US F-35 jets likely to make Tarang Shakti debut in Jodhpur: What to expect from India’s mega air exercise

Jodhpur is set to become the centre of a major multinational air exercise as the US Air Force’s F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter is likely to take part in Tarang Shakti 2026. If confirmed, it would be the aircraft’s first participation in the Indian Air Force’s multinational exercise.

The second edition of Tarang Shakti will be held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12, bringing air forces from several countries together for joint tactical manoeuvres.

The possible F-35 deployment has not been officially confirmed by the Indian Air Force yet. People familiar with the matter said the US fifth-generation fighter is likely to be part of the exercise.

F-35's first Tarang Shakti appearance

The F-35 has previously been seen in India during Aero India, including the 2025 edition. Its participation in Tarang Shakti would be different, as the aircraft would be taking part in a multinational military exercise rather than an air show.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation, multi-role stealth fighter operated by the US Air Force. Its expected appearance is likely to be one of the key attractions of this year's Tarang Shakti.

The IAF has not yet disclosed the full list of foreign aircraft taking part. A curtain-raiser briefing on the exercise is scheduled for September 22, when more details are expected to emerge.

What is Tarang Shakti 2026?

The IAF has described Tarang Shakti 2026 as its premier multinational air exercise, bringing global air forces together for joint tactical manoeuvres and interoperability training.

Announcing the return of the exercise on X, the IAF said: “Exercise Tarang Shakti is back” and described the upcoming edition as a platform bringing global air forces together for “high-octane joint tactical manoeuvres”.

India's frontline aircraft are also expected to participate in the exercise.

Which countries are taking part?

The IAF's initial announcement did not name the participating foreign countries. However, reports indicate that several foreign air forces are expected to join the exercise, with other countries participating as observers.

The exercise will follow Veer Guardian 2026, the bilateral air exercise between India and Japan being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to 22.

Tarang Shakti's first edition

The first edition of Tarang Shakti was held in 2024 in two phases, at Sulur in Tamil Nadu and Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

Fighter aircraft from countries including the UK, Germany and France participated in the inaugural exercise. At its launch, the then Vice Chief of the Air Staff, and now IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, flew the indigenous Tejas fighter.

With PTI inputs