United States
Australia
United Kingdom
Europe
New Zealand
Canada
Air forces from around the world gathered Sept. 26, 2026, at Jodhpur Air Force Station in India to launch Tarang Shakti 26, a multinational exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force and centered on combined air operations and cooperation among participating nations.
At the opening ceremony, IAF leaders outlined the exercise’s goals, presented TS26 patches to contingent leaders, and hosted an icebreaker to help airmen connect and build professional relationships ahead of joint training.
“Tarang Shakti 26 demonstrates the importance of bringing air forces together to strengthen partnerships and improve our ability to operate alongside one another,” said IAF Group Captain Manoj Yadav, Chief Operations Officer of Air Force Station Jodhpur. “Through the exercise, we are sharing knowledge, building mutual understanding and enhancing interoperability across participating nations.”
U.S. Pacific Air Forces joined the exercise with six F-35A Lightning IIs from the 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, and one KC-135R Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan. U.S. forces are set to integrate with the Indian Air Force and other participants for combined training and to refine a shared understanding of multinational air operations.
“Flying alongside air forces from around the world exposes us to different tactics, perspectives and ways of operating,” said a U.S. Air Force 13th Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning II pilot. “As pilots, that experience allows us to learn from one another and grow as airmen, making us better prepared to fly and fight alongside our international partners.”
Alongside the Indian Air Force, participating countries include Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. More than 30 additional nations are attending as observers, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge and watch multinational air operations.
As the exercise progresses, participating air forces plan to sharpen their ability to operate together through combined air operations, reinforcing partnerships and readiness across the group.
