Jaisalmer: US Air Force F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets flew tactical missions over Jodhpur alongside Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs, Rafales and indigenous Tejas fighters during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, showcasing advanced air power and multinational cooperation.F-35A, one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, has emerged as a key attraction at Indian Air Force’s premier multinational exercise in Rajasthan. Its participation allows Indian and foreign aircrews to operate in a complex multinational environment involving different fighter aircraft and operational concepts.The F-35A combines low-observable stealth technology with advanced sensors, sensor fusion, secure communications and network-enabled capabilities.During Tarang Shakti 2026, American fifth-generation fighters are flying alongside frontline Indian aircraft, including Su-30MKI, Rafale and Tejas, demonstrating how different generations and types of combat aircraft can operate together in multinational air operations.Unlike conventional fighters that rely heavily on individual onboard sensors, the aircraft collects, processes and shares information from multiple sources, giving pilots a broader picture of the battlespace.The F-35’s advanced sensor suite and data-sharing capabilities are among its defining features. The aircraft is designed to fuse information collected through its onboard sensors and other networked sources, allowing pilots to identify and track threats while maintaining greater situational awareness.The presence of the F-35s in Jodhpur is also significant as it brings a fifth-generation stealth fighter into an exercise environment featuring some of the IAF’s principal combat aircraft. The missions are providing a platform for professional interaction, operational learning and exchange of air-combat practices between participating air forces.The exercise has brought together aircraft, aircrew and support personnel from several countries, with high-tempo flying activity involving formations, tactical missions and multinational cooperation.For the US Air Force, the deployment marks an opportunity to demonstrate the F-35A’s capabilities in the Indian operational environment and strengthen professional engagement with the IAF.For the participating air forces, Tarang Shakti 2026 is providing an opportunity to practise interoperability, coordination and information sharing across different aircraft fleets and operational systems.With F-35As, Su-30MKIs, Rafales and Tejas operating in the same exercise environment, the skies over Jodhpur have become a showcase of modern airpower—from fifth-generation stealth and sensor fusion to indigenous fourth-generation fighter capability and network-enabled multinational operations.
US’ F-35A flies joint missions with Indian fighters at Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur | Jaipur News
