The Indian Air Force launches the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur on September 26. For 17 days, pilots from Australia, the United States, France, Germany, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will fly alongside Indian aircrew in real-world combat scenarios. The theme is simple: "Power in Partnership."
The airwaves over Jodhpur will be crowded with some of the most advanced hardware in the region. The lineup includes the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, and F-16, supported by A400M, C-130, and KC-30A assets for airlift and refuelling. This isn't just a show; it's a test of whether these disparate systems can talk to each other in a crisis. It’s a direct follow-up to the inaugural edition in 2024, which set the template for this multilateral engagement.
Beyond the cockpit, the exercise serves a strategic purpose. It allows mission planners and operational support personnel to swap notes on procedures, safety protocols, and tactical nuances. The IAF views this as a chance to demonstrate its professional standards and the maturity of its indigenous aerospace sector. Several other foreign forces will observe, adding another layer of diplomatic visibility to the drills.
The IAF stated that the exercise reaffirms India's commitment to regional peace and security through constructive defence engagement. The operational window closes on October 12, 2026, after which participating contingents will disband. Until then, the focus remains on mutual learning and the consolidation of professional experience among partner air forces.