World · India Bureau
US F-35 fighters set for debut at India's Tarang Shakti exercise
Advanced American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets are expected to participate for the first time in India's multilateral Tarang Shakti air exercise scheduled for September-October in Jodhpur. The multinational drills will draw participation from over 30 nations.
LSN India ·
The United States Air Force's cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II fighter jets are poised to make their maiden appearance at India's Tarang Shakti exercise, marking a significant expansion of the multilateral air combat drill set to take place in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12, 2026.
The biennial exercise, one of the world's largest multinational air force drills, will showcase advanced military aviation capabilities with participation from more than 30 countries. The inclusion of fifth-generation stealth fighters represents a major development in the scope and complexity of the operation.
Tarang Shakti, which translates to "waves of strength," serves as a platform for enhancing interoperability among air forces and exchanging best practices in modern air warfare. The involvement of the F-35s underscores deepening defence cooperation between the United States and India, while also enabling participating nations to observe and engage with contemporary fifth-generation fighter technology.
The exercise will take place at the Jodhpur air base in Rajasthan, situated in proximity to Pakistan's border, and is expected to feature various combat scenarios and tactical operations involving fighter jets, transport aircraft, and support systems from participating nations.