India Hosts Multinational Air Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 with F-35 Debut

India Hosts Multinational Air Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 with F-35 Debut\n\nExercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is set to return later this month with the US Air Force's F-35 fifth-generation fighter expected to make its first appearance in an Indian Air Force exercise. The multinational air exercise will be hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Jodhpur, Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12.\n\nThe IAF announced on September 21 that Tarang Shakti is returning as a multinational exercise bringing foreign air forces together for joint tactical manoeuvres. The F-35's participation would add a fifth-gen stealth platform to an exercise involving several advanced fighter types.\n\nThe F-35 has previously appeared in India only during Aero India, but its first-time participation in Tarang Shakti 26 would be different as it would involve the aircraft operating as part of a multinational military exercise. F-35 till now only came for Aero India in Bengaluru in 2023 and 2025, but has not previously participated in an Indian military exercise.\n\nThe second edition of Tarang Shakti will be conducted in a single phase at Jodhpur, unlike the inaugural 2024 exercise which was conducted in two phases at Sulur and Jodhpur. Nine foreign air forces have confirmed their participation, this time, including fighter jets from France, Germany, Greece, the UAE, Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while around 30 countries are expected to participate as observers.\n\nAir forces around the world will be getting to India Aircrafts that will include F-16s, F/A-18s, Rafales, and A400M transport aircraft. The IAF is expected to field a broad range of its own assets, including Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, and Tejas fighters, as well as transport aircraft, helicopters, special operations platforms, aerial refuellers, and airborne early warning and control aircraft.\n\nIn the previous 2024 edition, involved complex air-combat and support missions that included beyond-visual-range engagements, large-force operations, dynamic targeting, air mobility, and protection of high-value aerial assets. The exercise generated hundreds of sorties across its two phases.\n\nThe arrival of the F-35 also comes against the backdrop of India's effort to develop its own fifth-gen fighter through the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The F-35 is therefore likely to attract particular attention during the exercise, although participation in a multinational exercise does not by itself indicate any Indian procurement decision.\n\nTarang Shakti 2026 is expected to provide a unique opportunity for the Indian Air Force to showcase its capabilities and interoperability with international partners. The exercise will also serve as a platform for the F-35 to demonstrate its capabilities in a multinational environment.\n\nAs the exercise unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the F-35 performs in a complex air-combat scenario, and how it integrates with the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of aircraft. The success of Tarang Shakti 2026 will not only enhance India's military capabilities but also strengthen its relationships with international partners.\n\nIn conclusion, the F-35's participation in Tarang Shakti 2026 marks a significant milestone in India's military modernization efforts, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's air power capabilities.