The US Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter has made its first appearance in Indian airspace as part of the multinational exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
The fifth-generation fighter is participating in the exercise alongside aircraft and personnel from participating air forces. The US Embassy described the deployment as the F-35A’s exercise debut in India.
The aircraft is designed for a range of missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and incorporates advanced sensors, communications systems and low-observable technology.
The presence of the F-35A at Tarang Shakti provides an opportunity for participating air forces to conduct joint training and exchange operational experience. Such multinational exercises are intended to improve coordination, interoperability and understanding between the participating forces.
Tarang Shakti 2026 is the second edition of the multinational air exercise being hosted by India. The exercise brings together air forces from several countries for training and professional interaction.
The arrival of the F-35A also gives Indian and participating foreign personnel an opportunity to observe and operate alongside one of the United States’ most advanced fighter platforms.
The exercise is taking place against a wider focus on air power, advanced aviation technology and multinational cooperation. Training activities cover different operational scenarios and are intended to strengthen the ability of participating forces to work together.
The US Embassy said the F-35A deployment would support bilateral training with the Indian Air Force and other participating air forces.
The aircraft’s participation marks another point of interaction between the Indian and US air forces, while the wider exercise provides a platform for participating countries to exchange experience in modern air operations.
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