India is set to turn the skies over Jodhpur into a major arena of multinational air cooperation as the Indian Air Force hosts the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti from September 26 to October 12. With eight countries bringing their aircraft and 32 others expected to participate as observers, the exercise will combine advanced combat platforms, tactical flying and operational exchanges on an unprecedented scale for the IAF.
The Indian Air Force is preparing for a major international gathering of air forces with the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti, scheduled to be conducted at Jodhpur Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12. The exercise will bring together air assets from the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, along with India as the host nation.
The IAF has described Tarang Shakti as the country's largest multilateral air exercise. Beyond the display of advanced aircraft, the exercise is intended to give participating forces an opportunity to operate together, exchange operational experience and improve interoperability through joint tactical missions.
A major attraction this year will be the US Air Force's F-35 stealth fighter, which is expected to participate in the exercise for the first time in an Indian exercise of this nature. The United States is expected to deploy six F-35s supported by two KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft.
France will bring a sizeable contingent comprising seven Rafale fighters, three A400M transport aircraft and two MRTT aerial refuelling aircraft. The UAE is expected to participate with six F-16 fighters and a Global 6000 aircraft, while Germany will deploy two A400Ms.
Australia and Bangladesh are each expected to send a C-130 transport aircraft, while Sri Lanka will participate with a King Air 350.
The presence of the F-35 adds a new dimension to the exercise. Although the aircraft has previously visited India, including during Aero India 2025, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, said its participation in Tarang Shakti would represent the first Indian exercise involving the aircraft in this format.
India will also put its own combat aviation capabilities on display. The IAF is expected to field a diverse mix of frontline aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fighters.
These aircraft will take part in joint tactical manoeuvres with the visiting contingents. Such operations are intended to familiarise the participating air forces with different tactics, procedures and operating methods while improving their ability to coordinate during complex missions.
The exercise also reflects India's expanding engagement with foreign air forces at a time when the country is simultaneously pursuing a major programme of indigenous aerospace development.
Among the platforms drawing international attention will be the Tejas and India's future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The Tejas Mk1A remains an important element of India's effort to expand domestic fighter production and strengthen its indigenous combat-aircraft ecosystem.
Air Marshal Dixit has also indicated that issues concerning engine supplies for the Tejas Mk1A have been addressed, although the process could take another two to three months to move forward.
For the participating countries, Tarang Shakti offers an opportunity to train in a complex multinational environment. Different aircraft, communication systems, operational procedures and tactical approaches will have to work together, making interoperability a central theme of the exercise.
The scale of participation is also significant. While eight countries are expected to deploy air assets, 32 other countries are expected to participate as observers. China and Saudi Arabia are not part of the exercise, with officials indicating that India's engagement with the two countries is being handled separately.
The second edition builds on the experience of the inaugural Tarang Shakti exercise held in 2024. The first edition was conducted in two phases, at Sulur in Tamil Nadu and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, and involved fighter aircraft from several foreign air forces, including those of the UK, Germany and France.
The return of Tarang Shakti to Jodhpur will bring together a broad mix of fighters, transport aircraft and aerial refuelling platforms. More importantly, it will create a common operational environment in which air forces from different countries can train together and develop greater familiarity with one another's capabilities and procedures.
With the F-35 joining Rafales, F-16s and India's own Tejas and Su-30MKI, Tarang Shakti 2026 is set to provide a prominent showcase of modern air combat and multinational air operations, while offering India another platform to demonstrate both its frontline capabilities and its growing indigenous aerospace ambitions.
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