New Delhi , September 22, 2026 ; The Indian Air Force is set to host the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12, 2026, with seven foreign nations participating in the multilateral air exercise.
The United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates will take part in the exercise, which is aimed at strengthening interoperability among participating air forces and showcasing India’s operational and technological capabilities.
F-35 to Make First Tarang Shakti Appearance
Among the major international aircraft participating will be the US F-35 multi-role stealth fighter, which will feature in Tarang Shakti for the first time.
France will field its Rafale, while the UAE will participate with F-16 aircraft. Bangladesh is expected to bring its C-130J transport aircraft.
The participating aircraft will conduct joint tactical manoeuvres during the two-week exercise at Jodhpur.
India to Showcase Major Combat Aircraft
The Indian Air Force will display a wide range of its frontline aircraft, including:
- Rafale
- Tejas
- Su-30MKI
- MiG-29
- Mirage-2000
- Jaguar
The exercise will provide an opportunity for participating air forces to conduct complex aerial operations and enhance their understanding of each other’s procedures and capabilities.
Focus on Interoperability
According to the IAF, Tarang Shakti 2026 is designed to demonstrate India’s defence capabilities while providing a platform for participating nations to improve interoperability, operational coordination and tactical cooperation.
The exercise also gives the participating air forces an opportunity to exchange operational experience and develop greater familiarity with multinational air operations.
Jodhpur Hosts Back-to-Back Air Exercises
Tarang Shakti will begin shortly after the conclusion of Exercise Veer Guardian, the bilateral air exercise between India and Japan held at Jodhpur from September 9 to September 22, 2026.
The back-to-back exercises place Jodhpur at the centre of a significant period of international air-force engagement.
Second Edition of Tarang Shakti
The inaugural edition of Tarang Shakti was held in 2024 in two phases, at Sulur in Tamil Nadu and Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
The first edition saw participation from several foreign air forces, including those of the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
The 2026 edition expands the multinational participation, bringing together advanced fighter aircraft, transport platforms and air forces from seven partner nations.
