The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, bringing together air forces from India and seven friendly foreign countries under the theme “Power in Partnership.”
The multilateral air exercise, being conducted from September 26 to October 12, aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen operational cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise among participating air forces.
Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating in the exercise. Foreign aircraft taking part include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, representing a broad spectrum of combat, strategic airlift and aerial refuelling capabilities.
Building on the inaugural edition held in 2024, Tarang Shakti 2026 will see participating contingents operate alongside the IAF in a range of missions involving frontline combat aircraft and support assets. Several other foreign air forces are also participating as observers.
The exercise is designed to provide aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel with opportunities for joint training and professional interaction. Key areas of focus include interoperability, operational procedures, aerospace safety and mutual understanding of each participating force’s capabilities and operating practices.
Beyond flying operations, the exercise includes a series of professional and cultural engagements. These include a dedicated seminar, industrial visits for foreign contingents, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.
The engagements are intended to promote professional exchange while giving participating contingents greater exposure to India’s aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem.
The exercise also provides the IAF an opportunity to showcase its operational capabilities, professional standards and indigenous aerospace and defence strengths.
With “Power in Partnership” as its central theme, Tarang Shakti 2026 highlights the role of cooperation, interoperability and mutual trust in strengthening long-term defence relationships.
The exercise is part of India’s broader defence engagement with partner countries and is aimed at deepening military cooperation through shared operational experience and professional interaction.
