Current Affairs · · GS2 · International Relations

France joins Tarang Shakti 2026 with Rafales and support aircraft

France has deployed Rafale F4 fighters, A330 MRTT Phénix tankers and A400M Atlas aircraft to Jodhpur for Tarang Shakti 2026. The multinational exercise tests interoperability, aerial refuelling and long-range deployment. It also deepens India–France air cooperation.

Event date:

REq1
  1. Context1 / 5

    The Indian Air Force is hosting the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. France has deployed Rafale F4 fighters, A330 MRTT Phénix tankers and A400M Atlas transport aircraft. The French deployment forms part of Mission Pégase 26, a long-range air-power deployment across several regions. Tarang Shakti brings foreign air forces together for joint operations and tactical training.

  2. Key highlights2 / 5

    Multinational exercise: Tarang Shakti trains participating air forces to plan and conduct complex operations together.

    French participation: France has brought combat, refuelling and transport aircraft under Mission Pégase 26.

    Aerial refuelling: Tankers transfer fuel to aircraft in flight, extending their endurance and operating range.

    Strategic airlift: Transport aircraft move personnel, equipment and supplies over long distances, supporting rapid deployment.

    Operational learning: The exercise covers air combat, air defence, reconnaissance, airlift and air-to-air refuelling.

    Defence cooperation: Training together helps India, France and other participants understand shared procedures, communications and operational practices.

  3. Key concepts3 / 5

    Interoperability means different armed forces can operate together effectively through compatible procedures, communications and planning. It does not require identical equipment. Tarang Shakti gives participating air forces practical experience conducting missions together.

    Aerial refuelling transfers fuel from a tanker to another aircraft in flight, increasing range and endurance. The A330 MRTT Phénix can perform refuelling and transport roles.

    Strategic airlift moves personnel and heavy equipment over long distances by air. The A400M Atlas supports transport and deployment of the French contingent.

    Mission Pégase 26 is a French long-range military air deployment running from September to October 2026. It practises moving combat aircraft and support assets across distant regions; its 2026 route includes the Indo-Pacific and India. France’s participation in Tarang Shakti forms part of this wider deployment.

  4. Way forward4 / 5

    Convert exercise lessons into better procedures for future multinational missions. Practise logistics, refuelling, transport, maintenance and communications across different air forces. Pair international cooperation with greater Indian development and production of defence technologies.

  5. Note5 / 5
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Sources

Syllabus

PaperSubjectSub-topic
GS2International RelationsBilateral relations involving India and agreements affecting India’s interests. Mains relevance.
GS3Internal SecurityVarious security forces and agencies and their mandate. Prelims and Mains relevance.

Topics

Current AffairsInternational Relations and Current AffairsDefence Technology

Practice questions

  1. With reference to Exercise Tarang Shakti, consider the following statements: 1. It is hosted by the Indian Air Force. 2. It is a multinational air exercise. 3. Its first edition was held in 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. All three statements are correct. The IAF held the first Tarang Shakti in 2024 and is hosting its second edition in 2026.

    Difficulty: easy · statement

  2. Consider the following pairs: 1. Rafale — Fighter aircraft 2. A330 MRTT — Aerial refuelling and transport 3. A400M Atlas — Military transport aircraft How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: C. All three pairs are correctly matched. France deployed these aircraft during Mission Pégase 26.

    Difficulty: easy · statement

  3. With reference to military interoperability, consider the following statements: 1. It allows armed forces from different countries to conduct operations together. 2. It necessarily requires every participating force to use identical military equipment. 3. Compatible procedures and communications can improve interoperability. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Interoperability does not require every force to use identical equipment.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

Mains practice

Answer-writing practice on this article. Attempt it first, then open the hints.

  1. GS2 · 250 words

    Examine how multinational military exercises can strengthen defence cooperation and operational preparedness.

    Show hints
    1. Explain the value of joint planning and realistic operational training.
    2. Discuss how exercises improve interoperability between armed forces.
    3. Consider familiarity with different aircraft and procedures.
    4. Assess defence diplomacy and confidence building.
    5. Describe lessons for logistics, communications and command systems.
  2. 250 words

    Modern air power depends on support systems as much as combat aircraft. Discuss.

    Show hints
    1. Explain the continuing role of fighters as combat platforms.
    2. Discuss how tankers extend range and endurance.
    3. Explain how transport aircraft enable rapid deployment.
    4. Consider surveillance and communications support.
    5. Assess how logistics and maintenance affect sustained effectiveness.