Why In News?

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 bringing together air forces and observers from nearly 40 countries to strengthen multinational air combat cooperation.

What is Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?

  • Host & Venue: Hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) primarily at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan.  

  • Theme: "Power in Partnership".

  • Nature: It is a multilateral/multinational exercise, not a bilateral one. The inaugural first edition was conducted in two phases in 2024 (at Sulur and Jodhpur).  

  • Core Objective: To enhance high-end tactical interoperability, refine multi-domain aerospace safety protocols, and assimilate air combat lessons from contemporary global conflicts

  • Participating Nations: Seven Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) deployed their air assets: The United States, Australia, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh (Greece also joined the engagements). Furthermore, 32 nations attended the drill as official observers.   

  •  Significance: It enhances interoperability, trust, and strategic partnerships while highlighting the IAF's capabilities and India's defence ecosystem.  

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Source: PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to 'Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026', consider the following statements:

1. It is the largest multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force on Indian soil.

2. The second edition of the exercise was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

3. Participation in the exercise was strictly restricted to member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Exercise Tarang Shakti is the largest multilateral air combat exercise ever hosted by the Indian Air Force on Indian soil.

Statement 2 is correct: The second edition of the exercise was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Participation was not restricted to NATO countries. The exercise included Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) from non-NATO nations as well, such as Australia, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka.