India’s growing indigenous aerospace capabilities took centre stage during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand conducted aerial demonstrations alongside some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft.
The multinational air exercise is scheduled from 26 September to 12 October 2026 under the theme “Power in Partnership,” highlighting the importance of international cooperation, knowledge exchange and operational interoperability among participating air forces.
The participation of TEJAS and Prachand demonstrated India’s progress in developing home-grown combat aircraft and helicopters while strengthening its domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. Their performances alongside advanced foreign platforms offered an opportunity to showcase the capabilities and growing maturity of India’s aerospace industry to an international audience.
Among the prominent international participants was the United States’ F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter. Its presence further highlighted the scale and strategic significance of the multinational exercise.
Air forces from Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating, with several additional countries attending as observers.
India’s Indigenous Defence Platforms Take Centre Stage
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who witnessed the exercise, highlighted several indigenous platforms that reflect India’s expanding defence capabilities. These included the TEJAS fighter, Dhruv, Rudra and Prachand helicopters, the Light Utility Helicopter and the Akash air defence system.
The aerial demonstrations by TEJAS and Prachand formed part of a wider showcase of India’s achievements in military aviation, indigenous technology development and defence production.
Aircraft and aircrew from participating countries also conducted a combined formation flight, symbolising mutual trust, precision and camaraderie among the partner air forces.
The exercise builds on its inaugural edition in 2024 and aims to strengthen operational coordination through advanced joint training, mission planning and the exchange of operational experience.
Enhancing Interoperability Through Multinational Training
Tarang Shakti 2026 provides aircrew, mission planners and support personnel with opportunities to understand the operational procedures, capabilities and working practices of their international counterparts. These engagements are intended to improve interoperability, coordination and aviation safety during combined missions.
The exercise features a diverse range of combat, transport and aerial refuelling aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), C-130, C-130J and KC-30A. The participation of these platforms creates a complex multinational training environment in which air forces can exchange expertise and refine joint operating procedures.
Beyond flying activities, the programme includes professional seminars, industrial visits and cultural engagements. These initiatives are designed to strengthen professional relationships, encourage knowledge-sharing and deepen cooperation among participating contingents.
Strengthening India’s Global Aerospace Presence
Representing the Sarang display team, Squadron Leader Gautam Tyagi described participation in Tarang Shakti 2026 as a privilege, expressing the team’s honour at sharing the skies with leading aviators and aviation professionals from around the world.
He emphasised the value of the exercise in facilitating the exchange of ideas, building trust and enhancing interoperability while presenting India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities on the global stage.
The participation of TEJAS and Prachand alongside frontline international aircraft underscores India’s ambition to establish itself as a significant producer of advanced military aviation platforms. It also highlights the Indian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships through high-end multinational exercises.
As India continues to invest in indigenous aircraft, helicopters and defence systems, exercises such as Tarang Shakti provide an important platform for demonstrating domestic technological progress, building operational partnerships and advancing the country’s position in the global aerospace and defence sector.
