The skies over Air Force Station Jodhpur witnessed an extraordinary demonstration of military aviation capability and disciplined airmanship on Thursday as part of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026. Organised to commemorate Air Force Day, the grand air show brought together elite aerobatic teams, frontline fighter jets, and modern combat helicopters before an audience of invited dignitaries, service personnel, and students. The spectacle began on a patriotic note when the Suryakiran aerobatic formation streaked across the blue expanse, trailing vibrant plumes of saffron, white, and green smoke to carve the national tricolour in the air.
Precision Flying and Tricolour Formations by Suryakiran Hawk Mk-132s
The centerpiece of the flying display was the Indian Air Force Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, operating nine Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainers. Flying in tight, razor-sharp formations with minimal separation between wingtips, the team executed an array of demanding aerial manoeuvres. The nine jets seamlessly shifted from unified wedge shapes into split elements before regrouping into synchronised passes. Highlighting their routine were breathtaking vertical climbs, rapid rolls, and close-proximity crossover passes. The split-second timing and fluid transitions of the aircraft underscored the rigorous training standards, absolute trust, and flawless coordination embedded in the squad pilots.
Sarang Display Team Delights with Low-Level Dhruv Helicopter Manoeuvres
Following the roaring tempo of the jet trainers, the Sarang Helicopter Display Team took center stage to showcase rotary-wing finesse. Flying the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Sarang pilots operated at comparatively lower altitudes, executing tight coordinated turns, signature crosses, and hovering formations. Watching multi-ton helicopters cross paths with pinpoint spatial judgment captivated everyone present on the flight line. The display effectively demonstrated that operational mastery within the Indian Air Force extends far beyond high-speed combat aircraft into specialized helicopter handling and precision formation flying.
Tejas, Sukhoi-30 MKI and Prachand Demonstrate Frontline Combat Power
Beyond ceremonial aerobatics, the event placed cutting-edge operational power on full display. The heavyweight Sukhoi-30 MKI air dominance fighter alongside the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas carried out high-speed passes and low-level flying, their roaring afterburners reverberating across the base and nearby neighbourhoods. Joining them in the air was the home-grown Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, which demonstrated agile handling and dedicated combat mobility suited for modern warfare. The simultaneous presence of high-performance fighters and newly inducted indigenous platforms presented a comprehensive picture of operational readiness and technological self-reliance.
Static Display Showcases Multinational Military Aviation Assets
The scope of Tarang Shakti-2026 reached well beyond the aerial showground, featuring a comprehensive static display on the tarmac of Air Force Station Jodhpur. Aircraft and specialized defense platforms from foreign air forces participating in the multinational exercise were lined up alongside Indian assets. This offered invited observers, cadets, and technicians a rare opportunity to inspect foreign military aircraft at close quarters, examine varied aerodynamic designs, and appreciate diverse technological systems. The gathering of allied air assets on a single ramp lent the Air Force Day commemoration a distinctly international character.
Enthusiasm Spreads Across Airbase Grounds and City Rooftops
The event drew widespread enthusiasm inside the base and throughout the city. The audience at the station included students, NCC cadets, defense personnel, and invited guests, while surrounding residents gathered on domestic rooftops to watch the low-flying jets and formations carve through the clear desert air. The sound of sonic power, the sight of Sarang helicopters dancing in formation, and the trailing tricolour smoke over the Sun City turned this Air Force Day gathering into an unforgettable public milestone during Tarang Shakti-2026.
