“Power in Partnership” exercise brings together combat aircraft, airlift platforms and refuelling aircraft for multinational training.
IAF’s LCA Tejas.
The Indian Air Force has begun the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, bringing together aircraft and personnel from India and seven foreign countries for a multinational air exercise focused on joint training and interoperability.
The exercise, being conducted from September 26 to October 12, is themed “Power in Partnership”. The Indian Air Force said the theme reflects the exercise’s focus on cooperation, sharing operational experience and developing the ability of participating air forces to work together.
Seven foreign countries participate
Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating as Friendly Foreign Countries in the exercise.
The participating foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A. The aircraft represent a range of capabilities, including fighter operations, strategic and tactical airlift and air-to-air refuelling.
The combination gives participating air forces an opportunity to train alongside different aircraft types and operational support elements. Several other foreign countries are also taking part as observers.
The operational phase follows the exercise’s inaugural ceremony held on September 26.
Focus on joint operations and interoperability
According to the Indian Air Force, Tarang Shakti 2026 is intended to provide participating forces with opportunities for advanced joint training the participating countries are expected to interact during the exercise. Their activities will focus on interoperability, aerospace safety and understanding and the exchange of operational expertise.
Aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel from the participating countries are expected to interact during the exercise. Their activities will focus on interoperability, aerospace safety and understanding different operational procedures.
Operating alongside foreign air forces also allows participating personnel to become familiar with different approaches to mission planning and air operations. The exercise provides a setting for forces to compare procedures and gain practical experience of operating with aircraft and personnel from other countries.
The exercise follows the first edition held in 2024 and builds on the Indian Air Force’s effort to use multinational exercises as a platform for operational interaction.
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A broad mix of aircraft
The presence of aircraft from several categories gives the exercise a wider operational scope than a fighter-focused air drill.
The F-35 Lightning II and F-16 represent different generations and configurations of fighter aircraft, while the Rafale provides another multirole combat platform. Transport aircraft such as the C-130 and C-130J are designed for tactical airlift missions.
The A400M provides another airlift capability, while MRTT and KC-30A aircraft are associated with air-to-air refuelling and transport roles.
The participation of these aircraft allows the exercise to involve different elements of air operations, including combat missions, transportation and aerial refuelling.
Activities beyond flying
Tarang Shakti 2026 is also scheduled to include professional, cultural and outreach programmes outside the flying activities.
These include a dedicated seminar, an industrial tour for foreign contingents, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.
The Indian Air Force said these activities are intended to provide opportunities for professional interaction and exposure to India’s aerospace and industrial ecosystem, while also encouraging interaction among personnel from the participating countries.
The industrial tour is expected to provide foreign contingents with an opportunity to gain familiarity with aspects of India’s aerospace and defence industry.
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India’s expanding multinational air exercises
The exercise comes as the Indian Air Force continues to participate in and host multinational military exercises involving air forces from different regions.
Such exercises can provide participating countries with opportunities to practise procedures for operating alongside foreign forces while allowing personnel to understand differences in equipment, communications, planning and operating methods.
For the Indian Air Force, Tarang Shakti also provides an opportunity to demonstrate its aircraft, personnel and operational procedures in a multinational environment.
The 2026 edition places particular emphasis on interoperability and professional exchange rather than limiting the exercise to individual aircraft capabilities.
Exercise continues through October 12
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 will continue at Jodhpur through October 12. During the exercise, participating air forces will conduct joint training activities while personnel engage in professional and cultural programmes.
The Indian Air Force has described the exercise as part of India’s wider defence engagement with partner countries. It said the event is intended to strengthen military cooperation and mutual understanding through shared operational experience.
The exercise’s stated objectives centre on interoperability, professional interaction, aerospace safety and the development of familiarity among participating air forces.
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