Multinational Fighter Jets Take To The Skies Over India During Major Air Exercise

Fighter jets from multiple countries flew in formation over Jodhpur on October 2 during Tarang Shakti 26, a multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force.

The exercise, running from September 26 to October 12 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, brings together air forces to strengthen cooperation and improve their ability to operate together.

Seven foreign air forces brought aircraft to the exercise: the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. Participating aircraft include U.S. F-35As, French Rafales and UAE F-16s, alongside a range of Indian Air Force fighters.

The U.S. participation marks the first time the Indian Air Force has trained with the F-35A. The exercise focuses on combined air operations and interoperability under the theme “Power in Partnership.”

Tarang Shakti is the second edition of the Indian Air Force’s multinational exercise, following the inaugural event in 2024.