Six F‑35 Lightning II jets and a detachment of 200 U.S. airmen touched down at Jodhpur Air Force Station this Saturday, marking the first time the aircraft will be on Indian soil for a combat exercise.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who posted on X, said he was "excited" to see the premier fifth‑generation fighters fly alongside the IAF, adding: "American airpower has arrived in Jodhpur!"
Tarang Shakti 2024 will run from September 26 to October 12 and will bring together seven partner nations: the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
India will showcase a mix of legacy and indigenous platforms, including Rafale, Mirage‑2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG‑29 and Su‑30 MKI, underscoring the country’s defence capabilities and the ability to integrate with allies.
The IAF said the drill will test air combat readiness and joint operational concepts, while a local shopkeeper near the airfield mentioned that the jets have drawn crowds of curious onlookers, turning the base into a buzzing hub.
With the F‑35s now on Indian soil, the next step is the inaugural joint sortie on September 28, as scheduled by the exercise command.