SRI LANKA AIR FORCE CONTRIBUTES TO MULTINATIONAL AIR EXERCISE TARANG SHAKTI 2026
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) successfully participated in the second edition of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, which concluded on 12 October 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, India. The exercise brought together air forces from seven countries, providing a valuable platform to strengthen operational cooperation, enhance interoperability and foster professional relationships among participating nations.
The SLAF participated in the exercise with a Beechcraft King Air 360ER, demonstrating its commitment to international defence cooperation and engagement in multinational air operations. The participation provided an opportunity for SLAF personnel to engage with international counterparts, exchange operational knowledge and gain valuable exposure to diverse operational practices and procedures.
The SLAF contingent comprised Wing Commander PGGK Bowatte as Captain Pilot, Wing Commander DMTSB Kehelwarawe as Co-pilot, Squadron Leader RHSH Rathnayaka as Navigator and Imprest Holder, Flight Sergeant Iroshan WAI as Ground Engineer I, Sergeant Herath HMDL as Ground Engineer II, and Corporal Dissanayake ML as Ground Engineer III.
Held from 26 September to 12 October 2026 under the theme “Power in Partnership”, Tarang Shakti 2026 brought together air forces from Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The exercise facilitated professional interaction, knowledge-sharing and familiarisation with different operational capabilities, tactics and procedures.
The multinational engagement also provided an opportunity for participating personnel to strengthen coordination between air and ground crews, exchange technical expertise and develop a broader understanding of the capabilities and operational practices of partner air forces. Such engagements contribute to enhancing professional competencies and strengthening mutual trust among participating nations.
The participation of the SLAF in Tarang Shakti 2026 reflects its continued commitment to expanding international military cooperation, enhancing operational readiness and strengthening professional relationships with partner air forces. The experience and knowledge gained through the exercise are expected to contribute positively to the continued development of SLAF operational capabilities and its role in regional and international defence cooperation.
The SLAF participated in the exercise with a Beechcraft King Air 360ER, demonstrating its commitment to international defence cooperation and engagement in multinational air operations. The participation provided an opportunity for SLAF personnel to engage with international counterparts, exchange operational knowledge and gain valuable exposure to diverse operational practices and procedures.
The SLAF contingent comprised Wing Commander PGGK Bowatte as Captain Pilot, Wing Commander DMTSB Kehelwarawe as Co-pilot, Squadron Leader RHSH Rathnayaka as Navigator and Imprest Holder, Flight Sergeant Iroshan WAI as Ground Engineer I, Sergeant Herath HMDL as Ground Engineer II, and Corporal Dissanayake ML as Ground Engineer III.
Held from 26 September to 12 October 2026 under the theme “Power in Partnership”, Tarang Shakti 2026 brought together air forces from Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The exercise facilitated professional interaction, knowledge-sharing and familiarisation with different operational capabilities, tactics and procedures.
The multinational engagement also provided an opportunity for participating personnel to strengthen coordination between air and ground crews, exchange technical expertise and develop a broader understanding of the capabilities and operational practices of partner air forces. Such engagements contribute to enhancing professional competencies and strengthening mutual trust among participating nations.
The participation of the SLAF in Tarang Shakti 2026 reflects its continued commitment to expanding international military cooperation, enhancing operational readiness and strengthening professional relationships with partner air forces. The experience and knowledge gained through the exercise are expected to contribute positively to the continued development of SLAF operational capabilities and its role in regional and international defence cooperation.
