US F-35 Fighters Land in Jodhpur for Tarang Shakti
Six US F-35 Lightning II jets and 200+ airmen land in Jodhpur for Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, marking a historic debut in India.
In a historic moment for international military cooperation, the United States' premier fifth-generation fighter jets have arrived in India. Six F-35 Lightning II aircraft, accompanied by more than 200 US airmen, touched down in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, to participate in the highly anticipated Exercise Tarang Shakti.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed the arrival of this elite American airpower on Saturday, noting that this marks the first time these advanced stealth fighters will participate in the multinational exercise. The jets are set to perform high-octane tactical manoeuvres alongside the Indian Air Force (IAF) and various international partners.
A Massive Multinational Aerial Display
The second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti has officially commenced at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur. This year's drill is significantly larger in scale, with over 40 countries expected to participate in the complex aerial operations. The Indian Air Force extended a warm welcome to the arriving international contingents, describing the exercise as India's premier multinational air drill.
Since its inaugural edition in 2024, Tarang Shakti has grown into a vital platform for global air forces. The exercise aims to foster:
- Enhanced military cooperation between partner nations.
- Improved tactical coordination in diverse environments.
- Deepened trust and interoperability among global air forces.
Bilateral Strength on Display
The arrival of the F-35s follows other significant demonstrations of bilateral military strength. Recently, Ambassador Gor and Lieutenant General Vikrant Suresh Deshpande witnessed a joint firing demonstration during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range. This demonstration showcased a sophisticated blend of Indian and American hardware.
The scale of the training was evident through the deployment of high-tech weaponry, including:
- Indian Systems: Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, M777 ultra-light howitzers, Dhanush artillery, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, L70 air-defence guns, and Swathi weapon-locating radars.
- US Systems: HIMARS and M-LIDS technology.
As the elite aviators take to the skies over Rajasthan, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 stands as a testament to the evolving security partnerships and the growing sophistication of joint tactical training in the region.