Fighter Jets Roar in Jodhpur as India-US Lead Mega Exercise Near Pakistan Border The Tarang Shakti air combat drill near the western border has brought together F-35A and Tejas jets alongside air forces from eight nations, creating ripples across Pakistan. A high-decibel aerial demonstration is unfolding along India's western frontier at the Jodhpur airbase in Rajasthan. Hot on the heels of direct discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, the deployment and joint sorties of Indian and American combat aircraft close to the border have triggered visible anxiety within Pakistan's military apparatus. Already on edge over fears of an Operation Sindoor Part 2 and contending with internal turmoil where Munir and Shehbaz face mounting crises, including reports of Taliban plans to raise the Afghan flag in Peshawar, the presence of more than 80 advanced military aircraft from eight nations and over 1,500 active personnel has intensified regional strategic scrutiny. Tejas and US F-35 Stealth Jets Take to Skies in Historic Formation The centerpiece of the multinational combat drill in Jodhpur is the maiden joint flight featuring the Indian Air Force's indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft alongside the United States Air Force's premier fifth-generation F-35A stealth fighter. Widely regarded among the most technologically advanced and lethal platforms globally, the F-35A flew in synchronized formations with Tejas over the desert landscape during the ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise. Washington has deployed six advanced F-35A fighters to Jodhpur, with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor publicly sharing visuals of the aircraft on Indian soil. A contingent of over 200 US air personnel and technical crews has accompanied the detachment to participate in the tactical manoeuvres. The arrival of the F-35 in India represents a major diplomatic and military milestone. The United States has historically restricted sales of this fifth-generation platform to an exclusive cohort of close allies, famously barring NATO member Turkey from the F-35 program after Ankara procured the Russian S-400 missile defence shield. India currently operates the very same Russian-supplied S-400 system, yet Washington has actively demonstrated interest in pitching the F-35 platform to New Delhi, underscoring India's unique standing in current global defence partnerships. Eight Air Forces Join Hands Under Power in Partnership Theme Running under the banner of 'Power in Partnership', the Tarang Shakti war games extend well beyond bilateral cooperation and are scheduled to continue through 12 October. Air forces from eight countries are participating with front-line tactical aircraft, including India, the United States, France, Germany, Australia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. In addition, military delegations from more than 32 countries are observing the tactical drills. More than 30 dedicated frontline fighter jets are stationed at the base to execute complex war scenarios. The Indian Air Force has deployed a formidable roster comprising indigenous Tejas fighters, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and deep-penetration Jaguar ground-attack jets. France has dispatched six of its most capable Rafale multi-role combat aircraft to the tactical exercises. The UAE Air Force has brought its F-16 fighters into the operational fold to train alongside Indian pilots, while Indian Army aviation assets including Rudra, Dhruv, and Chetak helicopters stand ready for deployment and tactical support missions. US Personnel Familiarized with Indigenous Akash Air Defence System Beyond offensive tactical manoeuvres, the war games feature a major focus on integrated air defence shields. Indian military personnel are providing live operational demonstrations and training on the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system to American troops. The Akash system proved its combat readiness during Operation Sindoor, successfully blunting cross-border aggressive aerial actions. Exposing American service members to the telemetry, radar integration, and rapid-reaction capabilities of Akash highlights India's expanding indigenous defence engineering capabilities. Seven Strategic Support Aircraft Validate Complex Air Operations Modern aerial engagements depend heavily on logistical enablers, electronic warfare, and refuelling tankers. Operating alongside frontline combat jets, seven dedicated support aircraft are executing complex coordination drills near the frontier, testing mid-air refuelling protocols and round-the-clock reconnaissance assets • United States KC-135: A proven aerial refuelling tanker that extends the strike range and persistence of combat aircraft during extended combat sorties. • France A330 MRTT: The Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft delivers dual capabilities, managing simultaneous mid-air refuelling and long-range military logistics. • Germany A-400M: A heavy-lift tactical military airlifter designed to deploy troops, vehicles, and critical combat equipment into forward bases. • Australia C-130 and KC-30A: The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed the durable C-130 tactical transport alongside the advanced KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport. • UAE Global 6000: A specialized high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft capable of long-endurance electronic surveillance and tracking opposing asset movements. • Sri Lanka King Air 350: A versatile surveillance platform tailored for maritime and border monitoring duties. • Bangladesh C-130J: A modern military transport aircraft designed for rapid tactical airlift and logistical support in varied operational terrains. The multinational air contingents will continue conducting intensive day and night combat drills until 12 October, focusing on offensive sweep tactics, complex electronic warfare countermeasures, and precision air-to-air refuelling. The exercises aim to enhance operational interoperability among friendly nations, facilitate tactical doctrine exchanges, and build a unified capacity to respond swiftly to unexpected regional contingencies. What this means for you The massive multinational aerial exercise on the western front significantly bolsters operational deterrence and regional airspace monitoring. • Across India: The exercise showcases deep strategic interoperability between India and major global military powers. It reinforces public confidence in India's sovereign defence preparedness and indigenous military technologies. • In Rajasthan: Border districts surrounding Jodhpur are witnessing reinforced air defence shields and coordinated vigilance along the border. While localized commercial flight corridors may see temporary rerouting, local security vigilance remains at peak readiness. • For Defence Sector: Spotlighting the indigenous Tejas jet and Akash missile system before foreign air forces provides massive validation for domestic defence manufacturing. This creates potential opportunities for future defence exports and high-skilled aerospace engineering employment. • For Air Travelers: Strict military airspace control over western corridors requires commercial carriers to follow adjusted flight paths until 12 October. Air travelers using western sector airports should verify departure timings with airlines for potential schedule adjustments. Why this happened The massive air drill was organized to deepen tactical interoperability among friendly nations while maintaining robust strategic deterrence along the western frontier. • Multilateral Interoperability Goals: Bringing together eight air forces allows pilots and crews to standardize complex combat doctrines, including night sorties and mid-air refuelling. This joint readiness ensures rapid coordination during unexpected regional crises. • High-Level Strategic Engagement: The exercise follows direct diplomatic communications between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, underscoring expanding bilateral defence alignment and technology sharing. • Validating Indigenous Defence Hardware: Following the operational deployment during Operation Sindoor, India sought to demonstrate the field capabilities of its indigenous Tejas aircraft and Akash air defence systems to global military partners. • Border Security and Regional Readiness: Fluid security dynamics along the western frontier and internal instability in the immediate neighborhood necessitated reinforced aerial surveillance and readiness drills. Questions & Answers 1. Where and until when is the Tarang Shakti exercise being held? The exercise is taking place in Jodhpur, Rajasthan near the Pakistan border and will run until 12 October. 2. How many countries are participating in this air combat drill? Eight nations including India and the US are actively participating, alongside observers from more than 32 countries. 3. Which fighter jets did the United States send for this exercise? The United States deployed six advanced F-35A stealth combat aircraft and over 200 air personnel. 4. Which Indian Air Force aircraft are flying in the drills? The IAF has deployed indigenous Tejas fighters along with Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar combat jets. 5. Which Indian weapon system is being demonstrated to American forces? Indian forces are training US military personnel on the operational capabilities of the indigenous Akash air defence system. 6. Which specialized tanker aircraft are conducting mid-air refuelling? The US KC-135, French A330 MRTT, and Australian KC-30A are actively participating in aerial refuelling drills. https://trendkia.com/en/pakistan/jodhpur-men-garaje-india-aura-us-ke-laraku-vimana-tarang-shakti-yuddhabhyasa-se-sima-para-machi-halachala-41491 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.