Tarang Shakti-26: Multinational Air Exercise

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host the second edition of its multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-26, from September 26 to October 12, 2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

Participating Countries and Aircraft

• Seven foreign air forces participating: 
  1. United States
  2. France
  3. Germany
  4. Australia
  5. Bangladesh
  6. Sri Lanka
  7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Notable aircraft: 
  1. U.S. Air Force’s F-35
  2. French Rafale
  3. UAE’s F-16
  4. Bangladeshi C-130J
  5. IAF's Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, Su-30MKI

Significance and Objectives

• The first tactical participation of the F-35 in an exercise in India, following its appearance at Aero India 2025.
• Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, emphasized the transition from bilateral to complex multinational air operations.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability among participating air forces and provide a platform for operational experience exchange.
• Invitation sent to 65 friendly countries to participate in the exercise.

Evolving Warfare and IAF's Approach

• The exercise reflects the changing nature of warfare, emphasizing: 
  1. Integrated air and missile defence
  2. Precision strikes
  3. Unmanned systems
  4. Information dominance
  5. Space-enabled capabilities
• "Operation Sindoor" highlighted the importance of intelligence-led operations and jointness across domains.

LCA Mk1A Deliveries

Regarding the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, Ashutosh Dixit noted initial delays due to engine procurement, with thorough testing expected to complete soon as the IAF anticipates the aircraft eagerly.