# US Air Force Deploys F-35s to India Exercise

The U.S. Air Force has deployed its F-35 stealth fighters to participate for the first time in India's multinational air exercise "Tarang Shakti," held at Jodhpur air base from September 25 to October 12, 2026. This exercise includes eight participating countries and 32 observers, aiming to enhance interoperability and expose participants to advanced fifth-generation fighter operations. The deployment highlights ongoing defense cooperation between the U.S. and India and signals opportunities for defense contractors involved in fifth-generation fighter support and interoperability solutions.

- **Why this matters:** The introduction of F-35s in a major multinational exercise in India underscores growing defense collaboration and potential future procurement or support contracts related to advanced fighter operations.
- Defense contractors should evaluate opportunities in training, maintenance, and interoperability technologies linked to fifth-generation aircraft.
- Procurement professionals can anticipate increased demand for logistics and support services at Jodhpur air base and other Indian facilities involved in multinational exercises.
- This event may influence regional defense procurement strategies and partnerships involving the U.S., India, and allied air forces.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Indian Air Force
- Japan Air Self-Defense Force
- United Arab Emirates Air Force
- French Air Force

### Sources
- [US F-35 fighters to debut in Indian multinational air exercise](https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2026/09/25/us-f-35-fighters-to-debut-in-indian-multinational-air-exercise) - defensenews.com