IAF announces Exercise Tarang Shakti 26 with eight foreign air forces
Published · Updated
What happened
The Indian Air Force announced that it will host Exercise Tarang Shakti 26 from September 26 to October 12 at Jodhpur and nearby bases, with participation from eight foreign air forces.
Why it matters
A multilateral air exercise of this scale provides a near-term test of force deployment, basing coordination, air-domain interoperability and partner willingness to operate with India. It also offers a public signal of defence alignment patterns in Asia and West Asia without a treaty commitment.
The Indian Air Force said on September 23 that Exercise Tarang Shakti 26 will run from September 26 to October 12 at Jodhpur and adjoining bases. The IAF said eight foreign air forces, including those of the United States, France, Germany, the UAE and Australia, will participate. The announcement turns a planned multilateral air exercise into an immediate signalling event on India's defence partnerships, operational access and force-integration agenda.
Watch for
Indian Air Force release of the final participating-aircraft lineup and sortie schedule at Jodhpur on 2026-09-24 or 2026-09-25 US Indo-Pacific Command or Pacific Air Forces confirmation of aircraft type and deployment window for Tarang Shakti 26 by 2026-09-25 French Ministry of Armed Forces or Armée de l'Air confirmation of detachment size and base of operation in India by 2026-09-25 NOTAMs or airport movement records showing foreign military arrivals into Jodhpur and adjoining bases between 2026-09-24 and 2026-09-26
Sources
- The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos. | The Hindu · thehindu.com
- Indian Air Force · indianairforce.nic.in
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