IAF's Tarang Shakti Exercise to Feature Over 80 Aircraft from Eight Nations
· World · Hindustan Times, Times of India
More than 80 Indian and foreign aircraft, including F-35s, Rafales, and Tejas fighters, will participate in Tarang Shakti, the Indian Air Force’s largest multilateral air combat exercise, beginning in Jodhpur on September 26, 2026. Around 1,500 personnel, including air crews, technicians, and ground staff, will take part in the two-week-long drills. Eight air forces are participating with their assets, including those of the US, France, Germany, UAE, Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The exercise includes 32 observer nations such as Brazil, Egypt, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. This marks the first time F-35 fifth-generation fighters are participating in an exercise in India, with the US deploying six such aircraft to Jodhpur. French officials emphasized the exercise enhances Indo-French operational coordination and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Why it matters
The exercise strengthens India’s defence ties with key global powers and enhances interoperability among participating air forces. It underscores India’s growing role as a host for major multinational military drills in the Indo-Pacific region.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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