India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka fly together in Tarang Shakti-26

NEW DELHI, Oct 8, 2026: India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka showcased regional camaraderie and operational interoperability by flying alongside one another in a Vic formation during the second week of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26.

The three neighbouring countries came together in the skies amid increasingly complex air combat simulations as the exercise moved from initial Small Force Engagements (SFEs) to more demanding Large Force Engagements (LFEs).

The exercise provided participating partner nations with an opportunity to share operational experiences, best practices and knowledge while conducting coordinated air operations.

The joint formation involving India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was described as a striking display of cooperation, camaraderie and interoperability among the three South Asian neighbours.

Tarang Shakti-26 has progressively increased its operational tempo, moving from smaller force engagements to large-scale scenarios involving multiple participating forces.

The exercise is designed to provide participating air forces with opportunities to train together in complex operational environments and enhance mutual understanding of air operations.

The participation of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka alongside India also brought a regional dimension to the multinational exercise, highlighting the scope for greater interaction and professional cooperation among South Asian air forces.

The air exercise comes as regional countries continue to expand defence and security engagement through joint training, professional exchanges and multilateral military exercises.