Rajnath Singh in Jodhpur for Tarang Shakti 2026: Key Facts

Tarang Shakti 2026 at a Glance

Who Is Flying

The US is fielding F-35 fighter jets, France has brought seven Rafales, and the UAE is flying F-16s. The IAF is deploying its frontline Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters, along with airborne early warning aircraft, transport aircraft and mid-air refuelling tankers. The drills cover counter-air missions, air defence, reconnaissance, airlift and aerial refuelling.

Why It Matters: India Hosts, the World Joins

For years, the IAF mainly travelled abroad to train in multinational exercises. With Tarang Shakti, India now hosts its own large-scale exercise, designing the scenarios and inviting other air forces to join. The first edition in 2024 was held in two phases, at Sulur in Tamil Nadu and in Jodhpur. This year’s edition, with around 40 countries involved as participants or observers, reflects how far that ambition has grown.

The exercise also gives India a platform to showcase indigenous defence platforms and technologies, in line with its push for defence manufacturing and exports.

Jodhpur’s Role

For Jodhpur, the exercise has brought one of the largest international military gatherings the city has hosted. Local police and administration have tightened security, including along the route between the Air Force Station and Umaid Bhawan Palace.

The Bottom Line

With the exercise entering its final days, Rajnath Singh’s visit puts the spotlight on Jodhpur’s skies, where the world’s air forces are training alongside the IAF.

With inputs from IANS.