German A400M joins large-force drills at Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur

Jodhpur: Germany’s Airbus A400M military transport aircraft is taking part in large-force engagements alongside fighter aircraft during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur, giving the German Air Force and Indian Air Force an opportunity to strengthen operational coordination and interoperability. The German contingent is participating in the multinational exercise alongside six other foreign air forces.

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German Air Force Captain Maurice Berns, a first officer on the A400M, says the exercise is providing transport crews with valuable experience in working with the IAF and operating within complex multinational air missions. Unlike a conventional transport-only deployment, the A400M is participating in large-force engagements involving fighter aircraft, exposing its crew to the planning and coordination required for major air operations.

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Berns describes the A400M as a backbone of Germany’s air transport fleet, with the aircraft designed to perform heavy cargo, tactical airlift and logistics missions. Its participation at Tarang Shakti therefore adds an airlift and support dimension to an exercise featuring advanced combat aircraft, including the US F-35 Lightning II, French Rafale and UAE F-16.

The German crew is also gaining insights into IAF mission planning, operational procedures and the coordination of large multinational formations. According to Berns, flying in India is helping increase interoperability between Indian and German fighter and transport aircraft while allowing the two sides to understand each other’s operating methods.

Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted at Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12 under the theme “Power in Partnership”. Australia, the US, UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating with air assets, while other friendly foreign countries are joining as observers. The exercise focuses on joint training, operational learning, aerospace safety and interoperability across different air-power capabilities.

Germany’s A400M deployment thus adds another layer to Tarang Shakti’s objective of exposing participating forces to multinational air operations, while giving India and Germany practical experience in integrating transport and combat aviation in a complex operational environment.

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