underlines the role of cooperation, interoperability and mutual trust in developing enduring relationships among partner air forces.
The exercise is also aimed at reinforcing India’s commitment to constructive defence engagement and enhanced military cooperation in support of regional peace, security and stability.
Through shared operational experience and greater military-to-military interaction, Tarang Shakti 2026 is expected to further strengthen India’s defence partnerships and broader strategic cooperation with participating countries.
