India’s Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 highlighted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s emphasis on self-reliance in defense, while IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh criticized U.S. restrictions on F-35 access, stating, Your people don’t even let us go near the aircraft.
India’s Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, held in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12, underscored the nation’s push for defense self-reliance while showcasing multinational collaboration. The event, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), featured participation from seven foreign air forces and 32 observer nations, including the U.S., France, and UAE. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that Atmanirbhar Bharat does not mean isolation
(and that self-reliance meant the ability to design, develop, manufacture, maintain and upgrade critical defence technologies domestically), as India seeks to reduce reliance on foreign arms while strengthening partnerships.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026: Multinational Collaboration and Strategic Focus
The exercise, themed Sovereign Capabilities, Contested Frontiers: Accelerating India's Strategic Autonomy in an Era of Disruption,
aimed to enhance interoperability and operational readiness. Participating forces trained in combat missions, including visual and beyond-visual-range engagements, with over 150 aircraft conducting more than 600 sorties.
IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh highlighted the importance of speed of sensing, understanding, deciding, and acting
in future conflicts, stating that the number of platforms is less critical than operational agility. The exercise also included a focus on lessons from Operation Sindoor, the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, where the IAF demonstrated rapid deployment capabilities.
F-35 Fighter Controversy Sparks Geopolitical Tensions
The U.S. F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, participating in Tarang Shakti for the first time on Indian soil, became a focal point of contention. The U.S. has not made an official offer for the F-35, with officials citing concerns over technology security and India’s strategic autonomy.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter, remains a priority, though it is not expected to enter service until 2035. Meanwhile, Russia’s Su-57 offer is under evaluation, with IAF officials awaiting government approval to assess its suitability.
IAF Chief Singh also addressed the need to bridge the capability gap with fifth-generation fighters, citing China’s stealth aircraft and Pakistan’s planned acquisition of 40 J-35 stealth fighters.
India’s Defence Self-Reliance Faces Balancing Act
Singh praised India’s progress in defense manufacturing, citing indigenous programs like the Tejas fighter and Akash missile system. He called for increased private sector participation, strengthening research and development (R&D), expanding manufacturing capacity and accelerating technological innovation.
Despite these efforts, India faces challenges in balancing self-reliance with strategic partnerships. The U.S. has expressed concerns over India’s ties with Russia, particularly its procurement of the S-400 air defense system.
The exercise also featured a showcase of India’s aerospace capabilities, including the LCA Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. Singh noted that India is continuously monitoring developments in our region and beyond along with their broader strategic implications,
as the country navigates a rapidly evolving security landscape.
Unmanned systems and drones have changed the speed, scale and nature of military operations.
Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister
As Tarang Shakti concluded, the focus remained on integrating technological innovation with strategic autonomy. Singh urged the defense industry to treat expenditure on R&D as an investment,
while the IAF continued to evaluate options for modernizing its fleet. The exercise underscored India’s dual commitment to self-reliance and international cooperation, even as geopolitical tensions shape the path forward.
The event also included the presentation of the SIDM Champion Awards 2026, where 15 organizations were recognized for achievements in indigenous technology development, product innovation, design, import substitution, manufacturing excellence, and exports. Singh reiterated the target of achieving Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, noting that the private sector’s contribution had grown significantly over the past 12 years.
During the exercise, the IAF’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team performed maneuvers, and the event included an aerial display highlighting the capabilities of Indian military platforms. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Indian Air Force, along with other distinguished visitors, arrived at the auditorium between 3.05 p.m. and 3.10 p.m. on October 10, with the CAS addressing the gathering at 3.10 p.m. followed by a press conference at 3.15 p.m.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, including Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, and Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani, attended the event. The exercise also included operational exchanges, professional discussions, and cultural activities involving participating air forces, with the goal of strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing.
The IAF’s 94th anniversary was celebrated on October 9, with Singh emphasizing the Air Force’s evolution from four Wapiti aircraft in 1932 to a global power. This event becomes very important,
he said, highlighting the significance of Tarang Shakti in fostering international collaboration. The exercise also included a focus on the role of unmanned systems and drones, which Singh noted have transformed military operations through their speed, scale, and adaptability.
India’s defense strategy emphasizes the need for resilient supply chains and cooperation in research, co-development, and training. Singh stated, The defence relationships of the future will be about technology and trust, not just about platforms.
This vision aligns with the exercise’s goal of enhancing interoperability and preparing for future security challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.