Archive · 2 Oct 2026
F-35 Exercise Highlights India’s Balancing Between Washington and Moscow
India is hosting a large air exercise called Tarang Shakti.
Six American F-35 fighter jets are taking part in Jodhpur.
Other countries, including France, Germany and Australia, have also sent aircraft or observers.
India already buys and uses important military equipment from Russia.
At the same time, it is building closer defence ties with the United States.
This means India is cooperating with both countries without formally choosing one side.
One retired officer called this policy “practiced multi-alignment.”
Another said the exercise is mainly a chance to observe aircraft rather than make a commitment.
Six United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters arrived in Jodhpur for Exercise Tarang Shakti.
The exercise runs from September 26 to October 12, with more than 200 American airmen participating.
France, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates also sent air assets, while 32 other countries are observers.
India is expanding defence cooperation with the United States while continuing to operate Russian-origin systems, including the S-400 and Su-30MKI.
Indian analysts said the exercise supports strategic autonomy, diversifies defence options and lets India assess potential future aircraft without committing to a formal alliance.
- Who
- India, the United States, Russia and other participating countries, including France, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- Exercise Tarang Shakti is showcasing multinational air forces, including six United States F-35A Lightning II fighters, while highlighting India’s defence balancing.
- When
- The F-35s are participating from September 26 to October 12.
- Where
- Jodhpur, India.
- Why
- India is expanding defence cooperation, examining potential future military platforms, diversifying supplies and preserving strategic autonomy while maintaining defence ties with Russia.
Strategic Cooperation and Autonomy
Demonstration Without Commitment
Meaning of the exercise
Strategic Cooperation and Autonomy
Retired Air Marshal Anil Khosla said the exercise reflects India’s “practiced multi-alignment” and allows it to work with Washington while retaining ties with Moscow.
Demonstration Without Commitment
Retired Major General S B Asthana described the event as more of a showcase, without a commitment to acquire or align with any particular country.
Defence relationships
Strategic Cooperation and Autonomy
Closer cooperation with the United States and other partners could diversify India’s defence supplies, expose it to advanced systems and preserve flexibility during crises.
Demonstration Without Commitment
India’s continued use of Russian-origin systems means it must manage relationships with competing defence powers and avoid becoming a formal ally of either side.
Future fighter acquisitions
Strategic Cooperation and Autonomy
The exercise gives India an opportunity to assess aircraft from several countries as it considers future defence purchases.
Demonstration Without Commitment
The participation also reflects competition among the United States, Russia and other countries to sell India fifth-generation aircraft.
- Exercise
- Tarang Shakti
- Host location
- Jodhpur, India
- F-35 aircraft
- Six United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters
- American personnel
- More than 200 airmen
- Exercise dates
- September 26 to October 12
- Other air assets
- France, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates sent air assets
- Observers
- 32 countries are participating as observers
- Russian-origin systems
- India continues to operate systems including the S-400 and Su-30MKI