Rajnath Singh Stresses Defence Innovation at Tarang Shakti 2026
At Jodhpur, Defence Minister highlights indigenous technology, AI-driven warfare and trusted international partnerships during multinational air exercise
GG News Bureau
Jodhpur, 10th Oct: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing, faster technological innovation and stronger international partnerships while addressing participants of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
The second edition of the multinational air exercise, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) from September 26 to October 12, brought together air forces from seven countries—Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States—along with 32 observer nations.
Congratulating the IAF and the participating contingents, Singh said modern warfare was evolving rapidly, with space, cyberspace, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems increasingly shaping military operations.
“Future military power will be defined less by the number of platforms we possess. It will be determined by the speed of sensing, understanding, deciding, and acting,” he said, underlining the importance of information, precision and integration in contemporary combat.
Atmanirbharta at the Core of Defence Strategy
Singh highlighted the government’s focus on Atmanirbharta in defence, saying that domestic capabilities were essential to sustaining military preparedness during prolonged conflicts and periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
He stressed that self-reliance did not mean isolation from the world. Instead, India must develop the capacity to design, manufacture, maintain and upgrade critical defence technologies while working with trusted international partners.
The Defence Minister cited indigenous programmes and systems, including the Tejas fighter aircraft, Dhruv and Prachand helicopters, the Akash air defence system, advanced radars and emerging unmanned technologies.
He also highlighted the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme as an important step towards developing fifth-generation stealth fighter capabilities. Advanced aero-engine development and co-production, he said, would be important areas for future cooperation.
“The defence relationships of the future will be about technology and trust, not just about platforms,” Singh said, emphasising cooperation in research, co-development, manufacturing, maintenance, training and innovation.
Tarang Shakti Strengthens Interoperability
The Defence Minister described Tarang Shakti as an opportunity for participating air forces to exchange operational knowledge, test procedures and understand different aircraft, doctrines and mission-planning approaches.
The exercise provides a platform for joint training and improved interoperability, allowing aircrews and commanders to identify areas for cooperation and learn from one another’s operational experience.
“Different nations, different aircraft, different experiences, but one sky. That is the message of Tarang Shakti,” Singh said.
He urged the IAF to incorporate the lessons of the exercise into its training, tactics, technology, doctrine and future capability development.
The participation of indigenous platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, also showcased India’s aerospace design and manufacturing capabilities.
Modern Warfare Demands Integrated Capabilities
Singh noted that military competition now extends beyond traditional domains such as land, sea and air to include space, the electromagnetic spectrum and the information domain. Drones, AI, electronic warfare systems and long-range precision weapons are changing how military operations are planned and executed.
He also referred to Operation Sindoor as an example of the importance of operational preparedness, integrated planning and the effective application of air power in a complex security environment.
The exercise builds on the inaugural edition held in 2024 and reflects India’s efforts to deepen defence engagement with partner countries.
Beyond flying operations, Tarang Shakti 2026 included professional engagements, industrial visits and cultural programmes, including yoga sessions, heritage visits and an International Night showcasing participating nations’ traditions.
Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and other defence officials and representatives of participating countries attended the event.
