Jodhpur: Professional interactions between aircrew and teams from participating countries are helping strengthen partnerships during the ongoing second edition of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.
The Indian Air Force is hosting the exercise at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12. The major multinational exercise features air forces from seven Friendly Foreign Countries participating with air assets, while representatives from 32 countries are attending as observers.
Air forces conduct joint flying operations
The Ministry of Defence said participating air forces are conducting flying operations, sharing operational experiences and training together in a demanding environment.
Fighter aircraft operating alongside partner air forces are providing opportunities to enhance interoperability, coordination and mutual understanding. Professional interactions between aircrew and participating teams are also contributing to stronger partnerships.
The exercise focuses on realistic multinational operations, joint aerial missions, tactical training, interoperability and the sharing of operational experience and best practices across complex mission sets.
Major international participation
Several countries are participating with a range of aircraft. France has brought Rafale fighter aircraft, A400M transport aircraft and MRTT aircraft, while the United Arab Emirates is participating with F-16s and a Global 6000.
The Royal Australian Air Force is participating with a C-130J, while the German Air Force has deployed A400M aircraft. Sri Lanka is participating with KA-360ER surveillance aircraft and Bangladesh with a C-130J.
The United States has deployed F-35A fighter aircraft and KC-135 tankers. This marks the first participation of the fifth-generation F-35A fighter in a military exercise on Indian soil.
Exercise to strengthen operational cooperation
Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit had earlier said that the exercise would provide India with an opportunity to showcase the growing capabilities of its aerospace and defence industries to friendly partner countries.
The ongoing exercise is aimed at improving coordination among participating air forces while providing an environment for them to train together and exchange operational experiences.