Germany has deployed an Airbus A400M military transport aircraft for Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, where its crew is participating in multinational air operations alongside fighter aircraft.
German Air Force Captain Maurice Berns, a first officer on the A400M, said the exercise was providing the German transport crew with an opportunity to operate as part of large formations and strengthen coordination with the Indian Air Force.
The German A400M is participating in large-force engagements involving fighter aircraft. The participation is providing the transport crew with exposure to complex multinational air operations and the coordination required between transport and fighter aircraft during such exercises.
Captain Berns described the exercise as a valuable learning experience for the German Air Force. He said flying in India was helping the German contingent gain insights into Indian Air Force mission planning and the coordination required for complex air operations.
The participation is also aimed at improving interoperability between Indian and German fighter and transport aircraft. The interaction between the participating aircrews, mission planners and support personnel is providing opportunities to exchange experience and understand each other’s procedures.
The A400M is a key component of Germany’s air transport fleet and is capable of carrying heavy cargo as well as undertaking tactical and logistics missions. Its participation at Tarang Shakti 2026 adds a transport aircraft dimension to the multinational air exercise.
The German aircraft forms part of a broader mix of combat, transport and aerial-refuelling platforms participating in the exercise. Foreign aircraft taking part include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A.
Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted under the theme “Power in Partnership”, with Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh participating alongside India.
The participation of Germany’s A400M provides an opportunity for the two air forces to work together in large-force engagements and develop greater familiarity with each other’s operational procedures.
The exercise also builds on the inaugural Tarang Shakti held in 2024. The 2026 edition brings together aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel for flying activities and professional exchanges.
Beyond flying operations, the exercise includes activities aimed at strengthening interoperability, aerospace safety and mutual learning. The programme also features a seminar, an industrial tour, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage visits and yoga sessions.
The participation of multiple foreign air forces allows the Indian Air Force and participating contingents to exchange operational experience while conducting multinational air activities.
For Germany, the deployment of the A400M at Jodhpur provides its transport crews with an opportunity to train alongside fighter aircraft and understand the operational procedures followed during large-force engagements.
The exercise therefore combines flying activity, professional interaction and operational learning, with Germany’s A400M contributing to the multinational component of Tarang Shakti 2026 and strengthening coordination between German and Indian aircrews.
