India Will Host 40 Nations for Tarang Shakti Exercise
The multilateral air exercise begins at Jodhpur airbase on September 26, 2026, for a two-week duration.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Military
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India will host the Tarang Shakti multilateral air exercise starting September 26, 2026. The two-week drill will bring together crews from 40 nations to train at the Jodhpur airbase in Rajasthan.
Why it matters
This international exercise facilitates intensive tactical cooperation between diverse air forces. It serves as a platform to integrate advanced stealth and multi-role fighter capabilities from across the globe.
The exercise involves 40 nations participating in a two-week multilateral drill. Specific mission parameters remain under investigation as coordination between the global air forces continues.
The players
Indian Air Force
The air arm of the Indian Armed Forces is the primary host and organizer of the Tarang Shakti multilateral exercise.
The details
Participating air forces have deployed a wide array of aircraft, including the F-35, Rafale, and F-16 fighter jets. The Indian Air Force will showcase its own domestic and imported fleet, featuring the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and the Prachand light attack helicopter.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: The Tarang Shakti air exercise is scheduled to begin.
Political Context
This event follows a pattern of multilateral tactical integration set by the Red Flag air combat exercise. Critics often raise concerns regarding the cost of deploying advanced stealth fleets for non-combat training missions.
This training exercise will result in localized airspace restrictions around the Jodhpur region for the duration of the event. Residents and local businesses should anticipate increased military activity and noise levels throughout the two-week schedule.
The takeaway
Large-scale air exercises improve operational interoperability between allied nations through shared tactical training. Participants utilize these drills to refine dogfighting techniques and standard air-to-air refueling procedures.
Further reading
For more information on current global military engagements, visit the Military section.
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