Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 opens at Jodhpur with seven partner air forces under the theme 'Power in Partnership'
The second edition of the IAF's multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti was inaugurated at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 26 September 2026 and runs until 12 October, with air forces of seven friendly foreign countries.
Summary
Australia, the United States, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating, and several other countries are observers. Foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, covering combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling. The exercise builds on the first edition in 2024 and also includes a seminar, an industrial tour, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Tarang Shakti 2026 — IAF multilateral air exercise, second edition (first in 2024)
- Venue and dates
- Air Force Station Jodhpur, 26 September – 12 October 2026
- Theme
- 'Power in Partnership'
- Participants
- Australia, USA, UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh; others as observers
- Foreign aircraft
- F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J, KC-30A
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, inaugurated on 26 September 2026, is being held at which Air Force Station?
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Correct answer: C — Jodhpur
Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
What is the theme of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Power in Partnership
The exercise is themed 'Power in Partnership'.
Which of the following countries is NOT one of the seven participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Japan
The seven participants are Australia, the USA, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; Japan is not among them.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Tarang Shakti: 1. The first edition of the exercise was held in 2024. 2. The F-35 Lightning II is among the foreign aircraft taking part in the 2026 edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The 2026 edition builds on the inaugural 2024 edition, and the foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II.