Full Breakdown
Tarar Shakti-26: India’s Largest Multinational Air Exercise Takes Flight in Jodhpur
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Indian Air Force will host the second edition of its multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-26, at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12, 2026. The two-week drill brings together combat aircraft from India and several foreign air forces for joint tactical manoeuvres, interoperability training, and operational learning.
Background & Context
Launched in 2024, Tarang Shakti shifted the IAF from bilateral drills to large-scale multinational operations. The inaugural edition involved 11 countries across Sulur and Jodhpur. The 2026 edition will test integrated air-defence, precision strike, unmanned-system, and space-enabled capabilities.
Key Figures & Groups
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit – Vice Chief of Air Staff, IAF.
- Indian Air Force – Host, fielding Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI.
- Foreign Air Forces – United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates.
Timeline
- September 9, 2026 – Bilateral “Veer Guardian” exercise between India and Japan concludes at Jodhpur.
- September 26, 2026 – Tarang Shakti-26 commences.
- October 12, 2026 – Exercise concludes.
Data & Statistics
- Participating foreign air forces: Seven (U.S., France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE).
- Aircraft highlighted: U.S. F-35 (first tactical participation in an Indian exercise), French Rafale, UAE F-16, Bangladeshi C-130J, plus IAF’s Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, Su-30MKI.
- Observer nations: About 32 countries; roughly 40 countries expected overall.
- Senior leadership: Around 10 air chiefs or equivalents.
Why It Matters / Impact
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, share operational experience, and showcase India’s defence industry, including indigenous platforms and unmanned systems. Integrating diverse doctrines helps the IAF refine tactics against modern air-to-air and surface-to-air threats and test assumptions in a realistic environment. The F-35’s inclusion marks a notable expansion of India’s engagement with stealth technology.
Official Statements & Responses
Air Marshal Dixit said the changing character of warfare underscores the need for precision, integrated air-defence, counter-UAS capabilities, and information dominance. He linked the exercise to India’s “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) drive, noting that indigenous capabilities and international cooperation are complementary.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of participating forces: Some sources list seven foreign air forces; others count eight including India.
- Aircraft inventory details: All reports agree on the F-35, Rafale, and F-16, but details on other Indian platforms (e.g., Tejas variants) vary.
These discrepancies suggest the final roster may be refined closer to the start date.
