Six US F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft and more than 200 American airmen have arrived at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan for Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, according to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.
The arrival marks the first participation of the F-35 in a multinational military exercise in India. The US ambassador said on social media that American airpower had arrived in Jodhpur, with the aircraft set to fly alongside the Indian Air Force and other partner nations.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Six US F-35 fighters arrive for Tarang Shakti 2026
Location: Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Authority/Organisation: Indian Air Force and US contingent
Action Taken: US F-35s and more than 200 American airmen deployed for the multinational exercise
Impact: F-35 makes its first participation in a multinational military exercise in India
The second edition of Tarang Shakti began in Jodhpur on September 26 and is scheduled to continue until October 12. More than 40 countries are participating or observing the multinational exercise. The operational flying phase is scheduled to begin from September 28.
The US contingent's arrival is particularly notable because earlier reports had indicated that two to three F-35 aircraft were expected to participate. The latest arrival confirms a six-aircraft F-35 deployment for the exercise.
France is participating with Rafale fighters, while the United Arab Emirates is deploying F-16 aircraft. India is fielding platforms including Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters, along with support aircraft and other operational assets.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The arrival brings a fifth-generation US fighter platform into an Indian multinational air exercise alongside aircraft such as India's Rafale and Su-30MKI, France's Rafale and the UAE's F-16
The exercise is designed to provide participating air forces with opportunities for joint aerial operations, tactical training and interoperability drills. Around 80 Indian and foreign aircraft are expected to participate, according to reports ahead of the exercise.
