What happened
The Indian Air Force began the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Air Force Station Jodhpur. Around 40 countries are linked to the drill (seven with aircraft and about 32 as observers), with roughly 80 aircraft and 1,500 personnel. The exercise runs till about 12 October 2026. For the first time, six US F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighters are taking part in an Indian-hosted air exercise on Indian soil.
Background
Tarang Shakti is India's largest multinational air exercise. Partner aircraft reported for this edition include French Rafales, UAE F-16s, tanker/transport support such as MRTTs and KC-135s, and Australia's C-130, flying with IAF Sukhois, Tejas, Mirage-2000 and Rafales.
Why it matters for exams
Defence exercises, fifth-generation fighter participation and IAF basing are frequent UPSC CDS, CAPF and SSC questions.
Key facts for exams
- Exercise: Tarang Shakti 2026 (2nd edition)
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Duration: late September to about 12 October 2026
- Highlight: first US F-35 participation in Tarang Shakti in India (six jets reported)
- IAF: formed 8 October 1932; HQ New Delhi; current CAS (check latest) is a common static GK ask
Practice MCQs
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is being hosted mainly at which air base?
(A) Hindon
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Ambala
(D) ThanjavurAnswer: (B) – The drill is centred at Jodhpur AFS.
Which US fifth-generation fighter debuted at Tarang Shakti 2026 in India?
(A) F-22 Raptor
(B) F-35 Lightning II
(C) F-15EX
(D) F/A-18 Super HornetAnswer: (B) – Six F-35s are participating.
Tarang Shakti is primarily an exercise of which Indian service?
(A) Indian Navy
(B) Indian Army
(C) Indian Air Force
(D) Indian Coast GuardAnswer: (C) – It is an IAF-hosted multinational air exercise.
Source: Times of India / The Hindu defence coverage, 26–27 September 2026.
Official Notification
Read the complete official document for detailed information and guidelines directly from the source.
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