U.S. F-35 jets to join Indian Air Force exercise in Rajasthan
U.S. F-35 fighter jets are scheduled to take part in the Indian Air Force’s Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise at Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12. The drill is described as the aircraft’s first tactical participation alongside the IAF.
By DoomRadar · Published on DoomRadar . Updated .
Based on two sources with available article excerpts. Source-linked claims are not independent confirmation.
What happened
F-35 jets are scheduled to participate in Tarang Shakti 2026 alongside the Indian Air Force at Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- IAF to train with F-35s for first time at Tarang Shakti: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixitrediff.com · Recorded source date: Sep 22, 2026, 5:01 PM UTC
- US F-35 stealth fighters to join IAF's Tarang Shakti exercise in India for first timeeconomictimes.indiatimes.com · Recorded source date: Sep 23, 2026, 12:31 PM UTC
The exercise is scheduled for September 26 through October 12, 2026. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- IAF to train with F-35s for first time at Tarang Shakti: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixitrediff.com · Recorded source date: Sep 22, 2026, 5:01 PM UTC
- US F-35 stealth fighters to join IAF's Tarang Shakti exercise in India for first timeeconomictimes.indiatimes.com · Recorded source date: Sep 23, 2026, 12:31 PM UTC
Indian Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit confirmed the aircraft’s planned first exercise with the IAF. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- IAF to train with F-35s for first time at Tarang Shakti: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixitrediff.com · Recorded source date: Sep 22, 2026, 5:01 PM UTC
The exercise aims to develop joint operational tactics, counter-drone capabilities and high-technology defense integration among partner air forces. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- IAF to train with F-35s for first time at Tarang Shakti: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixitrediff.com · Recorded source date: Sep 22, 2026, 5:01 PM UTC
Context from the sources
The exercise is expected to involve multiple partner countries; one report says invitations were extended to 65 nations, while another describes participation from nearly 40 countries. [1][2]
Explore the sources and reporting timeline
2 source links · 2 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Source timeline
Oldest to newest among the available source dates, not a chronology of the incident. Article publication dates come from the source; other recorded dates may reflect when a link was found.
- [1] IAF to train with F-35s for first time at Tarang Shakti: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixitrediff.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3, detail 4
- [2] US F-35 stealth fighters to join IAF's Tarang Shakti exercise in India for first timeeconomictimes.indiatimes.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2
What this could mean for you
Residents and travelers near Jodhpur could experience increased military-aircraft activity during the scheduled exercise window.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
For your country
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Still unclear
The excerpts do not confirm the final number of F-35 aircraft deployed.
They do not describe any civilian-airspace restrictions or cancellations.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (2)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit confirmed the stealth aircraft’s maiden tactical participation while acknowledging both the strategic weight and operational sensitivities…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
US F-35 stealth fighter jets will participate in an Indian Air Force-led multinational combat exercise for the first time, with six of the fifth-generation aircraft…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
AI-assisted analysis · . Based on linked headlines and available excerpts. Methodology · Report an error.