The Sri Lanka Air Force participated in a multinational air exercise in India, alongside the air forces of the United States, France and Germany, as Sri Lanka continues to expand military cooperation with foreign countries.
A Sri Lankan Air Force Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, and a six-member crew, took part in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, from September 26 to October 12.
The exercise was hosted by the Indian Air Force, under the theme “Power in Partnership,” and involved Australia, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, among other participating countries.
According to the Sri Lanka Air Force, the exercise was aimed at enhancing operational cooperation and interoperability among participating air forces and providing opportunities to share tactics and operational experience.
India’s public broadcaster reported that the exercise included training and experience in planning and conducting joint multinational combat operations, including counter-air, air defence, reconnaissance and air-to-air refuelling missions.
The exercise also involved 32 countries as observers.
Sri Lanka’s participation comes amid increased military engagement with foreign partners. India and Sri Lanka recently exchanged 240 military personnel under a tri-service exchange programme.
Sri Lankan military personnel also recently participated in a counter-terrorism exercise with Russia, while a senior US Army Pacific official visited Sri Lanka and discussed opportunities for greater joint training.