JAISALMER: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, a day after the exercise’s inaugural ceremony.Being conducted from September 26 to October 12 under the theme “Power in Partnership”, the multilateral air exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability, sharing operational expertise and strengthening cooperation among participating air forces.Seven Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) — Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — are participating in the exercise. The foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, bringing together a mix of frontline fighter aircraft, strategic and tactical airlift platforms and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.Building on the inaugural edition held in 2024, Tarang Shakti 2026 provides participating air forces an opportunity to undertake advanced joint training, exchange operational expertise and consolidate professional experience. Foreign contingents will operate alongside the IAF in a range of missions involving combat aircraft and support elements, while several other Friendly Foreign Countries will participate as observers.The exercise will bring together aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel, with a focus on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and a better understanding of operational procedures. The interaction is aimed at enabling participating forces to operate together, exchange experiences and gain insights into each other’s capabilities and operating philosophies.This edition has a broader canvas beyond flying operations, with professional, cultural and outreach activities also planned. These include a dedicated seminar, industrial tours for foreign contingents, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.The engagements are aimed at facilitating professional exchange, providing foreign contingents exposure to India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem and strengthening camaraderie among participating personnel.Tarang Shakti 2026 also provides the IAF an opportunity to showcase its operational capabilities, professional standards and institutional ethos, besides highlighting India’s growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.Under the theme “Power in Partnership”, the exercise underscores the importance of cooperation, interoperability and mutual trust in building enduring partnerships among participating air forces.Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 provides the IAF an opportunity to demonstrate its operational capabilities, professional standards and institutional ethos, while highlighting India’s growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities. The exercise, under the theme “Power in Partnership”, reinforces the importance of cooperation, interoperability and mutual trust in building enduring partnerships among participating air forces.The exercise is also aimed at strengthening defence engagement and military cooperation among participating nations while promoting shared operational experience and greater strategic cooperation in support of regional peace, security and stability.
