Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 has commenced in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, bringing together air forces and observers from nearly 40 countries to enhance multinational air combat cooperation and interoperability.
Key Facts
- Edition: 2nd edition of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) multinational air exercise; inaugural edition held in 2024.
- Theme: "Power in Partnership".
- Objective: Train participating air forces in planning and execution of multinational joint combat operations in a realistic contemporary battlespace and derive tactically viable solutions.
Participation
- Air assets: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE and USA.
- Observers: Around 32 countries attending as observers.
Aircraft and Operations
- Foreign platforms include F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A.
- Missions cover counter-air operations, air defence, reconnaissance, airlift, air-to-air refuelling and other complex combat scenarios.
French Participation — Mission Pégase 26
- The French Air and Space Force deployed four Rafale F4 fighters, three A330 MRTT Phénix and two A400M Atlas aircraft, highlighting growing India-France aerospace and defence cooperation.
Wider Engagement
- Professional seminars, industrial tours, Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions — providing exposure to India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.
Significance
- Demonstrates IAF's operational capabilities and India's growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.
- Strengthens defence partnerships, interoperability, mutual trust and strategic cooperation in support of regional peace and security.
Related Exercises
- Udara Shakti: Another IAF air exercise.
- Other notable IAF exercises: Vayu Shakti (firepower demonstration), Gagan Shakti (combat readiness).
- India's bilateral exercises: Garuda (France), Cope India (USA), Pitch Black (Australia), Red Flag (USA).