Multinational Air Exercise Begins
Advanced US F-35 Jets Join Multinational Tarang Shakti Air Exercise in India
Anonymous
India’s Air Force began the operational phase of Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur, with the multinational exercise scheduled to run from September 26 to October 12 under the theme “Power in Partnership.” Seven foreign air forces—Australia, the United States, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh—are contributing aircraft, and more than 40 countries are represented through participants and observers. The exercise includes six U.S. F-35s, French Rafales, UAE F-16s and Indian Su-30MKIs, Tejas and Rafales. Training includes joint tactical missions, air-to-air refuelling and operational cooperation. It is the first time U.S. F-35s have participated in Tarang Shakti, with the drills intended to build interoperability and support exchanges among aircrews and planners.
Key Points
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More than 200 U.S. airmen arrived in Jodhpur with the six F-35s, according to the report; U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor announced their arrival.
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France’s contingent included seven Rafales and arrived as part of the PEGASE 26 mission. French Air and Space Force deputy commander Julien Sabene described India as a “global strategic partner” and said the exercise would allow the forces to exchange best practices.
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Beyond the aircraft listed in the summary, the IAF was set to field MiG-29s, Mirage-2000s and Jaguars, and showcase its Prachand light attack helicopter to foreign forces; the reported programme also included dogfights and on-ground training.
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Tarang Shakti followed the bilateral Indo-Japan air combat exercise Veer Guardian, also hosted at Jodhpur.
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