The Indian Air Force on Sunday began the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The multinational air exercise, themed “Power in Partnership”, runs from September 26 to October 12, 2026.

Seven Friendly Foreign Countries are taking part alongside India: Australia, the United States, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with other countries attending as observers. The participating aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, a mix of fighter, airlift and air-to-air refuelling platforms.

The exercise aims to build interoperability and mutual learning, with a focus on aerospace safety and familiarity with operational procedures through complex joint training. A seminar, industrial tours, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions are being held alongside the flying operations.

This is the second edition of Tarang Shakti; the inaugural edition was held in 2024. The operational phase commenced on September 27, a day after the inaugural ceremony.