Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026: Indian Air Force to Host Multinational Air Exercise in Jodhpur

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, bringing together air forces from multiple countries for joint aerial operations, tactical training and interoperability drills. The multinational air exercise is expected to be held from September 26 to October 12, 2026.

Described by the IAF as India’s premier multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti provides participating air forces with an opportunity to conduct complex aerial missions, exchange operational practices and strengthen coordination.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026

The Indian Air Force announced the return of the exercise through a post on X, stating that “Exercise Tarang Shakti is back.” The IAF said the 2026 edition would bring global air forces together for joint tactical manoeuvres.

The upcoming exercise will be the second edition of Tarang Shakti, following its inaugural edition in 2024.

Key Highlights of Tarang Shakti 2026

What is Exercise Tarang Shakti?

Exercise Tarang Shakti is a multinational air exercise organised by the Indian Air Force. It brings together air forces from friendly countries to conduct joint training and improve their ability to operate together during complex aerial missions.

The exercise focuses on areas such as interoperability, tactical coordination, mission planning, joint aerial operations and exchange of operational experience.

Participating forces get an opportunity to understand different operating procedures and tactics while training in a multinational environment.

Objectives of Exercise Tarang Shakti

One of the major objectives of Tarang Shakti is to improve interoperability among participating air forces. Modern multinational operations require forces from different countries to coordinate effectively despite differences in aircraft, procedures and operational doctrines.

The exercise enables participating countries to practise complex missions and learn from each other’s operational experience. It also provides the IAF with an opportunity to operate its frontline and indigenous aircraft alongside foreign air platforms.

First Edition Held in 2024

The inaugural edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti was conducted in 2024 and was organised in two phases.

The first phase was conducted at Sulur in Tamil Nadu, while the second phase was held at Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

Air forces from several countries participated in the 2024 exercise, including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom and the United States.

Fighter aircraft and other air assets from participating countries operated alongside the Indian Air Force during various training missions.

Tarang Shakti 2026 Follows Veer Guardian Exercise

The upcoming Tarang Shakti exercise comes shortly after Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, an India-Japan air combat exercise conducted at Jodhpur.

Veer Guardian 2026 is scheduled to conclude on September 22, while Tarang Shakti is expected to begin on September 26, making Jodhpur an important centre for the IAF’s multinational training activities during the period.

Why is Tarang Shakti Important?

Tarang Shakti strengthens military-to-military cooperation between India and friendly countries while allowing participating air forces to test their ability to operate jointly.

For the Indian Air Force, the exercise also provides a platform to showcase its operational capabilities and demonstrate how its indigenous and frontline aircraft can work alongside advanced foreign aircraft.

Such exercises help participating forces improve coordination, understand different tactical approaches and develop familiarity with multinational air operations.

Key Points for Exams

• Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 will be hosted by the Indian Air Force.
• It is the second edition of the multinational air exercise.
• The exercise is expected to take place in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• Expected dates: September 26–October 12, 2026.
• The first edition was held in 2024.
• Tarang Shakti 2024 was conducted in Sulur, Tamil Nadu and Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• The exercise focuses on interoperability, tactical coordination and joint aerial operations.
• It allows the IAF and foreign air forces to conduct complex aerial missions and exchange operational experience.