New Delhi: India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet received praise from French Air defence deputy commander Julien Sabene, who said the aircraft reminds him of the famous French Mirage 2000 fighter. The remarks came during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, where Indian and French air forces are training together and sharing operational experience.
The comments highlight India’s growing strength in indigenous defence manufacturing and the deepening military partnership between India and France.
Tarang Shakti 2026: French Air General Compares Tejas To Mirage 2000
Speaking in an interview with ANI, Julien Sabene, a former Mirage 2000 pilot, said he was impressed by the Tejas fighter aircraft.
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He noted that flying alongside Tejas reminded him of the Mirage 2000, a fighter aircraft he flew during his service in the French Air and Space Force. Sabene described Tejas as a modern aircraft and praised India’s achievement in designing, developing, and operating its own fighter jet.
Tarang Shakti 2026: Tejas Showcases India’s Defence Self-Reliance
The French officer highlighted India’s success in building indigenous defence capabilities.
He said India has managed to develop its own fighter aircraft ecosystem and operate it independently, which reflects the country’s growing technological and industrial strength. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is considered one of India’s most important indigenous defence projects and plays a key role in strengthening the Indian Air Force’s modernization plans.
Why The Mirage 2000 Comparison Matters
The comparison is significant because the Mirage 2000 has served the Indian Air Force for decades and has earned a strong reputation for reliability and combat performance. A positive comparison from a former Mirage 2000 pilot is viewed as recognition of the progress made by India’s indigenous fighter program.
India And France Strengthen Air Force Cooperation
Sabene emphasized that cooperation between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force continues to grow. He noted that both nations have operated Rafale fighter jets and can exchange valuable operational lessons and best practices.
According to him, the relationship between the two air forces dates back to the 1950s when India began operating French aircraft.
Rafale Combat Experience Helps Both Nations
The French officer said both countries have used Rafale aircraft in real operational environments. As a result, pilots and commanders from both sides can share combat lessons and improve future operational readiness through joint exercises.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 Becomes Key Platform
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is one of the largest multinational air exercises hosted by India. The exercise is taking place in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12 and brings together air forces from several friendly nations.
The theme of the exercise is “Power In Partnership,” focusing on cooperation, knowledge sharing, and interoperability among participating air forces.
French Air Force Calls Tarang Shakti 2026 A Highlight
Sabene described India’s segment of France’s PEGASE 26 deployment as the highlight of the mission. He said the multinational nature of Tarang Shakti provides valuable training opportunities and helps participating countries prepare for future security challenges.
Tarang Shakti 2026: Strong Rafale Interoperability Demonstrated
The French contingent participating in the exercise includes seven Rafale fighter jets, three MRTT aircraft, and two A400M transport aircraft.
Sabene highlighted the excellent interoperability between Indian and French forces, including successful air-to-air refuelling operations between aircraft from both countries. He said such cooperation demonstrates how closely the two air forces can work together during complex operations.
Multiple Countries Participate In Tarang Shakti 2026
The Ministry of Defence has stated that countries including Australia, the United States, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are participating in the exercise.
Aircraft involved include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J, and KC-30A, creating a diverse multinational training environment.
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FAQs
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is a multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force in Jodhpur to improve cooperation, interoperability, and operational readiness among participating countries.
French Air Defence Deputy Commander Julien Sabene said Tejas reminded him of the Mirage 2000 because of its characteristics and his experience flying the French fighter during his military career.
Tejas is India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft and represents the country’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing and aerospace technology.
