India is preparing to bring some of the world’s leading air forces together over Rajasthan as the Indian Air Force hosts Tarang Shakti 2026 from September 26 to October 12. The second edition will centre on Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining bases, with fighter jets, transports, tankers and surveillance aircraft sharing the same training space.
An official Akashvani News report says eight friendly foreign countries will participate with air assets, while another 32 nations will attend as observers. The exercise will focus on multinational combat planning, joint missions and coordination between crews trained under different operating procedures.
Key Highlights
- Tarang Shakti 2026 will run from September 26 to October 12 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE and United States are listed with air assets.
- Another 32 countries are expected as observers, taking the wider international presence to around 40 nations.
- The US F-35 is set to train with the IAF on Indian soil for the first time.
- India will field fighters including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft.
The IAF has also announced the exercise through its official X account, describing Tarang Shakti as India’s premier multinational air exercise and previewing joint tactical manoeuvres before flying begins.
Which Countries Are Joining Tarang Shakti 2026?
The current government-backed list names Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States as the eight foreign participants bringing aircraft or other air assets. India, as host, will contribute a large mix of frontline fighters and support platforms.
The United States is drawing particular attention because its F-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter is expected to participate. France will bring Rafales, while the UAE will field F-16s. Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Greece and Sri Lanka will add combat, transport or support aircraft. Invitations were sent to 65 friendly foreign countries before the final participation group was formed.
The visitor list goes well beyond the flying contingents. Thirty-two countries are due as observers, while around 10 Air Chiefs or their equivalents are likely to attend. That gives the event a large diplomatic and military networking side alongside the flying program.
Why Tarang Shakti 2026 Is Drawing Global Attention
The biggest aviation storyline is the F-35. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, confirmed that the IAF will exercise with the aircraft on Indian soil for the first time. F-35s have appeared at Aero India before, but Tarang Shakti places the aircraft inside an active multinational training environment alongside Indian fighters.
Tarang Shakti will cover counter-air operations, air defense, close combat, reconnaissance, airlift, air-to-air refueling and other complex missions. The IAF briefing also linked the training to lessons from Operation Sindoor, particularly precision operations, integrated air and missile defense, counter-UAS activity, intelligence-led missions and joint operations across domains.
Aircraft To Watch Over Jodhpur
India is expected to fly Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters, backed by airborne early-warning aircraft, transports and refueling tankers. Foreign assets include the US F-35, French Rafale, UAE F-16 and several transport and support aircraft.
The timing is interesting too. Jodhpur has just hosted the India-Japan Veer Guardian 2026 exercise, meaning the airbase is moving almost directly from a bilateral fighter drill into a far larger multinational event.
There is also an Indian defense-industry angle. During the 2024 edition, the Ministry of Defense organized the India Defense Aviation Exposition alongside Tarang Shakti to display locally developed aviation technologies. The PIB release on the 2024 exposition detailed participation by defense public-sector companies, DRDO, private firms and start-ups. Indigenous platforms, sensors, weapons and unmanned systems are again expected to feature before foreign delegations in 2026.
The first Tarang Shakti in 2024 marked the IAF’s move from mostly bilateral training toward larger multinational operations. The 2026 edition takes that format further with fifth-generation aircraft, dozens of observer nations and a wider mix of combat scenarios.
FAQs
When will Tarang Shakti 2026 begin?
Tarang Shakti 2026 begins September 26 in Jodhpur and continues through October 12 this year.
Which countries are sending aircraft?
Eight foreign countries are listed: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE and USA.
Will the US F-35 participate?
Yes, the F-35 is expected to train with Indian Air Force aircraft on Indian soil.
Where will Tarang Shakti 2026 be held?
The exercise will operate from Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining bases across Rajasthan, India.
Where will Tarang Shakti 2026 be held?
The exercise will operate from Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining bases across Rajasthan, India.
What is the main aim of Tarang Shakti?
It focuses on joint combat training, interoperability, operational learning and stronger cooperation among participating forces.
Explore India’s Defence Ties, Exercises and Aviation
What Will Veer Guardian 2026 Practise?
Check out the combat drills involving Indian and Japanese fighter aircraft.
Why Is India’s Army Chief Visiting Russia?
Find out why the Army Chief is making his first Russia visit since 2018.
Who Will Use India’s SARAS MkII?
Uncover who could operate India’s new 19-seater SARAS MkII aircraft.
How Did Shakti Sharma Make History?
Browse the historic achievement of India’s first non-medical woman two-star officer.
What Are Yudh Abhyas 2026 Troops Practising?
Dive into the simultaneous India-US military exercises in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
