US Ambassador Sergio Gor witnesses joint operations at Jodhpur; French Air and Space Force Vice Chief Lt Gen Dominique Tardif meets Exercise Director AVM Raj Thakur
Jodhpur: Multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is further strengthening international air cooperation, with senior diplomatic and military officials engaging with participating forces at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States to India, visited Jodhpur and witnessed the jointness, interoperability and camaraderie among the participating air forces. The visit highlighted the growing interaction between the Indian Air Force and its international partners during the exercise.
At the same time, Lt Gen Dominique Tardif, Vice Chief of the French Air and Space Force, engaged with Exercise Director Air Vice Marshal Raj Thakur, reaffirming the longstanding defence relationship and growing operational cooperation between the IAF and French Air and Space Force.
Tarang Shakti brings multiple air forces together
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted from September 26 to October 12, with its operational phase centred at Jodhpur. The exercise involves the Indian Air Force and air forces from Australia, the United States, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while several other countries are participating as observers.
The exercise features a wide range of aircraft and capabilities, including F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT and C-130 variants. The participating forces are undertaking training involving combat operations, air transport and aerial refuelling, while also sharing operational experience and procedures.
Beyond flying operations, Tarang Shakti places emphasis on interoperability, professional interaction, mission planning, information sharing and understanding of different operational procedures. Seminars, industrial visits, heritage activities and other professional and cultural engagements are also part of the exercise.
France-India defence partnership
France remains one of India’s key defence partners, with cooperation extending across fighter aircraft, naval aviation, engines, space, defence technology, joint research and industrial collaboration.
In February 2026, India and France elevated their relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” and agreed to intensify joint research, co-design, co-development and co-production of advanced defence platforms. The two sides also identified defence aeronautics, aircraft engines and emerging technologies as important areas for deeper cooperation.
The two countries have also been expanding operational engagement between their armed forces, including regular exercises such as Garuda involving their air forces. The French participation in Tarang Shakti provides another platform for both air forces to train together and exchange operational experience.
Focus on interoperability and future cooperation
The 2026 edition follows the first edition of Tarang Shakti held in 2024 and provides participating air forces with an opportunity to operate together in a complex multinational environment. The IAF has highlighted mutual learning, interoperability, aerospace safety and professional exchanges as key objectives.
The presence of senior US and French officials at Jodhpur also adds a significant diplomatic and military dimension to the exercise, as India continues to expand practical cooperation with partner air forces.
Tarang Shakti 2026, therefore, is not limited to joint flying—it is also a platform for strengthening interoperability, professional relationships and long-term defence partnerships among participating nations.