The Indian Air Force (IAF) has begun the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, a multilateral air exercise being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The Ministry of Defence is conducting this international training event with seven allied air forces, under the theme “Power in Partnership”, to test joint capabilities, share operational expertise and strengthen defence ties.
Key facts
- Exercise duration: 26 September to 12 October 2026
- Location: Air Force Station Jodhpur
- Participating countries: Australia, United States, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
- Foreign aircraft types involved: F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A
- This is the second edition; the first Exercise Tarang Shakti took place in 2024
- Several other countries will participate as observers
What the exercise covers
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is designed to bring together air forces from multiple nations for advanced training and professional interaction. The participating aircraft represent a mix of combat fighters, transport planes and aerial refuelling tankers, enabling diverse operational scenarios. Participating air forces will operate alongside the IAF using their frontline combat platforms and support elements across various types of missions.
The exercise emphasises interoperability, which means the ability of different air forces to work together effectively despite having different equipment, procedures and organisational structures. Through joint training and shared operations, aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel from all participating nations will gain deeper understanding of each other’s capabilities and operating approaches.
Beyond flying operations
The exercise extends beyond purely military operations. Organisers have planned a range of professional, cultural and outreach activities to foster broader engagement among participating contingents. These include a dedicated seminar for technical and professional discussion, industrial tours to expose foreign air forces to India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours of historical sites and yoga sessions.
These activities are intended to build camaraderie, enable cultural exchange and provide visiting military personnel with exposure to India’s indigenous defence capabilities and industrial ecosystem. This multi-layered approach strengthens not just military ties but also broader strategic relationships.
Why this matters for India
Exercise Tarang Shakti allows the IAF to demonstrate its operational standards, professional capabilities and institutional values to allied air forces. For India, the exercise serves as a platform to showcase its growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities to friendly nations. By hosting such exercises, India reinforces its role as a responsible defence partner and commits itself to constructive military engagement in support of regional peace and stability.
The exercise reflects India’s strategy of building deeper strategic partnerships with major powers and neighbours through defence cooperation. Participation by the United States, France, Germany and Australia underscores India’s growing defence ties with major developed nations. The inclusion of neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh demonstrates India’s commitment to regional security cooperation.
Connection to past exercises
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 builds on the successful inaugural edition held in 2024. The 2024 exercise established the foundation for this multilateral platform. The second edition expands the canvas with additional participating nations, broader non-flying activities and a renewed focus on consolidating professional experience and mutual learning among air forces.
What this means for observers
Several other countries are also participating as observers, meaning they can watch the exercise, gain insights into operational procedures and strengthen their own understanding of advanced air operations without taking a direct operational role. This observer status allows wider participation in India’s defence engagement efforts.