German A400M in Tarang Shakti 2026: Dates, Venue, Participants and Exam Facts

A German Air Force Airbus A400M military transport aircraft is taking part in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, the Indian Air Force's multinational air exercise. As of 7 October 2026 the exercise is ongoing. It is scheduled to run from 26 September to 12 October 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining airbases in Rajasthan. The German aircraft matters because it shows transport aircraft training alongside fighters in large formations, which is a core part of interoperability.

What happened and when

The supplied reports date the German A400M's participation to 6 October 2026. A German Air Force officer, Captain Maurice Berns, a first officer on the A400M, said that day that the exercise helps transport crews work in large formations and coordinate better with the Indian Air Force. These are reported remarks, and the evidence does not give his words verbatim.

The source publication date (6 October 2026) is different from the event dates. The exercise began on 26 September 2026, and the reports describe activity that is still under way.

Tarang Shakti 2026 at a glance

Why the German A400M is notable

Transport aircraft in large-force engagements

The reports say the A400M and its crew are joining large-force engagements with fighter jets and other transport aircraft. Exercises like this are usually described in terms of fighters, so the transport role is the distinctive point here. The reported aim is to improve coordination between foreign crews and the Indian Air Force.

What the second source adds

A news-agency listing carries a report headlined as the A400M being the backbone of the German fleet and taking part in the exercise at Jodhpur. Its summary says the German Air Force and international allies, including the US, are participating, and that the drills support interoperability, tactical coordination and defence cooperation with the Indian Air Force. Only the summary was available, so the full report could not be checked.

Participants and scale

Countries

One report names seven friendly foreign countries flying air assets: Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It adds that Greece is mentioned as a flying participant in some reports, which would make eight. The evidence does not settle this, so treat "seven" and "eight" as a discrepancy until an official statement confirms the number.

Aircraft and personnel

• Foreign aircraft reported: US Air Force F-35 Lightning II, French Rafale, UAE F-16 and the German A400M.
• The F-35 Lightning II is reported to be taking part in an Indian multinational air exercise for the first time.
• More than 80 Indian and foreign aircraft are reported to be involved.
• About 1,500 personnel from participating countries are reported, plus 32 additional countries attending as observers.

Women officers

The exercise is reported to have the largest-ever participation of Indian Air Force women officers in an international exercise. More than 25 women pilots were reported flying fighter jets and other aircraft as of 6 October 2026.

Exam-relevant points

These are the facts a learner can reasonably note for defence and international current affairs. This is not a prediction that any question will appear.

• Name and edition: Tarang Shakti 2026, second edition of the IAF's multinational air exercise (per one source).
• Dates: 26 September to 12 October 2026, with the operational phase from 27 September.
• Venue: Jodhpur Air Force Station and adjoining Rajasthan airbases.
• Theme: "Power in Partnership".
• Germany's contribution: an Airbus A400M transport aircraft.

Evidence limits

• The scale figures (80+ aircraft, 1,500 personnel, 32 observer countries, 25+ women pilots) and the "second edition" claim come from one summary source. They were not independently confirmed in the material reviewed.
• The Greece question affects the participant count and is unresolved.
• No outcomes or closing details are available. The exercise has not ended as of 7 October 2026, so it cannot be described as completed.
• The evidence does not say how many A400M aircraft Germany sent beyond "an" aircraft, or where the German aircraft is based during the exercise.

FAQ

Is Tarang Shakti 2026 over?

No. As of 7 October 2026 it is ongoing, with a scheduled end date of 12 October 2026.

Where is it being held?

At Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining airbases in Rajasthan.

Which German aircraft is taking part?

An Airbus A400M military transport aircraft, flown by German Air Force crew.