US F-35 Stealth Fighters to Debut in India’s ‘Tarang Shakti’ Air Exercise
In a significant move that underscores deepening military ties between New Delhi and Washington, the United States Air Force (USAF) is slated to deploy its cutting-edge F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets for the upcoming ‘Tarang Shakti’ air combat exercise. Scheduled to take place in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12, this multilateral event will mark the first time the advanced stealth aircraft participates in an aerial drill on Indian soil.
While the F-35 has previously appeared in India during static displays at the Aero India shows in 2023 and 2025, its inclusion in high-octane tactical maneuvers represents a new chapter in operational cooperation between the two nations.
A Global Convergence in Jodhpur
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is positioning itself as India’s premier platform for fostering interoperability among global air forces. Beyond the participation of the US, the event will feature contingents from France, Germany, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, military representatives from 30 additional nations are expected to attend as observers, highlighting the growing strategic importance of India’s multilateral military engagements.
The skies over Jodhpur are expected to be crowded with an array of sophisticated hardware, including F-16s, F-18s, Rafales, and A400 transport aircraft. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to field its entire spectrum of assets, ranging from the workhorse Sukhoi-30MKI and Mirage-2000 multirole fighters to the domestically produced Tejas light combat aircraft. The exercise will also involve critical support systems such as mid-air refuellers, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), and special operations aircraft.
Evolution of the Exercise
Unlike the 2024 edition, which was split into two separate phases at the Sulur and Jodhpur airbases, Tarang Shakti 2026 will be conducted in a single, consolidated phase. The previous iteration saw a massive mobilization of approximately 80 aircraft and more than 1,000 combined sorties. This year, organizers are focusing on even more complex mission profiles, including beyond-visual-range combat simulations, large-force engagements, and the protection of high-value aerial assets during dynamic targeting scenarios.
Strategic Context and Indigenization
The deployment comes amidst ongoing discourse regarding India’s future fighter requirements. While there have been reports of high-level interest in the F-35 platform, the IAF remains primarily committed to its ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program—a homegrown fifth-generation stealth project.
The urgency to accelerate the AMCA program is driven by the rapidly evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific. China’s aerial modernization efforts are moving at a breakneck pace; Beijing has already operationalized its J-20 stealth fighters, begun rolling out the J-35 platform, and reportedly commenced testing on next-generation J-36 and J-50 aircraft.
As India seeks to balance its reliance on diverse international defense partners—including ongoing discussions with Russia regarding the Su-57 platform—Tarang Shakti serves as both a diplomatic bridge and a rigorous proving ground for the Indian Air Force to sharpen its edge against modern, fifth-generation threats.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
