NEW DELHI, September 22, 2026 – The United States Air Force’s fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter is set to make a highly anticipated debut in Indian skies during the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti, the Indian Air Force’s premier multilateral air combat exercise. Scheduled to be held at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12, the high-octane tactical drill will feature advanced global air assets from seven participating foreign nations. Alongside the United States, air forces from France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates have confirmed their active participation with their respective combat assets, while representatives from approximately 30 other countries will attend the event as observers. Although the F-35 has previously been showcased on static display and during demonstration flights at Aero India exhibitions in Bengaluru, its deployment at Jodhpur marks the first time the advanced multi-role stealth fighter will actively participate in a comprehensive multinational military exercise on Indian soil, serving as the centerpiece of this year’s strategic maneuvers.
Designed to foster international defense cooperation and significantly enhance tactical interoperability among global air forces, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 will feature complex, large-force engagements and dynamic combat scenarios. The Indian Air Force is preparing to deploy a formidable array of its frontline combat and support platforms to match the scale of the multilateral drills. The domestic fleet will be heavily represented by the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, alongside formidable multi-role fighters including Sukhoi-30MKIs and Mirage-2000s. These fighter formations will be critically supported by a robust network of specialized aircraft, including mid-air refuelers, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platforms, transport planes, and combat helicopters. Complementing the Indian and American contingents, the participating foreign nations are expected to field an impressive lineup of diverse platforms, including F-16s, F/A-18s, Rafales, and A400M military transport aircraft. Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition, the upcoming exercise in Jodhpur is poised to rigorously test air mobility operations, dynamic targeting, beyond-visual-range combat, and the coordinated protection of high-value aerial assets in a simulated multi-threat environment.
Published by True Roots Media Network