The United States is preparing to deploy its advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets for joint combat drills with the Indian Air Force (IAF) during Tarang Shakti 2026, marking the aircraft’s first participation in a military exercise on Indian soil. The development represents a notable expansion of operational engagement between the two countries’ air forces.
The multinational air exercise is scheduled to take place at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12. Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit confirmed the F-35’s planned participation while indicating that certain operational details may remain confidential for security reasons.
The aircraft had previously appeared in India during the Aero India aviation exhibition. However, its involvement in tactical military exercises with the IAF will provide a different setting for professional interaction and operational learning.
Tarang Shakti 2026 is designed to bring together air forces from multiple nations for complex combat simulations and coordinated aerial operations. More than 40 countries are expected to participate in the exercise, with several nations contributing fighter aircraft and other support platforms.
The United States is expected to deploy F-35 aircraft, while France will participate with Rafale fighters and the United Arab Emirates will contribute F-16 jets. India will field key platforms, including Rafale and Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft, alongside airborne early warning and control systems, transport planes, and air-to-air refueling tankers.
Air Marshal Dixit explained that the exercise builds on India’s experience hosting its first major multinational air exercise in 2024. The IAF is seeking to move beyond traditional bilateral drills and develop greater proficiency in coordinating operations with multiple foreign air forces simultaneously.
He also highlighted how recent conflicts have demonstrated the growing importance of integrated air defenses, precision strikes, unmanned systems, intelligence sharing, and space-enabled capabilities. Tarang Shakti will provide participating forces with opportunities to exchange operational knowledge and explore responses to evolving security challenges.
The exercise follows the India-Japan Veer Guardian air drill, which was also hosted at Jodhpur. Together, these engagements reflect India’s expanding military cooperation with international partners.
For India and the United States, the F-35’s participation offers an opportunity to deepen professional military interaction and improve interoperability. The exercise also provides a platform for examining how advanced combat aircraft operate alongside different air power systems in a realistic multinational environment.
