Rare sight: Sukhois, Rafales, American F35s, Tejas fly in formations over Indian airspace
NEW DELHI: Russian-acquired Sukhois, American F-35s, French Rafales and Indian Tejas have shared the same airspace over Rajasthan as part of IAF 's multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti . It was a rare sight when all advanced fighters from around the world flew together in formations over Indian airspace during the multinational air exercise.
Nearly 40 nations are participating in the exercise — 32 as observer nations and seven countries, comprising Australia, the US, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, participating with their combat and military transport aircraft that include F-35 Lightning II, Rafales, F-16s, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, bringing together a diverse mix of combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities. This is the first time American fifth-generation stealth fighter F-35 jets are flying alongside Indian combat aircraft over Indian soil.
Building on the successful inaugural edition in 2024, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 provides participating air forces an opportunity for advanced joint training, exchange of operational expertise and consolidation of professional experience. The participating contingents operate alongside the IAF, employing frontline combat platforms and support elements across a range of missions.
The exercise is facilitating professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel, with emphasis on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and enhanced understanding of operational procedures. The interaction also provides participating forces an opportunity to operate together, share experiences and gain a better understanding of each other's capabilities and operating philosophies.
The exercise reaffirms India's commitment to constructive defence engagement and enhanced military cooperation in support of regional peace, security and stability, while strengthening partnerships and fostering greater strategic cooperation through shared operational experience.
Nearly 40 nations are participating in the exercise — 32 as observer nations and seven countries, comprising Australia, the US, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, participating with their combat and military transport aircraft that include F-35 Lightning II, Rafales, F-16s, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, bringing together a diverse mix of combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities. This is the first time American fifth-generation stealth fighter F-35 jets are flying alongside Indian combat aircraft over Indian soil.
Building on the successful inaugural edition in 2024, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 provides participating air forces an opportunity for advanced joint training, exchange of operational expertise and consolidation of professional experience. The participating contingents operate alongside the IAF, employing frontline combat platforms and support elements across a range of missions.
The exercise is facilitating professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel, with emphasis on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and enhanced understanding of operational procedures. The interaction also provides participating forces an opportunity to operate together, share experiences and gain a better understanding of each other's capabilities and operating philosophies.
The exercise reaffirms India's commitment to constructive defence engagement and enhanced military cooperation in support of regional peace, security and stability, while strengthening partnerships and fostering greater strategic cooperation through shared operational experience.
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