The Indian Air Force along with the Air Forces of seven friendly foreign countries has kicked off the second edition of the multilateral air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti 2026’ at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday. 

Air Marshal PV Shivanand, AOC-in-C of the South Western Air Command, formally inaugurated the exercise and presented the official Exercise Patches to the Contingent Commanders on Sept. 26. 

Following the inaugural ceremony, the operational phase of the exercise commenced on Sunday, Sept. 27. 

The multilateral air drill, being held from Sept 26 to Oct 12, is themed “Power in Partnership”, underscoring the strength that comes from working together, sharing expertise and building interoperability among partner air forces, the Defence Ministry of India said. 

Seven Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) — Australia, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — are participating in the exercise. 

The foreign aircraft taking part in the drill include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, bringing together a diverse mix of combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities, the Ministry said.

Building on the successful inaugural edition in 2024, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 provides the participating air forces an opportunity for advanced joint training, exchange of operational expertise and consolidation of professional experience. 

The participating contingents will operate alongside the IAF, employing frontline combat platforms and support elements across a range of missions. Several other FFCs will also participate as observers, it said.

The exercise will facilitate professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel, with emphasis on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and enhanced understanding of operational procedures. The interaction will provide participating forces an opportunity to operate together, share experiences and gain a better understanding of each other's capabilities and operating philosophies.

The latest edition also has a wider canvas beyond flying operations, with a range of professional, cultural and outreach activities planned during the drill with an intent to provide opportunities for professional exchange, exposure to India's aerospace and industrial ecosystem, and greater interaction and camaraderie among the participating contingents.

The exercise reaffirms India's commitment to constructive defence engagement and enhanced military cooperation in support of regional peace, security and stability, while strengthening partnerships and fostering greater strategic cooperation through shared operational experience, the Ministry added in a statement.