German A400M Joins Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, Boosting Multinational Air Operations
US F-35A fighters and aircraft from seven partner countries participate in the Indian Air Force-led exercise
The Impressive TimesJodhpur, October 6, 2026: The German Air Force’s Airbus A400M military transport aircraft is participating in the ongoing multinational air combat exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, as air forces from India and several partner countries conduct joint training and operational activities.
The deployment of the A400M marks Germany’s participation in the exercise with a transport aircraft involved in large-force engagements alongside fighter aircraft.
Speaking to ANI, German Air Force First Officer Captain Maurice Berns, who is part of the A400M crew, said the exercise had provided valuable experience for German transport aircraft personnel, particularly through cooperation with the Indian Air Force.
Berns said the 2026 edition is larger than the previous exercise and involves transport aircraft in large-force engagements with fighter jets. He described the A400M as a key transport platform of the German Air Force, capable of carrying out tactical and logistics missions.
According to the officer, German personnel have gained insights into Indian Air Force planning and operational procedures through their participation in the exercise. He also highlighted the opportunity to improve interoperability between Indian and German fighter and transport aircraft.
The exercise is being conducted under the theme “Power in Partnership” and brings together the Indian Air Force and air forces from seven Friendly Foreign Countries.
The skies over Jodhpur have also witnessed the participation of US Air Force F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters. The aircraft, assigned to the US Air Force’s 13th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, have taken part in joint training operations during the operational phase of Tarang Shakti 2026.
The exercise features aircraft from Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Foreign aircraft participating in the exercise include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, alongside Indian Air Force assets.
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise provides participating air forces with opportunities for professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel.
The training focuses on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and understanding of operational procedures. Participating forces are also able to exchange experiences and gain insights into each other’s capabilities and operating philosophies.
The 2026 edition builds on the inaugural Tarang Shakti exercise held in 2024. The participating contingents are operating alongside the IAF across a range of missions, while other Friendly Foreign Countries are participating as observers.
Beyond flying operations, the exercise includes professional, cultural and outreach activities such as a dedicated seminar, industrial tour, Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.
The US Air Force has also released visuals showing personnel from the 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit conducting routine maintenance on an F-35A Lightning II at Jodhpur Air Force Station.
The Ministry of Defence said Tarang Shakti 2026 provides the Indian Air Force with an opportunity to demonstrate its operational capabilities and professional standards while highlighting India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.
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