New Delhi, Sep 2026 : The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct two major aerial combat exercises in western Rajasthan this month, with the back-to-back drills expected to draw close attention from Pakistan and prompt heightened security measures along the international border.
The exercises include the India-Japan bilateral air combat drill Veer Guardian 26, scheduled from September 9 to 21, followed by the large-scale multinational Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise from September 26 to October 12. The drills will be conducted primarily from strategically located airbases in Rajasthan, including the Jodhpur sector.
Veer Guardian 26 is expected to mark an important development in India-Japan defence cooperation, with Japanese fighter aircraft operating from an Indian military facility for the first time. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is scheduled to deploy around 110 personnel along with three Mitsubishi F-2A multirole fighter aircraft.
The F-2A, developed by Japan in cooperation with the United States, is designed to undertake a range of missions, including air-to-air combat and ground-attack operations. The deployment is expected to provide both sides an opportunity to strengthen operational coordination, exchange tactical expertise and enhance interoperability between their air forces.
Following the conclusion of the bilateral exercise, the IAF will host Tarang Shakti 2026, one of India's largest multinational air exercises. The drill is aimed at improving tactical interoperability between participating air forces while allowing them to share operational experiences, combat strategies and best practices.
The exercises are expected to be concentrated around Jodhpur and other strategically important airbases across western Rajasthan, close to India's international boundary with Pakistan.
The scale and duration of the planned activities have also led Indian aviation authorities to impose temporary airspace restrictions. A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) has been issued covering portions of the western airspace between September 21 and October 7.
The restricted zone extends across the Jaisalmer, Barmer, Phalodi and Jodhpur sectors and also includes airspace around the NAL-Bikaner airbase. Such NOTAMs are routinely issued to alert civilian and commercial aircraft operators about military exercises, temporary hazards or restrictions affecting designated airspace.
Across the border, the prolonged restrictions and the deployment of multiple foreign air forces for exercises in Rajasthan have reportedly attracted increased attention from Pakistan's security establishment.
Pakistan's Ministry of Defence has reportedly held an emergency meeting to assess the implications of the extended Indian airspace restrictions and the upcoming military activities. Pakistani security forces have subsequently heightened surveillance and readiness along the India-Pakistan border.
With Veer Guardian 26 and Tarang Shakti 2026 taking place within a short span, the western sector is expected to witness sustained aerial activity throughout September and into October, underscoring India's growing focus on multinational air force cooperation and operational preparedness.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
