Jaipur: The United States Air Force is set to deploy six F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, marking the first time these fifth-generation combat aircraft will actively participate in Tarang Shakti 2026 military exercise on Indian soil. The exercise aims to improve cooperation, interoperability, and operational understanding among participating air forces.
What Is Tarang Shakti Exercise 2026
Tarang Shakti 2026 is the second edition of the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise. The exercise will be held from September 26 to October 12, 2026, at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
Read also: Indian Army Departs for Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI-VIII in France – Know More
Around 40 nations are expected to participate, making it one of the largest air warfare exercises ever hosted by India.
Main Objective Of The Tarang Shakti 2026
The primary goal is to improve cooperation between friendly air forces through realistic combat training. Participating countries will conduct joint missions, tactical drills, and operational planning to strengthen military partnerships and interoperability.
F-35 Stealth Fighters To Make Operational Debut In India
Although the F-35 has previously appeared during Aero India exhibitions, Tarang Shakti 2026 will be the first time the aircraft actively participates in military exercises in India. This gives Indian Air Force personnel a rare opportunity to observe and train alongside one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
What Makes The F-35 Special
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft. Key capabilities include:
- Low radar visibility (stealth technology)
- Advanced sensor fusion
- Electronic warfare capabilities
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions
- Air-to-air and air-to-ground combat operations
The aircraft is considered one of the most advanced fighter platforms currently in service.
US Air Force Deployment Details
According to reports, the US Air Force will deploy:
- Six F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters
- Two KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft
The tanker aircraft will support long-range flight operations and extended mission endurance during the exercise.
Valuable Learning Opportunity For IAF
Training alongside and against F-35 aircraft will help Indian Air Force crews better understand:
- Fifth-generation combat tactics
- Network-centric warfare
- Advanced sensor integration
- Modern stealth operations
Such exposure is valuable as India continues work on its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
Countries Bringing Aircraft To Tarang Shakti 2026
Several countries are expected to deploy aircraft and personnel to the exercise. Reported participants include:
France
- Rafale fighter aircraft
- A400M transport aircraft
- MRTT aerial refuelers
United Arab Emirates
- F-16 fighter aircraft
- Global 6000 airborne surveillance aircraft
Germany
- A400M transport aircraft
Australia And Bangladesh
- C-130 Hercules transport aircraft
Sri Lanka
- King Air 350 aircraft
This diverse participation highlights the growing international importance of the exercise.
Tarang Shakti 2026: India’s Air Power On Display
The Indian Air Force is expected to field a wide range of aircraft, including:
- Rafale
- Su-30MKI
- LCA Tejas
- MiG-29
- Mirage 2000
- Jaguar
Support assets such as airborne early warning aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, and aerial refuelers will also participate.
Strategic Importance Of The Exercise
Tarang Shakti 2026 is not just about flying aircraft. The exercise is designed to improve coordination between allied and partner air forces, enhance tactical understanding, and build long-term military relationships.
Boost For India’s Defence Diplomacy
Hosting such a large multinational event demonstrates India’s growing role in global defence cooperation. It also provides a platform for sharing operational experiences and improving coalition warfare capabilities.
Read also: Why India And Kuwait Are Expanding Defence Cooperation Now
FAQs
It marks the first time F-35 stealth fighters will actively participate in a military exercise in India, giving the IAF exposure to fifth-generation combat operations.
Tarang Shakti 2026 is a multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12, 2026, involving around 40 countries.
The United States Air Force is expected to deploy six F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters along with two KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft.
