The Indian Air Force’s multinational military exercise, Tarang Shakti-2, is set to be conducted on a larger scale than before. Scheduled to take place at Jodhpur Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12, this exercise will see the debut participation of the US’s state-of-the-art F-35 stealth fighter jet. Air forces from a total of seven nations will participate in the exercise. Meanwhile, India will showcase its aerial capabilities with key fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar.
Participation of Air Forces from Seven Nations
According to the Indian Air Force, air forces from the US, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will participate in Tarang Shakti-2. The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance military cooperation among participating nations, strengthen joint operational capabilities, and share mutual operational experiences.
The exercise, to be held at Jodhpur Air Force Station, will last for approximately two weeks, featuring fighter jets and other air assets from various countries engaging in joint activities.
F-35 to Participate in Tarang Shakti for the First Time
The major highlight of this exercise will be the US F-35 stealth fighter jet. While the F-35 made an appearance at Aero India 2025, this marks its first participation in the multinational Tarang Shakti exercise.
Additionally, France’s Rafale and the UAE’s F-16 will also take part in the exercise. Aircraft such as the C-130J from Bangladesh will also participate. This will provide air forces from different nations with the opportunity to train and conduct operations together.
India’s Key Fighter Jets—from Rafale to Tejas—to Participate
The Indian Air Force will also showcase its key aerial strength during the exercise. Key fighter aircraft participating from India include:
Rafale
Sukhoi-30 MKI
Tejas
Mirage-2000
MiG-29
Jaguar Approximately 60 to 80 Air Force assets are expected to participate in the exercise, featuring both aerial displays and static exhibitions.
Showcasing the might of various nations in the joint exercise
During ‘Tarang Shakti-2’, fighter jets from various countries will participate in joint air operations and tactical drills. The objective is to foster better coordination and develop joint operational capabilities among the participating air forces.
The presence of diverse aircraft—such as the F-35, Rafale, F-16, Tejas, and Sukhoi-30 MKI—will make the exercise particularly significant.
‘Tarang Shakti-2’ to be held in Jodhpur following ‘Veer Guardian’
Prior to ‘Tarang Shakti-2’, the India-Japan bilateral exercise ‘Veer Guardian’ will also take place in Jodhpur. ‘Veer Guardian’ is scheduled from September 9 to September 22. ‘Tarang Shakti-2’ will commence at the Jodhpur Air Force Station immediately thereafter.
Thus, from late September through October, Jodhpur will host the Indian Air Force and friendly nations…
