JODHPUR, October 4 — In a historic milestone for bilateral military aviation, United States Air Force (USAF) F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation stealth multirole fighters touched down at Air Force Station Jodhpur to participate in the operational phase of the Indian Air Force's multilateral exercise "Tarang Shakti 2026".
The milestone marks the first operational combat exercise deployment of F-35 stealth fighters on Indian soil. The multinational drills feature high-intensity air combat simulations, beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, and network-centric warfare maneuvers integrating the USAF assets alongside IAF Su-30MKI, Rafale, and indigenous Tejas fighters.
Senior defence officials noted that the deployment highlights the deepening convergence of the India-US Major Defence Partnership and reinforces regional aerial deterrence across the Indo-Pacific theatre.
Fifth-generation stealth technologies, air-to-air combat doctrine, and bilateral defence agreements are essential subjects in defence and international relations syllabi. Candidates should know that the F-35 Lightning II is developed by Lockheed Martin and represents one of the world's foremost stealth, sensor-fused multirole fighter platforms.