Over 40 Nations to join Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur; US F-35s, French Rafales to take part

New Delhi: Over 40 countries will participate in the second edition of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti, scheduled to be held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12, defence officials said.

 

The US, France and UAE are among the countries taking part in the exercise with their fighter aircraft. The US is expected to deploy two to three F-35 fighter jets, France will participate with Rafale jets, while the UAE will bring its F-16 aircraft. Several other countries will join the exercise with transport and other support aircraft.

 

The exercise will be held soon after the India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian, which is being conducted at the Jodhpur airbase.

 

The Indian Air Force will deploy its major assets, including Rafale and Su-30MKI fighter jets, along with AEW&C aircraft, transport planes and air-to-air refuelling tankers, the officials said.