Tarang Shakti-26
Why in News?
Exercise Tarang Shakti-26 is recently in the news because the Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting the second edition of its largest-ever multinational air exercise, scheduled to take place at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12, 2026.
Participating Nations
- Direct Participants (Air Assets): Nine countries (including India) are deploying their aircraft. Key international participants include the United States, France, Germany, Greece, Australia, the UAE, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
- Observers: Around 30 to 32 countries will attend strictly as observers to study tactics and operations.
- Leadership Attendance: Approximately 10 Air Chiefs or equivalent global military leaders are expected to attend.
Aircraft and Hardware Features
- Foreign Assets: Highlighted by the US F-35 stealth fighters, French Rafales, UAE F-16s, and Bangladeshi C-130J transport aircraft.
- Indian Air Force Assets: The IAF is fielding a robust mix of frontline aircraft including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas (LCA), Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29. These will be heavily supported by mid-air refuelling tankers and airborne surveillance (AEW&CS) platforms.
Objectives & Mission Profiles
- Future Air Warfare Integration: The exercise simulates emerging warfare realities, focusing heavily on precision weapons and multi-domain operations.
- Operational Capabilities: Squadrons will execute complex joint missions covering counter-air operations, advanced air defence, tactical combat drills, reconnaissance, strategic airlift, and mid-air refuelling.
- Interoperability & Real-world Lessons: The drills aim to standardise communication and joint operational doctrines among friendly forces, integrating modern air tactics following the IAF's recent operations (such as the lessons gained during Operation Sindoor).
