Multinational exercise to concentrate at Jodhpur this September–October
Jodhpur will be the single venue for the second edition of Tarang Shakti, the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise, with defence officials saying more than 40 countries are expected to take part. The drill is scheduled at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October 2026, following earlier bilateral activity at the base.
Officials said the exercise will see participation from several countries bringing frontline combat aircraft as well as transport and support assets. The United States is expected to field two or three F‑35 stealth fighters, France will bring its Rafale squadrons and the United Arab Emirates its F‑16s. Other named participants include Australia, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while more than 30 countries are expected to attend as observers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Exercise dates | 26 Sep–12 Oct 2026 |
| Airspace NOTAM | 21 Sep–07 Oct 2026 (large blocks of western Rajasthan) |
| Notable assets | F‑35, Rafale, Su‑30MKI, F‑16, AEW&C, transports, tankers |
The Indian Air Force will deploy what officials described as its major platforms during the exercise, including frontline Rafale and Sukhoi‑30MKI fighters, airborne early warning and control aircraft, transport planes and air‑to‑air refuelling tankers. Defence sources said Tarang Shakti offers the IAF an opportunity to operate alongside multiple foreign air forces and to test tactics and platforms under complex conditions.
Scale, sequencing and local implications
Tarang Shakti is scheduled soon after the bilateral Veer Guardian exercise between India and Japan at the same base, which officials reported ran from 9–22 September. The first edition of Tarang Shakti in 2024 was split between Sulur and Jodhpur and involved about 150 aircraft; this year officials said the exercise would be conducted in a single phase at Jodhpur.
- Large blocks of western Rajasthan airspace have been reserved by NOTAM from 21 September to 7 October, affecting civil and private flight planning in the region.
- Participating platforms will include combat fighters, airborne early warning aircraft, transport planes and tanker aircraft.
- The exercise is designed to boost operational cooperation, interoperability and defence partnerships.
For Jodhpur city and surrounding districts, the concentration of aerial activity will have practical consequences. Commercial and general‑aviation operators must factor in the NOTAM restrictions when scheduling flights; local residents can expect increased military movements, periodic noise from high‑performance aircraft and temporary security measures around the airbase and selected ground locations.
Officials emphasised that Tarang Shakti is held biennially and aims to strengthen defence ties while showcasing indigenous aerospace capabilities. The exercise is also viewed by the IAF as a testing ground to compare its platforms and tactics with those of partner air forces under realistic conditions.
Defence observers noted that hosting a large multinational exercise at a single base simplifies logistics but increases local demand for base support services, accommodation and transport. Jodhpur’s civil infrastructure and hospitality sector are likely to see a short‑term uptick in activity as delegations, support crews and allied personnel converge for the drill.
As the start date approaches, the air station and civil authorities will issue more detailed advisories on traffic, security and any temporary restrictions affecting residents. The exercise’s scale and the presence of advanced foreign fighters underline Jodhpur’s growing role as a key node in India’s defence diplomacy and regional air operations.
