US F-35s to join IAF’s Tarang Shakti exercise for first time

NEW DELHI — The Indian Air Force (IAF) will host United States Air Force F-35 stealth fighters for the first time during the upcoming Tarang Shakti-26 exercise, a move that signals deepening operational interoperability between the two nations’ air arms. The participation was confirmed by the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, who stated that the inclusion of the fifth-generation aircraft represents a significant step in enhancing joint combat readiness and tactical coordination.

Exercise Scope and Participants

Tarang Shakti-26 is scheduled to be conducted at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan. The exercise is designed to test the IAF’s ability to operate in a multi-domain environment alongside allied forces. According to official briefings, seven foreign air forces will join the Indian contingent for the event. The United States, Australia, France, Japan, and other partners are expected to deploy their respective aircraft to engage in joint combat simulations, air-to-air refueling, and electronic warfare drills.

The presence of the F-35 Lightning II is particularly notable given its advanced stealth capabilities and sensor fusion systems. While the IAF currently operates the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas, the integration of the F-35 into the exercise framework allows Indian pilots to practice against and alongside a platform that represents the current state-of-the-art in air dominance. This exposure is critical for the IAF as it prepares for the induction of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the procurement of additional fifth-generation fighters.

Strategic Context

The decision to include the F-35 in Tarang Shakti follows a series of high-level defense dialogues between New Delhi and Washington. The Indo-US defense partnership has expanded significantly in recent years, with joint exercises becoming more frequent and complex. Previous iterations of Tarang Shakti have focused primarily on bilateral interactions, but the 2026 edition marks a shift toward a broader, multilateral engagement model.

Defense analysts note that the exercise serves a dual purpose: it enhances the IAF’s tactical proficiency while also demonstrating India’s willingness to engage with major powers in a transparent and cooperative manner. The Jodhpur base, located in the Thar Desert, provides a challenging operational environment that tests aircraft performance in high-temperature and dust-laden conditions, a scenario relevant to potential conflict zones in the region.

Operational Details

The exercise is expected to run for several weeks, with phases dedicated to individual aircraft familiarization, squadron-level drills, and full-scale joint combat operations. The IAF has emphasized that the primary objective is to refine command and control structures that can manage mixed-nationality air wings. This is a critical capability as India seeks to lead larger coalition operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Air Force has deployed F-35s to various locations in the region in recent years, but their participation in an Indian-led exercise is a first. The aircraft are expected to operate from Jodhpur, with support from US logistics and maintenance teams. The IAF has assured that all security protocols will be strictly adhered to, with the exercise area cordoned off to prevent any unauthorized access or intelligence gathering.

Broader Implications

The inclusion of the F-35 in Tarang Shakti-26 is part of a broader trend of India integrating itself into Western defense architectures. This move aligns with India’s strategic autonomy, as it seeks to balance its relationships with both the West and Russia. By engaging with the US on such a high-level operational platform, India is signaling its commitment to a rules-based international order and its readiness to contribute to regional security.

The exercise also provides an opportunity for the IAF to evaluate the F-35’s capabilities in a realistic combat scenario. This data will be valuable for future procurement decisions and for the development of indigenous defense systems. The IAF has stated that the lessons learned from Tarang Shakti-26 will be incorporated into its training curriculum and operational doctrine.