'Exercise Tarang Shakti is back': IAF announces resumption of multinational air exercise

Jodhpur will host India's renowned multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, gathering global air forces for collaborative aerial operations and tactical training.

The Indian Air Force will host the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, bringing together air forces from multiple countries for joint aerial operations, tactical training and interoperability drills.

The exercise is expected to be held from September 26 to October 12.In a post on X, the Indian Air Force said, “Exercise Tarang Shakti is back,” describing the 2026 edition as India’s premier multinational air exercise and saying global air forces will come together for joint tactical manoeuvres.

The upcoming exercise will be the second edition of Tarang Shakti, following the inaugural multinational air exercise held by the IAF in 2024.

The 2026 edition is expected to provide participating air forces an opportunity to train together, exchange operational practices and conduct complex aerial missions.The exercise comes shortly after the India-Japan air combat exercise Veer Guardian 2026, which is being conducted at Jodhpur and is scheduled to conclude on September 22.Exercise Tarang Shakti is the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise, designed to bring together air forces from friendly countries for joint training, tactical coordination and interoperability.

The first edition was held in 2024 and was conducted in two phases at Sulur in Tamil Nadu and Jodhpur in Rajasthan.The 2024 exercise involved air forces from several countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Spain, the UAE, the UK and the US. It featured fighter aircraft and other air assets operating alongside the IAF, allowing participating forces to practise complex aerial missions and exchange operational experience.The exercise is aimed at improving interoperability between participating air forces and providing them an opportunity to understand different operating procedures, tactics and mission-planning approaches. For the IAF, it also provides a platform to demonstrate and operate its indigenous and frontline aircraft alongside foreign platforms.