📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel
Defence
Multinational Air Exercise “Tarang Shakti 2026” Launches at Jodhpur Air Force Station
✍️ Amar Ujala · Rajasthan
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 04:45 PM
👁 13
The Indian Air Force has kicked off the Tarang Shakti 2026 air drill at Jodhpur, with participation from more than 40 nations and advanced fighters such as the F‑35, Rafale and F‑16.
Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan began the Tarang Shakti 2026 multinational air exercise today, marking one of the largest joint drills ever hosted by India. The opening ceremony was attended by senior Indian defence officials and representatives of participating air forces.
More than forty countries have deployed aircraft and personnel for the exercise, underscoring the event’s global scope. Nations from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas are expected to rotate in and out over the coming weeks, fostering interoperability among diverse air forces.
The drill will see state‑of‑the‑art combat platforms, including the U.S. F‑35 Lightning II, France’s Rafale and the U.S./allied F‑16 Fighting Falcon, operating together in simulated combat missions. Scenarios will cover air‑to‑air engagements, strike operations and coordinated air‑defence tactics, aiming to sharpen strategic coordination.
India’s Air Force is playing a central coordinating role, providing logistical support and integrating the varied doctrines of participating units. Officials say the exercise enhances regional security and demonstrates India’s growing capability to host complex, high‑profile defence events.
More than forty countries have deployed aircraft and personnel for the exercise, underscoring the event’s global scope. Nations from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas are expected to rotate in and out over the coming weeks, fostering interoperability among diverse air forces.
The drill will see state‑of‑the‑art combat platforms, including the U.S. F‑35 Lightning II, France’s Rafale and the U.S./allied F‑16 Fighting Falcon, operating together in simulated combat missions. Scenarios will cover air‑to‑air engagements, strike operations and coordinated air‑defence tactics, aiming to sharpen strategic coordination.
India’s Air Force is playing a central coordinating role, providing logistical support and integrating the varied doctrines of participating units. Officials say the exercise enhances regional security and demonstrates India’s growing capability to host complex, high‑profile defence events.