India is preparing to host a major multinational air exercise as Tarang Shakti 2026 brings together air forces from across the world at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 12, the exercise is expected to feature advanced combat aircraft from the United States, France, the United Arab Emirates and other participating countries.
A major highlight of this year’s exercise is the expected participation of the US F-35 Lightning II, with reports indicating that two to three aircraft could be deployed to India. If the deployment goes ahead, it would mark the F-35’s first participation in Tarang Shakti and its first involvement in an Indian multinational air exercise. The fifth-generation fighter has previously appeared in India during the Aero India air shows in Bengaluru.
The French Air and Space Force is also expected to participate with Rafale fighters, while the United Arab Emirates is expected to bring its F-16 aircraft. The presence of these platforms will allow the participating air forces to conduct training involving different generations and types of fighter aircraft.
The Indian Air Force is expected to field several of its frontline platforms during the exercise, including the Rafale, Su-30MKI and Tejas, alongside transport aircraft, helicopters, aerial refuelling tankers and airborne early warning and control assets. These aircraft will operate in a multinational environment designed to support tactical training, operational coordination and the exchange of experience between participating forces.
More than 40 countries are expected to be associated with Tarang Shakti 2026, although their levels of participation may differ. The exercise is intended to provide an opportunity for participating air forces to practise complex air operations while improving coordination and interoperability.
The Jodhpur exercise follows the India-Japan Veer Guardian 2026 air exercise, which is being conducted at the same airbase earlier in September. The sequence of multinational activities is contributing to increased international air-force engagement with the Indian Air Force.
The first edition of Tarang Shakti was conducted in 2024 in two phases at Sulur and Jodhpur. The 2026 edition will bring the participating forces together at Jodhpur, creating an opportunity for India and its international partners to train alongside a diverse mix of modern fighter and support aircraft.
With the expected arrival of the F-35 alongside Rafales, F-16s and Indian fighter aircraft, Tarang Shakti 2026 is set to provide a significant multinational training environment for the participating air forces.
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