Mega Air Combat Exercise Set for Western Desert Sector
The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that it will host the second edition of its premier multinational air combat exercise, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, from September 26 to October 12 at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases across Rajasthan. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit confirmed that the upcoming drill will feature active military deployment from friendly foreign countries alongside observers from over 30 nations. The exercise follows the recent conclusion of the bilateral Veer Guardian 2026 exercise with Japan, turning Jodhpur into a central hub for international aviation drills.
Overview: Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 Key Operational Highlights
| Operational Parameter | Official Details & Mission Specifications |
| Host & Main Hub | Indian Air Force (IAF) | Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan |
| Exercise Schedule | September 26 to October 12, 2026 (Single-Phase Execution) |
| Airspace Allocation | Up to 40,000 feet over Jaisalmer, Barmer, Phalodi, & Jodhpur |
| Key Foreign Participants | USA, France, Germany, Australia, UAE, Greece, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh |
| Key Foreign Air Assets | US F-35 Lightning II, French Rafale, UAE F-16, C-130J |
| IAF Fleet Deployment | Tejas Mk1, Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, NETRA AEW&C |
Stealth Platforms and Advanced Fleet Operations
Unlike the inaugural 2024 edition—which was split into two separate phases between Sulur and Jodhpur—Tarang Shakti-26 will be executed in a consolidated single phase in the western desert sector. Authorities have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) reserving airspace up to 40,000 feet across the Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Phalodi sectors. Participating aircraft will conduct realistic tactical missions, night maneuvers, precision bombing against simulated targets at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, and large-force engagements (LFE).
A key highlight of the 2026 edition is the planned participation of advanced foreign assets, including fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters deployed by the United States Air Force, operating alongside French Rafales, UAE F-16s, and Bangladesh C-130J transport aircraft. The IAF will field a broad array of platforms, led by the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighters, supported by IL-78 mid-air refuelers and Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platforms.
Strengthening Interoperability and Showcasing Indigenous Capability
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit emphasized that the primary goal of the exercise is to refine joint combat doctrines, share best operational practices, and build seamless interoperability among allied air forces facing evolving air warfare challenges. The exercise also serves as a operational platform to showcase India's expanding aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and defense technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Foreign air commanders and pilots are expected to observe and fly sorties in indigenous platforms like the Tejas to gain firsthand insights into Indian aerospace engineering capabilities.