Jodhpur: Air Chief-designate Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit reviews the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ongoing Tarang Shakti 2026 multinational air exercise, as the force brings together Indian and foreign aircrews to strengthen operational learning, interoperability and cooperation. The exercise, underway at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12, is themed “Power in Partnership.”
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The second edition brings together air forces from Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, alongside the IAF. The participating aircraft include the American F-35 Lightning II, French Rafale, UAE F-16 and various transport, surveillance and aerial-refuelling platforms.
Tarang Shakti focuses on joint air operations, tactical training and the exchange of operational experience. Its wider mission set includes air combat, reconnaissance, air mobility, aerial refuelling and complex coordinated missions, allowing participating forces to understand different operational procedures and improve their ability to work together.
The exercise also carries particular significance for the IAF’s engagement with advanced foreign platforms. The US F-35 participates in an Indian-hosted military exercise alongside the IAF for the first time, providing an opportunity for operational interaction with a fifth-generation fighter in a multinational training environment. The exercise is intended to support professional learning rather than signal any procurement decision.
Dixit’s review comes ahead of his scheduled assumption of command as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31. As the IAF prepares for the leadership transition, Tarang Shakti reflects its growing emphasis on multinational operations, emerging technologies and learning from partner air forces.
The exercise also serves as a platform to showcase India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities to international partners. For the IAF, the strategic objective is to translate multinational training into improved operational readiness, stronger partnerships and greater interoperability in an increasingly complex air-warfare environment.
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