NEW DELHI — India is set to display its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities to 40 air forces from partner nations during the Tarang Shakti exercise, scheduled to run from 26 to 28 September 2026 at the Jodhpur Air Force Station. The event, which will feature the arrival of U.S. fifth‑generation F‑35 jets, is part of a broader effort to strengthen defence diplomacy and highlight the country’s growing aerospace and missile production base.
India to showcase indigenous defence manufacturing to 40 air forces during Tarang Shakti
Tarang Shakti, a joint exercise between India and the United States, has been held annually since 2018. The 2026 iteration will be the first to include a full display of India’s indigenous aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missile systems. The exercise will bring together air forces from 40 partner nations, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others.
According to reports from Defence.in, the Indian Air Force will showcase the HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, the indigenous fighter‑jet that has entered limited production, alongside the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The display will also feature the LCA’s upgraded avionics suite and the LCH’s integrated mission systems.
The exercise will also highlight India’s UAV portfolio, including the Rustom‑III, a medium‑altitude long‑endurance platform, and the Kites series of tactical drones. The Indian Navy’s indigenous missile systems, such as the BrahMos‑India and the Akash surface‑to‑air missile, will also be demonstrated. These systems are part of the country’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The arrival of U.S. F‑35 jets in Jodhpur, as reported by The Tribune, will add a new dimension to the exercise. The jets will join the Indian Air Force’s fleet for joint training and will participate in live‑fire drills alongside the indigenous aircraft. The presence of the F‑35s is expected to provide a benchmark for interoperability and technology transfer.
India’s defence ministry has stated that the exercise will serve as a platform for technology exchange and joint training. The ministry’s press release on 24 September 2026 noted that the exercise would include joint air‑to‑air refueling, aerial refueling, and joint air‑to‑ground strike operations. The ministry also highlighted that the exercise would provide an opportunity for partner nations to observe the operational readiness of India’s indigenous platforms.
The exercise will be conducted under the auspices of the Indian Air Force’s Training Command. The command has been tasked with coordinating the logistics, safety, and operational planning for the event. The event will be overseen by Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh, who has been in command of the Training Command since 2025.
In addition to the live demonstrations, the exercise will feature a series of seminars and workshops on indigenous defence manufacturing. The seminars will be attended by senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) office. The workshops will focus on the supply chain, quality assurance, and export potential of India’s defence products.
The event is expected to attract significant media coverage. The Indian media houses, including The Hindu and The Indian Express, have already secured coverage slots for the exercise. The event will also be streamed live on the Indian Air Force’s official YouTube channel.
India’s defence industry has seen a surge in domestic production in recent years. The country has increased its defence procurement from domestic sources by 30% in the last fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Defence’s annual report. The Tarang Shakti exercise is seen as a milestone in showcasing the country’s self‑reliance in defence manufacturing.
While the exercise will highlight India’s indigenous capabilities, it will also underscore the importance of international cooperation. The presence of U.S. F‑35 jets and other partner aircraft will demonstrate the interoperability between different air forces and the potential for joint operations.
