Archive · 23 Sep 2026
India's Tarang Shakti 2026 to Bring Together Global Air Forces
Tarang Shakti 2026 is a large air exercise organized by India.
It will happen at Air Force Station Jodhpur and nearby air bases from September 26 to October 12.
Seven other countries will bring military aircraft to practice with India.
Thirty-two more countries will watch as observers.
The exercise will include air-combat practice, transport missions, refuelling and rescue operations.
The United States will bring F-35A fighter jets to an exercise in India for the first time.
Countries will compare ways of using air power and learn from one another.
India also wants to show its growing aerospace and defence industry.
The IAF says the main goals are learning, working better together and building stronger partnerships.
The Indian Air Force will host Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12.
Seven foreign air forces will participate with aircraft, while 32 nations will attend as observers.
The exercise will feature joint aerial operations, tactical training, air combat, refuelling, mobility and rescue missions.
The United States will deploy F-35A fighters and KC-135 tankers, marking the F-35's first exercise participation on Indian soil.
The IAF says the exercise will improve interoperability, share operational lessons and showcase India's aerospace and defence capabilities.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force, seven participating foreign air forces and 32 observer nations; the participating forces are India, Australia, Bangladesh, France, the United States, Germany, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- The second edition of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026.
- When
- September 26 to October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases in Rajasthan, India.
- Why
- To conduct realistic multinational training, improve interoperability, exchange operational experience and showcase India's aerospace and defence capabilities.
- Host
- Indian Air Force
- Exercise
- Tarang Shakti 2026
- Dates
- September 26–October 12, 2026
- Location
- Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases, Rajasthan
- Participation
- Seven foreign countries with air assets and 32 observer nations
- Notable aircraft
- United States F-35A fighters and KC-135 tankers; French Rafales, A400Ms and MRTT aircraft; UAE F-16s
- First participation
- The F-35A will take part in a military exercise on Indian soil for the first time
- Stated aims
- Operational learning, greater interoperability and stronger partnerships
