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India-US Fighter Jets Roar on Border After Modi-Trump Talk, Pakistan in Frenzy
- •India-US fighter jets, including F-35s and Tejas, are participating in the 'Tarang Shakti' war drill near the Pakistan border, causing alarm in Islamabad.
- •The drill involves air forces from 8 countries and over 80 modern aircraft, with more than 1,500 soldiers engaged in war preparations.
- •America's F-35 fighter jets are in India for the first time, a significant move given India's S-400 system and previous US refusal to provide F-35s to NATO ally Turkey.
- •The 'Tarang Shakti' drill, running until October 12, includes air forces from France, Germany, Australia, UAE, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, with 32 observer nations.
- •Indian Army helicopters Rudra, Dhruv, and Chetak conducted landing and takeoff drills on a highway near the Pakistan border, adding to Pakistan's concerns.
Key Questions Answered
The second edition of the multinational Exercise Tarang Shakti is being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 26 to October 12, 2026, under the theme 'Power in Partnership' to foster interoperability and cooperation among participating air forces.
Six of the United States Air Force’s advanced F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets are participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti in India for the first time, joined by modern aircraft from countries like France, Germany, Australia, and the UAE.
The Indian Air Force is showcasing frontline assets such as indigenous Tejas, Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighter jets. Additionally, the Indian Army conducted highway landing and takeoff drills with Rudra, Dhruv, and Chetak helicopters in Bikaner and trained the US Army on the Akash air defense system.
