New Delhi: More than 40 countries will take part in the second edition of Tarang Shakti, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) multinational air exercise, at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12, defence officials said.
Several participants will bring fighter jets. The United States is expected to field two or three F-35 stealth fighters, France its Rafale jets and the United Arab Emirates its F-16s.
Other countries will join with assets such as transport aircraft. Reports have also named Australia, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as participants, with more than 30 countries expected as observers.
The exercise comes right after Veer Guardian, the India–Japan bilateral air drill at the Jodhpur air base. Reports said the IAF’s Su-30MKI and Japan’s F-2 fighters are taking part, with the drill running from September 9 to 22.
The IAF will deploy all its major assets, the officials said, including the frontline Rafale and Sukhoi-30 fighters. Airborne early warning and control aircraft, transport planes and air-to-air refuelling tankers will also take part in the drills.
The first edition, in 2024, was split between Sulur and Jodhpur and drew some 150 aircraft. This year’s exercise is expected to be held in a single phase at Jodhpur, and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has reserved large blocks of western Rajasthan airspace from September 21 to October 7.
Tarang Shakti is held every two years. The exercise aims to improve operational cooperation among air forces, strengthen defence partnerships and showcase India's indigenous aerospace capabilities. For the IAF, it is also a chance to test its platforms against foreign aircraft and tactics.
