Photo Credit: www.pib.gov.in
Germany is taking part in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise underway at Jodhpur. The exercise began on September 26, entered its operational phase on September 27 and is scheduled to continue until October 12.
Germany is participating alongside Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Held under the theme “Power in Partnership,” the exercise gives the air forces an opportunity to train together, exchange operational experience and improve coordination. It is the second edition of Tarang Shakti, following the first exercise in 2024.
A practical step in defence cooperation
The Jodhpur exercise brings personnel and aircraft from several countries into a shared training environment. Working alongside one another allows the air forces to become familiar with different operating practices and strengthen coordination during multinational operations.
For India and Germany, the exercise is part of a wider effort to increase contact between their armed forces. During their meeting in January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Germany’s planned participation in Tarang Shakti. Their joint statement also called for deeper cooperation through military exercises, training, exchanges and visits by senior officials.
Defence ties gain a wider scope
German Ambassador to India Amb. Dr Jasper Wieck placed defence cooperation among the priorities for the bilateral relationship at his September 23 press briefing. The Ambassador referred to Germany’s participation in exercises hosted by India as part of growing military engagement between the two countries.
Amb. Dr Wieck also identified drones and other unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, missile technology and sensors as possible areas for closer India–Germany cooperation. He presented these as opportunities for future technology and industrial collaboration, rather than announcing agreements in those fields.
The broader bilateral agenda includes closer links between defence industries, with the two governments discussing technology partnerships, joint development and production. Their January joint statement also noted cooperation involving the Eurodrone programme and counter-unmanned aircraft systems, as well as plans for more regular exchanges between the armed forces and engagement on maritime security.
Germany’s participation in Tarang Shakti is a visible step in that relationship. As the exercise continues, the Indian and German air forces will have an opportunity to work together within a larger group of partners, while both countries explore a wider range of defence and technology cooperation.
