The Tarang Shakti 2026 Jodhpur air exercise will be held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12, 2026. More than 40 countries are expected to take part in the second edition of the Indian Air Force multinational exercise. Key HighlightsDate: September 26 to October 12, 2026Location: Air Force Station Jodhpur, RajasthanParticipants: More than 40 countriesMain aircraft: F-35, Rafale, F-16 and Sukhoi-30MKIHost: Indian Air Force (IAF)Which Countries Will Take Part?The Tarang Shakti 2026 air exercise will bring together air forces and military representatives from more than 40 countries. Countries reported as participating with aircraft include the United States, France, Germany, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Singapore has also been named among the participating countries in reports. More than 30 other countries are expected to attend as observers or delegates. "The United States is expected to deploy two to three F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. France will participate with Rafale fighter jets, while the UAE is expected to bring F-16 fighter aircraft. Other countries will contribute transport and support aircraft." What Aircraft Will India Deploy?The Indian Air Force Tarang Shakti deployment will include important frontline and support platforms. The IAF is expected to operate Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets during the exercise.Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, transport aircraft and air-to-air refuelling tankers are also expected to support the drills. These aircraft can help participating air forces practise coordination during complex air operations. Related Instagram Post :India’s Tarang Shakti 2026 Air Exercise to Bring Over 40 CountriesWhy Is Tarang Shakti 2026 Being Held?The Jodhpur air exercise 2026 is designed to bring different air forces together for joint training and operational coordination. Such multinational exercises allow pilots and support teams to work with foreign aircraft, communication systems and operating methods.The exercise also gives the IAF an opportunity to operate its aircraft alongside several international air forces and demonstrate India's aerospace capabilities.The first edition of Tarang Shakti was held in 2024 at Sulur and Jodhpur. The 2024 exercise involved several foreign air forces and focused on improving interoperability and operational coordination. The Ministry of Defence described Tarang Shakti as an exercise aimed at strengthening cooperation, coordination and trust with partner countries.Tarang Shakti Follows Veer Guardian 2026The India multinational air exercise will take place immediately after Veer Guardian 2026, the India-Japan bilateral air exercise hosted at Jodhpur.Veer Guardian 2026 was scheduled at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to September 22, 2026. The IAF participated with Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft, while Japan's Air Self-Defense Force operated F-2A fighter aircraft. With Tarang Shakti beginning on September 26, Jodhpur will therefore host another major international air exercise within days of the India-Japan drill.The country list is based on current reports and defence-official information available as of September 22, 2026; the final aircraft and participant list can change before the exercise begins.Also Read : Abhinandan Varthaman Retires From IAF, Joins FLY91 as Commercial Airline Pilot
