US F‑35 stealth jets to join India's Tarang Shakti drill for the first time

The United States is set to send its fifth‑generation F‑35 stealth fighters to participate in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti, Times of India reported. This will be the first occasion that the advanced jet, known for its low‑observable capabilities, will operate alongside Indian aircraft in a live‑fire training environment.

The exercise, scheduled for later this year, brings together air forces from several partner nations to practise air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground scenarios. Past editions have featured aircraft from France, Russia, Israel and other allies, but the inclusion of the F‑35 signals a deepening of Indo‑US defence cooperation. The United States has already supplied India with platforms such as the C‑130 transport, P‑8 maritime patrol and Apache attack helicopters, and the joint training will provide Indian pilots a rare opportunity to evaluate the jet’s performance first‑hand.

According to the Times of India, IAF Vice‑Chief Air Marshal S. S. Dhanoa also hinted that the indigenous Tejas Mk 1A fighter could be inducted into service within the next one to two months. The Mk 1A, an upgraded version of the home‑grown light combat aircraft, incorporates a more powerful engine, advanced avionics and an enhanced weapons suite, positioning it as a key component of India’s push for self‑reliance in defence.

The Tarang Shakti exercise is part of a broader strategy by the IAF to sharpen interoperability with partner air forces and to test new tactics in a controlled setting. Historically, such drills have served as a platform for showcasing emerging technologies and for building confidence among participating nations. The presence of the F‑35 is expected to raise the technical bar of the exercise, offering Indian crews exposure to stealth tactics, sensor fusion and network‑centric warfare concepts that are hallmarks of the aircraft.

India’s defence planners view these engagements as a way to balance regional security dynamics while advancing the nation’s own aerospace ambitions. The upcoming induction of the Tejas Mk 1A, coupled with the exposure to the F‑35, underscores a dual approach: accelerating indigenous development while learning from the most advanced foreign systems. Observers say the outcomes of Tarang Shakti could influence future procurement decisions and joint operational doctrines between New Delhi and Washington.