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The second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti has entered its operational phase at Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The multinational air exercise is designed to provide participating air forces with opportunities for joint training, operational experience sharing and greater interoperability.
The exercise brings together advanced fighter aircraft, transport platforms and supporting assets from India and partner countries. According to the Times of India, nearly 80 aircraft, including around 30 foreign fighter and transport aircraft, are taking part, with more than 1,500 military personnel involved.
Seven countries are participating directly with aircraft and military assets, while 32 other nations are attending as observers. The direct participants include the United States, France, Australia, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The arrival of the F-35 Lightning II is one of the most closely watched developments at this year's exercise.
Six US F-35 aircraft have arrived in India along with more than 200 US Air Force personnel. The aircraft are taking part in Tarang Shakti for the first time and are scheduled to fly alongside the Indian Air Force and other participating air forces.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter known for its low-observable design, advanced sensors and networked combat capabilities.
The aircraft had previously appeared in India during Aero India, but its participation in Tarang Shakti represents a different level of engagement because it is taking part in a multinational operational exercise with the IAF.
Tarang Shakti is focused on improving interoperability between air forces.
During the exercise, aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel from different countries will interact and train together. The Indian government says the drill will promote mutual learning, exchange of operational knowledge and a better understanding of different aerospace systems and procedures.
The exercise is not limited to flying operations. Professional seminars, industrial visits, heritage activities and other interactions are also planned as part of the programme.
The official theme, “Power in Partnership,” reflects the emphasis on cooperation and long-term relationships between participating air forces.
The scale of Tarang Shakti 2026 makes it one of the major multinational air exercises hosted by India.
The participating forces will operate in a common training environment involving different aircraft, operational procedures and communication systems. Such exercises allow air forces to understand how their platforms and personnel can operate together during complex missions.
The participation of countries from different regions also gives the exercise a wider international character, while observer nations can gain exposure to the operational activities and professional exchanges.
Modern air operations increasingly depend on interoperability, information sharing, integrated operations and coordination between multiple aircraft and support systems.
For the IAF, Tarang Shakti provides an opportunity to train alongside different foreign air forces and understand their operational practices. At the same time, foreign participants gain experience operating with the Indian Air Force and learning about India's aerospace capabilities.
The exercise also provides India with a platform to showcase its growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The exercise will continue at Jodhpur until October 12, 2026. Over the coming days, Indian and foreign aircrews will conduct joint training and operational activities while participating personnel engage in professional exchanges.
With the US F-35, multiple foreign air forces and dozens of aircraft involved, Tarang Shakti 2026 has become a major showcase of multinational air cooperation in India.
