The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti, India’s premier multinational air exercise, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 26 September to 12 October 2026. Focusing on Air Force training, it brings together air forces from multiple countries for joint aerial operations, tactical training, and advanced interoperability drills day and night. They are conducting well-planned joint aerial manoeuvres, complex multinational combat integration, and counter-UAS capability tests.
The U.S. Air Force’s F-35A is taking part in tactical drills on Indian soil for the first time. Current reporting puts the U.S. package at six F-35As and two KC-135 tankers. France is fielding seven Rafales with three A400Ms and two MRTT tankers; the UAE is fielding six F-16s and a Global 6000. Australia and Germany are sending transport aircraft (C-130 and A400M, respectively), Bangladesh a C-130J, and Sri Lanka a King Air 350.
The IAF is fielding its entire fighter inventory, including the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI. Military officers from 32 nations are attending as observers to monitor the military exercises and tactical integration. India is also using the occasion to showcase the growing capabilities of indigenous aerospace manufacturing and defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Exercise Tarang Shakti: The Next Leap
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, while addressing a press conference, said, “Let me begin with what Exercise Tarang Shakti means for the IAF. For many years, operational engagement with foreign air forces was largely through bilateral exercises. We learned to operate with one partner at a time. Exercise Tarang Shakti changed that approach. In 2024, we brought multiple air forces together for the first time in a large multinational air exercise hosted by the IAF.”
“For Tarang Shakti-24, which was the last edition, the scale and operational output were significant. Across the two phases, 11 countries participated with their air assets, with 45 combat aircraft undertaking 76 combat missions, generating 867 sorties and over 1,180 flying hours. The air exercise covered a wide canvas of air operations, from counter-air operations, air defence, and close combat to reconnaissance (recce), airlift, air-to-air refuelling, and other highly complex mission sets. For the IAF, it was an important transition from military exercises primarily being bilateral to mission planning, operating, and integrating with multiple air forces simultaneously… So Tarang Shakti-26 is the next logical step. This year, invitations have been sent to 65 friendly foreign countries…”
Exercise Overview
During his media briefing, Group Captain T Deswal, Director Exercise, highlighted that Tarang Shakti 2026 is the largest multinational air exercise ever in Asia. It showcases combined military capabilities and integrates diverse defence platforms. Realism is brought through contemporary combat scenarios across day and night. Interoperability is tested through common operating procedures, mission planning, targeting, and tactical integration. Lastly, the air exercise strengthens partnerships through professional military engagement and specialist interactions.
IAF’s Growing Exercise Participation and Footprint
The IAF has participated in over 100 international air exercises since 2001.
These include the multinational, biannual Exercise Pitch Black in Australia, Red Flag – Alaska (USA), Exercise Cobra Warrior (UK), India’s own Exercise Tarang Shakti, Exercise Desert Knight (India, France, UAE), Ocean Sky (Spain), and Desert Flag (UAE). Also, there are bilateral exercises such as Garuda (France), Veer Guardian (Japan), Udara Shakti (Malaysia), Iniochos (Greece), Indradhanush (UK), Eastern Bridge (Oman), Cope India (USA), Aviaindra (Russia), and Desert Warrior (Egypt), among others.
IAF fighter aircraft have flown against or alongside most leading types on the international circuit, including the F-35 at overseas tactical drills such as Exercise Pitch Black and at Aero India. Exercise Tarang Shakti is different: it is the first time F-35s are flying tactical missions with the IAF from an Indian airbase.
The Exercise Tarang Shakti series is perhaps smaller in size and scope than the Air Defender exercise of NATO, Red Flag of the USA, and Exercise Pitch Black in Australia. Over 75 combat aircraft are taking part, focusing on enhancing mutual understanding of air power, realistic military operations, strengthening military ties, and showcasing indigenous defence equipment.
India also conducts air exercises without foreign participation. These include the Multi-Agency Exercise Pralay Sahayam (disaster response exercise), Exercise DANX (Defence of Andaman & Nicobar Exercise), Gaganshakti, Vayushakti, Exercise Iron Fist, and Bharat Shakti (tri-service exercise), which have been on a very large scale.
The frequency and number of air exercises have gone up in recent years. After a short pandemic-related lull, the pace has picked up.
Force Multipliers and Combat Enhancers
The IAF is also deploying airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, transport aircraft, and air-to-air refuelling tankers. Their inclusion allows military training to extend beyond fighter manoeuvres to aerial surveillance, tactical coordination, military logistics, and sustained air operations.
AEW&C platforms provide airborne surveillance and help coordinate aerial manoeuvres. Airborne refuelling tankers extend aircraft endurance and operational reach. Transport aircraft move military personnel, defence equipment, and supplies required to support military deployments. Military helicopters and Special Forces are conducting their own combat exercises. The air exercise uses ground-based, fully networked radars.
The mix of visiting military aircraft also lets the IAF rehearse against the kinds of aerial threats it actually faces, even if those types aren’t on the visitor list. No Chinese-origin J-20, J-10, or JF-17 fighter jets are coming to Jodhpur. However, the F-35 (for the stealth J-20) and the French Rafale (for the J-10C) can still stand in for them in mock drills.
The F-35A is the only fifth-generation fighter in the air exercise. In mock drills, it is much better than China’s J-20: stealth, low observability, sensor fusion, and first-look, first-shot tactics, and provides a better simulation for the J-20.
That does not mean the IAF will see the F-35’s classified flight envelope. It does mean, however, that Indian aircrews can practice finding, tracking, and studying a stealth aircraft from an Indian airbase—to better understand the Chinese J-20.
French Rafales and the UAE’s F-16 ‘Desert Falcons’ can serve as capable 4/4.5-generation adversaries, closer to a J-10C or JF-17 Thunder Block III. The Rafale is a superior fighter aircraft to the Chinese ones, and the IAF’s Su-30MKIs, Tejas, Mirage-2000s, and Jaguar pilots are getting a good opportunity to counter these Western-origin fighter jets.
This is not an official IAF statement, but multinational military exercises are designed this way. Use the best available stand-ins, keep classified data out, and test military tactics against a peer-plus threat.
Major Operational Planning and Execution Considerations
Large-force exercises among professional air forces take months of mission planning. The host must choose controlled airspace and airbases that can handle mixed military fleets, site military radars so they can see the fight, keep drop zones clear, and—if live weapons are used—have a weapons range. Staffs then build the mission set, starting with small packages and working up to large-force engagements (LFE) that test offensive counter-air, air defence, and everything in between.
Combat missions include beyond-visual-range combat (BVR) exercises as part of large-force engagements (LFE), in offensive counter-air and air-defence roles. LFE require very detailed mission plans.
The build-up is phased. The exercise pace started with smaller packages and is gradually increasing in difficulty. Operational complexity is also increasing gradually. The air exercise is also testing the maintenance crews to ensure high aircraft serviceability and meet the high mission tempo.
The mission plan must account for multiple military aircraft flying in confined airspace, including slow-flying military helicopters and UAVs, and very high-speed fighter aircraft engaged in combat manoeuvring.
Flight paths must be de-conflicted. Ground-based radars and airborne radars must closely control or monitor air engagements. Flight safety considerations have to be spelled out. Plan ‘B’ is put on the table. Mission aims have to be explicit. An electronic warfare briefing is important. Electronic warfare (EW) is selectively practised.
Detailed mission debriefs derive lessons and help improve future combat missions. Radio communications procedures must be coordinated. Mission commanders must be designated. Each combat mission must have a clearly spelled-out aim and a detailed mission briefing. A detailed flight safety and operational debrief is always conducted. The air effort must draw lessons for all aircrews and ground crews.
Learning Enhancers
In addition to improving combat knowledge by imbibing the best practices of other air forces, it also improves tactical interoperability. Young aircrews get exposure by flying the military aircraft of other air forces. Social and casual interactions help exchange ideas and imbibe tactical knowledge. Special lectures are organised to educate the military participants.
These military exercises are also a part of defence diplomacy. There are cultural events and exchanges. The saying “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war” is best exemplified by these air exercises. India should be proud that all Western air forces have rated IAF aircrews as great professionals and exceptional in air combat capabilities.
Operational and Administrative Planning
Exercise Tarang Shakti helps the IAF build professional relationships with the world’s leading air arms. Hosting a complex multinational air exercise is highly valuable for the host. Over the years, India has very successfully hosted large military aviation events such as the Aero India airshow at Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The IAF understands the logistical support required to host and position diverse defence equipment and weapon platforms.
It is also a major administrative challenge to accommodate such a large number of military personnel in secure nearby accommodations. Jodhpur is well equipped to handle a large flow of tourists and visitors.
The Win-Win for All
Multinational military training helps air forces practice military communications, mission planning, and tactical coordination for enhanced interoperability. Operating different military aircraft together requires compatible operating procedures, even when participants use different defence equipment. The aircrews receive exposure to diverse operational practices.
Interaction with foreign aircrews offers opportunities to compare military training methods and mission approaches. The planned presence of F-35s adds a fifth-generation aircraft dimension, although participation does not imply access to classified technology or unrestricted sharing of military capabilities.
Military exercises build professional relationships, increase familiarity between armed forces, and strengthen defence diplomacy. Hosting a large multinational military event also gives India a platform to engage several defence partners through a common military training activity.
A complex multinational activity helps the IAF assess tactical coordination among fighter aircraft, surveillance platforms, and support aircraft. Engaging several countries supports India’s broader defence relationships and strategic autonomy. Managing visiting military aircraft and military personnel develops experience in military logistics, airspace coordination, and ground support. Lessons identified during the air exercise can inform future military training and operational procedures.
Challenges in Such Exercises
Variations in military terminology, communications protocols, and operational practices can complicate tactical coordination and require attention.
Because each air force already participates in multilateral exercises, it can handle these issues appropriately. Participants may want to limit the sharing of sensitive aircraft data and mission information. Multiple aircraft types require different maintenance arrangements, support equipment, and ground support, and can be a logistical challenge and an administrative challenge. Much advanced information flows through this channel, and many countries are quite self-contained when in doubt. A large concentration of military aircraft requires careful airspace management and clear operating procedures. Flight safety remains paramount.
Air Power Tenets and Tarang Shakti
“Air power is the most difficult of all forms of military force to measure, or even express in precise terms,” said Winston Churchill many years ago. Air power capabilities result directly from their characteristics of speed, combat range, and elevation. Military operations in the air and space differ significantly from those on land or sea.
Air power capabilities include operational flexibility, responsiveness, combat range, precision strikes, and strategic mobility. Military aircraft can move rapidly over vast ranges, independent of sea or land boundaries. Air forces provide global range and global power. Air power is the integrated employment of all air forces and space forces to control and exploit the air and space environments to achieve national security objectives. Air power exploits the properties of its operating medium to realise unique operational characteristics and thus employ unique military capabilities to provide the nation with a broad range of military options. The fundamental strengths of Air Force air power are air superiority, reliable global mobility, rapid global employment, and global situational awareness.
Concentration of force is a product of air power’s responsiveness, strategic mobility, and tremendous agility of military manoeuvre.
Force concentration is not measured in numbers, but in overwhelming combat effect, at the decisive time and place. Centralised control and decentralised execution are important approaches to air power and require rigorous military training. All these need to be tested and exploited. With long-range weapons and weapon platforms, and due to the highest impact of changing military technology, platform employment and military tactics change.
Thus, regular air exercises are needed. These military exercises are required not only to train Air Warriors and improve tactical interoperability between friendly air forces, but also to sensitise the joint military staff and political leadership. The IAF is fast transforming from a continental air force to one with global reach. It now has trans-domain operations capability and prides itself on its reach, operational flexibility, versatility, responsiveness, and offensive lethality.
Given the evolutionary nature of air power and the need to stay relevant across the spectrum of conflict in an interconnected geopolitical environment, military exercises and doctrinal reviews are needed. Exercise Tarang Shakti helps clarify the nuances of air power capabilities and their application.
Why Repeat Exercises
Since newer operational equipment keeps being inducted and aircrews keep changing, military exercises need to be repeated every few years. Such international military exercises expose military participants to large-scale engagements with dissimilar aerial platforms. They also expose the IAF aircrews to different military tactics and flight techniques under electronic warfare and cyber warfare conditions.
Showcasing India
Many indigenous defence platforms are being seen in action. Make in India defence equipment, including the LCA Tejas, LCH Prachand, Netra AEW&C, Akash SAM, and some other weapon systems, is being showcased. The LCA and some other indigenous military aircraft are performing air displays.
The Diplomatic Corps, military officers of other armed services, defence industry members, media, and think-tank analysts are attending some of these events. The IAF’s Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) is organising an Air Power Seminar.
To Summarise
India’s economy and diplomacy have transformed, and the world is taking notice. New Delhi is thus in a position to engage the world on its own terms. Exercise Tarang Shakti is one such strategic engagement. The IAF will use structured post-exercise reviews to identify practical improvements in mission coordination and support operations. Common military communication procedures, carefully defined information-sharing arrangements, and strong flight safety practices can improve the quality of multinational military training. Sustained professional military exchanges between editions can help convert short-term interaction into lasting operational understanding and stronger defence relationships.
Exercise Tarang Shakti is showcasing the IAF and India more broadly. The IAF is learning and sharing best operational practices with the leading visiting air arms. The air exercise has allowed the country to showcase its indigenous military capabilities to the world, including the LCA Tejas, Prachand light combat helicopter, Dhruv advanced light helicopter, and its armed version, the Rudra, among many others.
Key takeaways from the air exercise include enhanced tactical interoperability with international defence partners and a shared understanding of employment philosophy in a multinational military environment. It is providing meaningful operational exposure for young aircrew members.
The air exercise is proving the IAF’s professional reputation and cementing the country’s place as a serious geopolitical player. Exercise Tarang Shakti is on track to become a regular IAF-hosted multinational military exercise. The first two editions were two years apart (2024 and 2026); whether it settles on a biennial cycle or another has not been formally fixed.
Note: The author originally wrote this article for The Eurasian Times on 26th September 2026; it has since been updated.
Header Picture Credit: Representative Image Generated using AI
Twitter: @AirPowerAsia
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