Tarang Shakti Air Exercise Starts in Jodhpur; Over 40 Countries to Participate
Over 40 countries join the Tarang Shakti air exercise at Jodhpur Air Force Station, featuring Rafale and F-35 fighter jets.
The second edition of the massive multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, has officially commenced at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This premier aerial drill is set to bring together elite aviators from more than 40 different nations, marking a significant milestone in international military cooperation.
Global Powers Converge on Jodhpur
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended a warm welcome to international contingents arriving at the Rajasthan base. This high-octane event aims to facilitate joint tactical manoeuvres and enhance interoperability between various global air forces. Key participating nations include the United Arab Emirates, France, and Australia, among many others.
The scale of the deployment is immense, with several nations bringing advanced combat assets to the Indian skies:
- United States: Expected to deploy two to three F-35 fifth-generation combat aircraft.
- France: Participating with Rafale fighters, including seven jets under the PEGASE 26 mission.
- United Arab Emirates: Deploying F-16 fighter jets.
- Support Assets: Various nations are contributing transport aircraft and other support elements.
Strategic Partnership: The French Connection
The presence of the French Air and Space Force underscores the deepening strategic ties between India and France. Julien Sabene, Deputy Commander of the French Air Defence and Air Operations Command, emphasized the importance of this engagement. Speaking on the significance of the mission, Sabene noted that France has traveled across the world to ensure participation, highlighting the commitment to working alongside the Indian Air Force.
The exercise provides a unique platform for exchanging best practices between the two nations, particularly as they work together with advanced platforms like the Rafale. Sabene noted the excitement of having Indian aircraft flying alongside French-built Rafale jets during these drills.
IAF Showcases Frontline Capabilities
The Indian Air Force is putting its most advanced operational platforms on display for the Tarang Shakti drills. The IAF will field its frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale and the Sukhoi-30, to engage in complex aerial combat scenarios.
To ensure the success of these high-intensity manoeuvres, the IAF is also deploying critical support assets, such as:
- Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
- Transport planes.
- Air-to-air refuelling tankers.
Building Global Trust and Coordination
Scheduled to run from September 26 to October 12, this mega exercise follows the recent bilateral Indo-Japan "Veer Guardian" drills held at the same location. The Tarang Shakti initiative, which saw its inaugural edition in 2024, was designed by the Indian government to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and trust with partner nations across the globe.
As elite aviators take to the skies over Jodhpur, the world watches as this premier multinational exercise tests the limits of modern aerial warfare and international military synergy.