US F-35 jets likely to join India’s Tarang Shakti air exercise in Jodhpur

New Delhi: The second edition of India's premier multinational air exercise 'Tarang Shakti' is set to be hosted in Rajasthan's Jodhpur from September 26-October 12, with fifth-generation fighter aircraft F-35 of the US likely to be part of the exercise, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

While there is no official word on it yet, if the multi-role stealth fighter jet takes part in the exercise, it would be the F-35 aircraft's debut in 'Tarang Shakti'. Though, F-35 earlier has taken part in Aero India 2025.

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'Tarang Shakti', the largest multilateral air exercise in India, aims to showcase the country's defence prowess and provide a platform to participating forces to foster interoperability.

The Indian Air Force on Monday said the second edition of the exercise will bring global air forces together for "high-octane joint tactical manoeuvres".

"Stay tuned as elite aviators take to the skies!" it posted on X along with a short teaser video.

The post did not mention the names of the participating foreign countries. However, a curtain-raiser briefing by the IAF on the upcoming exercise is scheduled to be held here on September 22.

However, people familiar with the matter said that the fifth-generation fighter aircraft F-35 of the US Air Force is likely to be part of the exercise.

'Tarang Shakti 2026' is set to be held at the Air Force Station, Jodhpur from September 26-October 12, according to information shared in the video.

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The mega exercise will also take place soon after the Veer Guardian exercise --- a bilateral air exercise between the air forces of India and Japan, being held at Air Force Station, Jodhpur from September 9-22.

"Exercise Tarang Shakti is back. Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 returns as India's premier multinational air exercise, bringing global Air Forces together for high-octane joint tactical manoeuvres. Stay tuned as elite aviators take to the skies," the IAF posted.

India's frontline aerial platforms are expected to be part of 'Tarang Shakti 2026'.

The maiden edition of India's multi-national air exercise was held in 2024 in two phases -- in Sulur, Tamil Nadu and Jodhpur. Fighter aircraft from the UK, Germany, France, among others had participated.

The current IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who was the then Vice Chief of the Air Staff, flew the Made-in-India aircraft, Tejas, at the launch of the air exercise.