Bangladesh Air Force participated in the second edition of the Indian Air Force-hosted multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26, held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12.

The exercise brought together air assets from eight countries - Bangladesh, India, Australia, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States - alongside 32 observer nations.

The Bangladesh Air Force contingent comprised 19 personnel, including pilots and technicians, while two additional personnel participated as observers.

The participation marked the first time Bangladesh took part in a multinational air exercise of this scale, providing its personnel with exposure to multinational air operations and opportunities for professional exchanges, mutual learning and enhanced interoperability with partner air forces, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka in a media release.

Conducted over several days, the exercise progressed from Small Force Engagements (SFEs) to Large Force Engagements (LFEs), involving up to 40 aircraft operating simultaneously in a networked environment.

The scenarios required participating air forces to plan and execute complex missions in a contested airspace, including environments involving Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Long-Range Air Defence (LR-AD) threats.

While the Bangladesh Air Force has previously participated in bilateral exercises such as Cope South and Thunder Lightning with the United States, Tarang Shakti-26 provided a distinct opportunity to operate alongside multiple international air forces in a complex, large-scale operational setting, the release said.

Alongside the flying component, participants took part in cultural and sporting events, were introduced to practices such as yoga, and had an opportunity to learn about India's defence industry.