Six American F-35 fighter jets, along with more than 200 US airmen touched down in Jodhpur on Saturday to take part in the second edition of multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti.US Ambassador Sergio Gor announced their arrival in his post on X, informing first ever American participation in the exercise.Gor said he looked forward to see American firth-generation fighters planes flying alongside the Indian jets.The second edition of Tarang Shakti got underway at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan on Saturday, with more than 40 countries taking part in the drills.In a post on X, the Indian Air Force extended a welcome to the participating contingents, saying, “A warm welcome to our friends from across the skies as they touch down at Jodhpur. Welcome to India. Welcome to Tarang Shakti.”Announcing the 2026 edition, the Indian Air Force said, “Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 returns as India’s premier multinational air exercise, bringing global Air Forces together for high-octane joint tactical manoeuvres. Stay tuned as elite aviators take to the skies!”
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Earlier, Gor and lieutenant general Vikrant Suresh Deshpande, general officer commanding, 10 Corps, observed a joint firing demonstration by Indian and US Army personnel at the Mahajan Field Firing Range as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, showcasing the depth and complexity of bilateral training between the two forces.The demonstration showcased the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, M777 ultra-light howitzer and Dhanush artillery system, alongside AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, L70 air-defence guns and Swathi weapon-locating radars.For its part, the US Army deployed HIMARS and M-LIDS systems, bringing together a wide range of artillery, aviation, air-defence and surveillance capabilities in a challenging field setting.The first edition of Tarang Shakti was held in 2024, with defence minister Rajnath Singh describing it at the time as a step towards deepening cooperation, coordination and trust among partner nations.






