Tarang Shakti Delegates from 28 Countries Visit HAL and BEL to Explore India’s Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem

Delegates from 28 friendly foreign countries participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 visited India’s leading aerospace and defence manufacturing organisations, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), as part of an industrial outreach programme during the multinational air exercise.

The visit provided foreign observers an opportunity to understand India’s growing indigenous defence production capabilities, aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and technological advancements in military systems. Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 includes professional interactions and industrial tours aimed at strengthening defence cooperation with partner nations.

Foreign Delegation Visits HAL LCA Tejas Division

The visiting delegates toured HAL’s LCA Tejas Division in Bengaluru, where they were briefed on India’s indigenous fighter aircraft development and manufacturing capabilities.

The delegation witnessed the production infrastructure behind the Light Combat Aircraft programme, including aircraft assembly processes, advanced manufacturing facilities and technologies supporting India’s indigenous fighter aircraft ecosystem.

The visit highlighted India’s progress in developing and producing combat aircraft domestically through HAL, supported by a growing network of Indian suppliers, private industries and MSMEs.

Delegates Explore BEL’s Defence Electronics Capabilities

The foreign observers also visited the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Bengaluru complex on 29 September 2026 to gain insights into India’s defence electronics capabilities.

BEL officials presented the company’s product portfolio and capabilities, followed by a visit to display areas showcasing systems developed by its Military Radar, Missile Systems, Electronic Warfare and Avionics divisions.

The interaction provided the visiting delegations exposure to India’s indigenous defence electronics ecosystem, including surveillance systems, communication technologies, radar solutions and electronic warfare equipment.

Tarang Shakti Expands Defence Diplomacy Through Industrial Engagement

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, conducted by the Indian Air Force from 26 September to 12 October 2026, brings together partner air forces for advanced operational training, knowledge exchange and interoperability exercises.

Beyond flying operations, the exercise includes seminars, professional exchanges and industrial visits designed to showcase India’s aerospace and defence capabilities to participating nations.

The participation of foreign observers in visits to HAL and BEL reflects the growing role of defence industry cooperation in India’s military diplomacy. Such engagements allow partner countries to understand India’s manufacturing capabilities while creating opportunities for future collaboration in aerospace, defence electronics and technology development.

Strengthening India’s Defence Manufacturing and Export Potential

The visits by international delegates come at a time when India is expanding its defence manufacturing base and increasing focus on indigenous production, exports and technology partnerships.

HAL’s fighter aircraft programmes and BEL’s defence electronics portfolio represent key pillars of India’s effort to develop a self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem. Engagements during exercises like Tarang Shakti provide an international platform to showcase these capabilities and strengthen India’s position as an emerging aerospace and defence manufacturing hub.

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References

• Ministry of Defence, Government of India — Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026: “Power in Partnership”
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited — Foreign observers’ visit to LCA Tejas Division during Tarang Shakti 2026
• Bharat Electronics Limited — Tarang Shakti 2026 foreign delegation visit to BEL Bengaluru Complex on 29 September 2026
• Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 official updates — Indian Air Force / Ministry of Defence releases

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