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The Indian Air Force’s second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti concludes at Air Force Station Jodhpur on October 12, bringing together seven foreign air forces and 32 observer nations in a multinational exercise aimed at strengthening operational cooperation, interoperability and defence partnerships.
Held from September 26 under the theme ‘Power in Partnership’, the exercise featured participation from Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Building on the inaugural edition in 2024, Tarang Shakti provided a platform for participating air forces to exchange operational experience, plan complex missions and familiarise themselves with each other’s procedures and capabilities.
The exercise also offered India an opportunity to showcase its growing indigenous aerospace capabilities, with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand featuring alongside foreign military platforms. Their participation underlined the Indian Air Force’s emphasis on Aatmanirbharta in defence and the development of combat systems through domestic design, engineering and manufacturing.
The presence of 32 observer nations added a wider diplomatic and strategic dimension to the exercise, reflecting international interest in India’s operational capabilities and expanding defence-industrial base. Industrial visits and professional interactions were designed to familiarise foreign contingents with India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and create opportunities for wider technological engagement.
Operational lessons and future warfare
The IAF also placed the exercise in the context of the changing demands of modern air warfare, highlighting the importance of operational preparedness, integrated planning and credible deterrence. The experience of Operation Sindoor, cited by the service as an illustration of the role of air power in pursuing national security objectives, has reinforced the importance of precision, calibrated action and effective coordination in complex operational environments.
Multinational exercises such as Tarang Shakti provide opportunities to develop a shared understanding of operational concepts and procedures, although the participating air forces retain their distinct doctrines and command structures. Familiarity with different platforms and operating practices can improve coordination and professional understanding in an increasingly complex security environment.
Tarang Shakti 2026 coincides with the Indian Air Force’s 94th anniversary, marking more than nine decades of evolution from a relatively small service into a modern, multidimensional air power. The IAF’s ongoing modernisation, operational experience and growing indigenous technology base form part of its effort to prepare for future combat requirements.
Team BharatShakti
