The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, bringing together aircraft and personnel from India and several partner countries for multinational air operations and joint training. Conducted from September 26 to October 12, the exercise is being held under the theme “Power in Partnership”, highlighting cooperation, operational interoperability and the exchange of expertise among participating air forces. The exercise has attracted particular attention with the participation of the US Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, which are taking part in a large-scale exercise on Indian soil for the first time. The multinational drill builds on the inaugural Tarang Shakti exercise held in 2024 and provides participating forces an opportunity to train together across a range of operational scenarios.

Seven foreign air forces are participating with aircraft in the 2026 edition, according to the Ministry of Defence. They are from Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The aircraft deployed for the exercise represent different categories of air power, including combat aircraft, transport platforms, surveillance assets and air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The foreign aircraft include the American F-35 Lightning II, French Rafale, UAE F-16 and Global 6000, along with A400M, C-130 and tanker aircraft. The IAF is operating its own frontline combat and support platforms alongside the participating contingents, allowing aircrew and mission planners to train in a multinational environment. Several other foreign countries are also participating as observers.

The presence of the F-35A has emerged as one of the major highlights of Tarang Shakti 2026. Six US F-35A aircraft and more than 200 US personnel were deployed to India for the exercise, marking the aircraft’s first participation in a major exercise on Indian soil. The fifth-generation fighter is designed around low observability, advanced sensors and networked operations, making its participation relevant to training involving modern air combat and integrated operations. The F-35s are operating alongside aircraft from the IAF and other participating air forces during the exercise. The deployment has also created an opportunity for Indian personnel to observe and interact with a platform representing a different approach to contemporary air warfare.

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Tarang Shakti is designed to go beyond individual aircraft operations by allowing participating air forces to plan and execute missions together. The exercise focuses on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and a better understanding of operational procedures and capabilities. Aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel from the participating countries are involved in professional interactions and exchanges during the exercise. The training covers a broad range of air operations and is intended to expose participants to the complexities of operating alongside multiple foreign forces. The IAF has said such multinational engagements help participating air forces develop a better understanding of one another’s operating philosophies while improving their ability to work together during complex missions.

The exercise also provides India with an opportunity to showcase its operational capabilities and growing aerospace and defence ecosystem. The IAF has highlighted the role of Tarang Shakti in strengthening military cooperation and building professional relationships with partner air forces. Beyond flying activities, the exercise includes a seminar, industrial visits for foreign contingents, heritage tours, yoga sessions and the Sekhon Marathon. These activities are intended to encourage professional interaction as well as cultural engagement among the participating personnel. The exercise also allows foreign contingents to gain greater exposure to India's aerospace and defence capabilities, including developments in indigenous defence production.

With Tarang Shakti 2026 continuing until October 12, the exercise is providing the IAF and its international partners with an extended platform for joint training and operational interaction. The participation of aircraft such as the F-35A, Rafale and F-16 alongside transport and refuelling platforms reflects the broad range of capabilities involved in the exercise. The IAF has described the drill as an opportunity to strengthen interoperability, share operational experience and build enduring partnerships. The exercise comes as air forces increasingly focus on integrated operations, advanced technology and the ability to coordinate across different platforms and national contingents. Under its “Power in Partnership” theme, Tarang Shakti 2026 is therefore centred on developing practical cooperation and shared operational experience among participating air forces in Jodhpur.

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