Six US F-35 fighter jets have landed on Indian soil for the first time. Along with these state-of-the-art aircraft, more than 200 US military personnel have also arrived in India. The F-35s have come to participate in the multinational air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti,’ which is currently underway in Jodhpur.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed the development and expressed his enthusiasm on social media. He noted that these cutting-edge US fighter jets would participate in exercises alongside Indian Air Force aircraft in the same airspace, describing the event as both significant and delightful.
This international exercise, hosted at the Jodhpur Air Force Station, will continue until October 12. In addition to the US and India, countries such as Bangladesh, France, Germany, Australia, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates are participating.
The Indian Air Force is also showcasing its military capabilities by deploying several key fighter jets for the exercise, including the French-made Rafale, the domestically produced Tejas, and the Russian MiG-29.
The exercise has gained special significance due to the maiden appearance of the F-35 fighter jet in India. The participation of the F-35—renowned as one of the most advanced US fighter jets—in joint drills with the Indian Air Force is viewed as a milestone in military cooperation between the two nations.
Source: NDTV
