Jodhpur : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced the second edition of its multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases in Rajasthan. The exercise is being conducted from September 26 to October 12, 2026, bringing together air forces from seven Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) for joint operational training.
The exercise is designed to enhance mutual understanding of tactical air power application, interoperability and multinational cooperation through integrated air operations, joint administration, logistics support and maintenance coordination. Seven countries — Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States — are participating with air assets, while 32 countries are attending as observer nations.
The participating forces bring a diverse range of aircraft to the exercise. Australia is participating with a C-130, Bangladesh with a C-130J, France with Rafale fighters, A400M transport aircraft and MRTT tankers, Germany with A400M aircraft, Sri Lanka with a King Air 350, the UAE with F-16s and a Global 6000, and the United States with F-35 fighters and KC-135 aircraft.
According to the exercise schedule, the programme includes flying, familiarisation and exchange sorties, professional and defence-related visits, an open day featuring static and aerial displays, a Distinguished Visitors’ Day, and a closing ceremony. The schedule also includes a visit to the Statue of Unity and C295 facility in Gujarat on October 3, along with a CAPSS seminar in New Delhi.
The exercise is expected to provide participating air forces with opportunities for integrated training and operational interaction, while strengthening their ability to coordinate across flying operations, logistics, administration and maintenance. Tarang Shakti 2026 follows the first edition held in 2024, which marked the IAF’s first multinational air exercise of this scale. The 2026 edition further expands multinational participation through a combination of participating air forces and observer nations.
Key Highlights
- Exercise: Tarang Shakti 2026
- Organiser: Indian Air Force
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases
- Dates: September 26 – October 12, 2026
- Participating Foreign Air Forces: 7
- Observer Nations: 32
- Key Aircraft: F-35, Rafale, F-16, A400M, C-130/C-130J, KC-135 and King Air 350
- Focus: Interoperability, integrated air operations, logistics and maintenance coordination
- Open Day: October 8, 2026
- Distinguished Visitors’ Day: October 10, 2026
- Closing Ceremony: October 12, 2026