New Delhi: Preparations for the Indian Air Force’s largest multinational exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2.0’, are complete. The exercise will be held at the Jodhpur Airbase in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12. A key highlight of the exercise will be the US 5th-generation stealth fighter jet, the F-35, which could participate in a military exercise in India for the first time. A total of eight countries—including the US and France—are expected to participate with their aircraft, while over 30 nations will attend as observers. Just prior to this, the ‘Veer Guardian 26’ exercise between India and Japan will take place from September 9 to 22, featuring Japanese F-2 aircraft roaring through Indian skies for the first time.
Over 30 countries to participate as observers
According to defense officials, US F-35 fighter jets are currently included in the schedule for ‘Tarang Shakti 2026’. Aircraft from the US, Australia, France, Germany, the UAE, Greece, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will take part in the exercise. Additionally, more than 30 countries will participate as observers. The exercise is scheduled to be held at the Jodhpur Airbase from September 26 to October 12.
‘Tarang Shakti’ launched in 2024
The Indian Air Force had previously launched ‘Tarang Shakti’, its largest multinational air exercise, in 2024. The inaugural edition of Tarang Shakti was conducted in two phases: the first phase took place at the Sulur Airbase in Tamil Nadu, and the second phase was held at the Jodhpur Airbase in Rajasthan. The first phase at Sulur Airbase saw the participation of French Rafale jets and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft from Germany, Spain, and the UK. Meanwhile, nearly all major Indian Air Force platforms—including the Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, and Prachand—demonstrated their operational capabilities. The second phase was held in Jodhpur. A total of 27 fighter aircraft participated in this phase, including Australia’s EA-18G Growler, Greece’s F-16, the UAE’s F-16, and the US’s A-10 and F-16. Additionally, two air-to-air refuelers, two Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems, and three special forces aircraft were part of the exercise.
‘Veer Guardian’ between India and Japan from September 9–22
Furthermore, just prior to the ‘Tarang Shakti 2026’ event, the bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian’ is being conducted between the Indian and Japanese air forces in Jodhpur. This exercise will run from September 9 to September 22. According to defense officials, the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-2 fighter jets are participating. This marks the first time that fighter jets from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force will visit India to take part in such an exercise.
Meeting between Indian and Japanese Defense Ministers
It is worth noting that a high-level bilateral meeting took place in New Delhi on August 20 between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. In a joint statement following the meeting, both nations welcomed the ongoing military cooperation and expressed particular satisfaction regarding the preparations for ‘Veer Guardian 26,’ alongside the Army’s ‘Dharma Guardian’ and the Navy’s ‘JIMEX’ exercises. The inaugural edition of the ‘Veer Guardian’ exercise between India and Japan was held in 2023 at Japan’s Hyakuri Air Base. During the exercise, the Indian Air Force participated with Su-30MKI, C-17 Globemaster, and IL-78 mid-air refueller aircraft, while Japan took part with four F-2 and four F-15 fighter jets.
