📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel
Defence
IAF conducts Tarang Shakti drill with US F-35 jets in Rajasthan
✍️ India Today
🗓 03 Oct 2026, 05:17 PM
👁 16
The Indian Air Force launched the Tarang Shakti exercise in Rajasthan, testing tactics and air‑power alongside United States F‑35 stealth fighters.
The Indian Air Force commenced the Tarang Shakti exercise in the desert state of Rajasthan, incorporating United States‑made F‑35 stealth fighter jets into its training roster.
The drill is designed to evaluate air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground tactics, assess the integration of fifth‑generation aircraft with existing IAF platforms, and improve interoperability between the two forces.
Participating IAF squadrons, including Su‑30MKI and Jaguar units, conducted coordinated maneuvers while the F‑35s performed simulated strike missions from a forward operating base in the region.
Officials highlighted that the exercise aims to sharpen combat readiness and test the IAF's capability to operate alongside advanced stealth technology in a challenging desert environment.
The joint activity reflects deepening defence cooperation between India and the United States amid evolving regional security dynamics.
The drill is designed to evaluate air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground tactics, assess the integration of fifth‑generation aircraft with existing IAF platforms, and improve interoperability between the two forces.
Participating IAF squadrons, including Su‑30MKI and Jaguar units, conducted coordinated maneuvers while the F‑35s performed simulated strike missions from a forward operating base in the region.
Officials highlighted that the exercise aims to sharpen combat readiness and test the IAF's capability to operate alongside advanced stealth technology in a challenging desert environment.
The joint activity reflects deepening defence cooperation between India and the United States amid evolving regional security dynamics.