German and French Air Chiefs Say Flying Alongside IAF Feels Like Home at Tarang Shakti 2026

Senior military officials from Germany and France have praised the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its professional standards and operational coordination during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. They said flying alongside Indian pilots felt much like carrying out missions in their home countries, highlighting the growing compatibility between the participating air forces. The remarks came during the concluding events of the multinational exercise in Jodhpur. Officials noted that the participating forces were able to work together smoothly, reflecting years of military cooperation and joint training.

The second edition of Tarang Shakti brought together the Indian Air Force and air forces from seven foreign countries. The exercise aimed to strengthen defence partnerships, improve coordination and provide participants with experience in complex multinational air operations. German Air Force Forces Command chief Lieutenant General Gunter Katz said feedback from German aircrews indicated that operations in India closely resembled those conducted in Germany. The similarities extended to mission planning, operational procedures and the overall structure of flying activities.

France also reported a positive experience. General Stephane Groen, Inspector General of the French Armed Forces, said the commander of France’s Rafale squadron had shared similar observations about working alongside the IAF. Groen linked this smooth cooperation to sustained bilateral engagement and regular joint exercises between the two countries.

The exercise also provided an opportunity for foreign delegations to learn about India’s recent military operations. Air Vice Marshal Raj Thakur, the exercise director, said Operation Sindoor attracted considerable interest during discussions between participating air forces. According to Thakur, Indian officials presented details of the operation and shared lessons related to the use of air power. The briefings were well received by visiting delegations.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. India said the operation targeted terrorist infrastructure associated with groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen. US Pacific Air Forces commander General Kevin Schneider also highlighted the value of discussions with Indian military leaders. He said he had spent a week engaging with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and other senior IAF officials, with Operation Sindoor forming an important part of their conversations.

Beyond operational discussions, Tarang Shakti 2026 offered participating countries an opportunity to exchange expertise, improve mission planning and strengthen coordination during joint air missions. The exercise involved combat aircraft and other aviation assets, supporting training in a range of operational scenarios.

Held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12 under the theme Power in Partnership, the exercise reinforced India's role in multinational defence cooperation. The positive feedback from European air chiefs highlighted the progress made in building interoperability and mutual confidence between the Indian Air Force and its international partners. As security challenges become increasingly complex, exercises such as Tarang Shakti provide a platform for friendly nations to share operational knowledge, build trust and improve their ability to work together.