The Indian Air Force has commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur following the inaugural ceremony held on September 26. The multilateral air exercise is being conducted from September 26 to October 12, 2026, under the theme “Power in Partnership”.
The theme of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 underscores the strength that comes from working together, sharing expertise and building interoperability among partner air forces. The exercise brings together the Indian Air Force and participating foreign air forces for joint training, professional interaction and exchange of operational experience.
Seven Friendly Foreign Countries are participating in the exercise. These are Australia, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The foreign aircraft participating in the exercise include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A. The participating aircraft bring together a diverse mix of combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 builds on the successful inaugural edition conducted in 2024. The exercise provides participating air forces with an opportunity for advanced joint training, exchange of operational expertise and consolidation of professional experience.
The participating foreign contingents will operate alongside the Indian Air Force, employing frontline combat platforms and support elements across a range of missions. Several other Friendly Foreign Countries will also participate in the exercise as observers.
The operational phase will facilitate professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel. The exercise places emphasis on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and enhanced understanding of operational procedures.
The participating forces will have an opportunity to operate together and share their experiences during the exercise. The interaction will also provide them with a better understanding of each other’s capabilities and operating philosophies.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 has a wider canvas beyond flying operations. A range of professional, cultural and outreach activities have been planned during the exercise to provide additional opportunities for interaction among the participating contingents.
These activities include a dedicated seminar, an industrial tour for the participating foreign contingents, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.
The professional and outreach activities will provide opportunities for professional exchange and exposure to India’s aerospace and industrial ecosystem. They will also facilitate greater interaction and camaraderie among the participating contingents.
The exercise provides the Indian Air Force with an opportunity to demonstrate its operational capabilities, professional standards and institutional ethos. It also highlights India’s growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.
The participation of foreign air forces and their diverse range of combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling aircraft adds to the operational canvas of the multilateral exercise. The exercise will enable the participating forces to train together and exchange operational experiences.
The emphasis on interoperability and mutual learning is central to Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. Professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel is intended to enhance understanding of operational procedures and the capabilities and operating philosophies of participating air forces.
Under the theme “Power in Partnership”, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 reinforces the importance of cooperation, interoperability and mutual trust in building enduring partnerships among participating air forces.
The exercise also reaffirms India’s commitment to constructive defence engagement and enhanced military cooperation in support of regional peace, security and stability. Through shared operational experience, the exercise seeks to strengthen partnerships and foster greater strategic cooperation among participating air forces.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 will continue at Air Force Station Jodhpur until October 12, bringing together the Indian Air Force and participating foreign contingents for joint training, professional exchanges and a range of operational, cultural and outreach activities.
