Jodhpur, September 28 (APAC Media): 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 for advanced joint training and operational cooperation.
Being conducted from September 26 to October 12 under the theme “Power in Partnership”, the multilateral exercise focuses on interoperability, operational learning, shared expertise and mutual trust among participating air forces.
Exercise Tarang Shakti is back.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 returns as India’s premier multinational air exercise, bringing global Air Forces together for high-octane joint tactical maneuvers.
Stay tuned as elite aviators take to the skies!#TarangShakti2026 #IAF… pic.twitter.com/2lVs2BHd8H
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 21, 2026
Seven Countries Join Exercise
The participating countries are Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Foreign aircraft taking part include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, representing a mix of combat aircraft, transport platforms and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.
Other foreign countries are also participating as observers.
The exercise builds on the first edition of Tarang Shakti held in 2024 and will enable participating forces to undertake joint missions, exchange operational experience and strengthen familiarity with each other’s procedures and capabilities.
Focus on Interoperability, Professional Exchange
The exercise will involve aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel, with activities focused on interoperability, aerospace safety, mutual learning and operational procedures.
Alongside flying operations, Tarang Shakti 2026 includes professional, cultural and outreach programmes such as a dedicated seminar, industrial visits for foreign contingents, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.
The exercise also provides the IAF an opportunity to showcase its operational capabilities, professional standards and indigenous aerospace and defence developments.
With its focus on cooperation and operational engagement, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 aims to strengthen professional ties among participating air forces and promote greater defence cooperation.
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