IAF to host second edition of multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 26 this week

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host the second edition of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26 this week in Jodhpur, India. Around 40 nations, including India, Australia, Bangladesh, France, the US, Germany, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, are expected to take part in the event, which will take place between September 26 and October 12 at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases. The exercise will see participation from eight forces with over 10 Air Chiefs or equivalents attending.

Tarang Shakti-26 aims to enhance interoperability among the participating forces, test modern air-to-air and surface-to-air weapons, and analyze tactical employment philosophy against advanced combat aircraft. These include the US F-35s, French Rafales, UAE F-16s, and Indian platforms such as Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, and Su-30 MKI. The exercise will also showcase India's growing defence industry, including indigenous platforms, sensors, weapons, and unmanned systems.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit emphasized the importance of the exercise in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the need for precision, integrated air defence, unmanned systems, information dominance, and space-based capabilities. The event will serve as a platform for air warriors, airmen, airwomen, and technicians from different countries to work together, learn together, and fly together, ultimately strengthening partnerships and fostering greater interoperability.