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The French Air and Space Force arrived in Jodhpur on 25 September to participate in the second edition of the Indian Air Force-led multinational air combat exercise Tarang Shakti, as part of France’s long-range Mission PÉGASE 26. The French participation, scheduled from 28 September to 12 October, aims to strengthen military cooperation and enhance interoperability between the Indian and French Air Forces. France had also participated in the first edition of Tarang Shakti in 2024.
About Mission PÉGASE 26
Mission PÉGASE 26 is France’s seventh long-range air projection exercise, conducted from 8 September to 15 October. It demonstrates France’s ability to rapidly project long-range air power across different regions and to support the defence of its overseas territories and strategic interests.
The mission involves around 300 personnel, four Rafale F4 fighter aircraft, three A330 MRTT Phénix aerial refuelling aircraft and two A400M Atlas transport aircraft. Beginning from the Arctic, the deployment will cover approximately 40,000 km, with nine stopovers across the Pacific, East Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Near and Middle East.
About Tarang Shakti
Tarang Shakti is a multinational air combat exercise led by the Indian Air Force that provides an opportunity for participating air forces to conduct complex aerial operations, exchange operational experience and enhance interoperability. France’s participation in the 2026 edition through Mission PÉGASE strengthens bilateral defence cooperation and provides an opportunity for both countries to operate together in a multinational air-combat environment.
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