The Indian Air Force has begun the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur, the country’s largest multinational air combat drill.

Seven foreign air forces are taking part in the exercise, which kicked off its flying phase on September 28. The drills feature complex missions spanning air combat, ground attack and force protection, with dozens of aircraft in the skies over Rajasthan.

Tarang Shakti, meaning “wave of power,” is designed to build interoperability between the IAF and partner nations. Previous editions have drawn praise for their scale and realism.

The exercise underscores India’s growing role as a hub for multinational military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The operational phase will run for several days of intensive flying.

Jodhpur’s sprawling desert ranges make it ideal for large-force aerial engagements. Participating contingents praised the IAF’s planning, and joint debriefs will feed lessons into future editions of the drill. The exercise highlights India’s rising profile as a host for complex multinational air operations.