📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sabrina Full
Defence
India's 'Tarang Shakti' air drill to host US F-35 and aircraft from seven nations in Jodhpur
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jodhpur
🗓 23 Sep 2026, 08:00 AM
👁 8
The Indian Air Force will conduct the second edition of the multinational 'Tarang Shakti' exercise at Jodhpur from Sept 26 to Oct 12, featuring the US F‑35 and participants from seven foreign air forces.
Jodhpur Air Force Station will become the hub of a large‑scale multinational air exercise titled "Tarang Shakti" from 26 September to 12 October. This is the second edition of the drill, organized by the Indian Air Force to enhance joint operational capabilities with partner nations.
The exercise will see the United States field its fifth‑generation F‑35 fighter jet alongside aircraft contributed by seven other countries. Crews from each participating air force will conduct coordinated sorties, air‑to‑air drills and simulated combat scenarios aimed at improving interoperability and tactical proficiency.
Defence officials say the event underscores India's growing role as a regional security partner and provides a platform to showcase indigenous air‑power while learning from advanced platforms like the F‑35. The drill also serves to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote mutual confidence among the air forces involved.
Logistical preparations at the Jodhpur base have been underway for weeks, with upgraded runway facilities and support infrastructure ready to accommodate the diverse fleet of visiting aircraft. The IAF expects the exercise to conclude with a joint debrief and recommendations for future collaborative training.
The exercise will see the United States field its fifth‑generation F‑35 fighter jet alongside aircraft contributed by seven other countries. Crews from each participating air force will conduct coordinated sorties, air‑to‑air drills and simulated combat scenarios aimed at improving interoperability and tactical proficiency.
Defence officials say the event underscores India's growing role as a regional security partner and provides a platform to showcase indigenous air‑power while learning from advanced platforms like the F‑35. The drill also serves to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote mutual confidence among the air forces involved.
Logistical preparations at the Jodhpur base have been underway for weeks, with upgraded runway facilities and support infrastructure ready to accommodate the diverse fleet of visiting aircraft. The IAF expects the exercise to conclude with a joint debrief and recommendations for future collaborative training.