IAF Prepares for Monumental Vayu Shakti-2026 Air Power Exercise in Jaisalmer
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for its most extensive day-and-night air power demonstration to date, with Vayu Shakti-2026 scheduled to take place at the Pokaran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan's historic Jaisalmer district on February 27. This massive exercise represents a significant milestone in India's military preparedness and will rigorously test operational strategies alongside advanced weapon systems across multiple combat scenarios.
Comprehensive Testing of Air Combat Capabilities
According to defense officials, the exercise will involve fighter aircraft executing precision strikes against simulated enemy infrastructure, including:
- Operational command centers and communication hubs
- Fortified bunkers and defensive positions
- Strategic bridges and transportation networks
The demonstration will be conducted at the Air Force's Chandan Field Firing Range near Pokaran, where preparations are already in full swing. Aircraft from major airbases across the country, particularly those along the western border like Jodhpur, are mobilizing for participation. The IAF plans to showcase its operational prowess across three distinct phases: daylight operations, dusk transitions, and full night combat capabilities, with a comprehensive dress rehearsal planned for February 24.
Unprecedented Aircraft Participation and Indigenous Systems
More than 120 frontline aircraft and helicopters are expected to participate in this landmark exercise, representing the full spectrum of India's air combat capabilities. The participating fleet includes:
- Fighter Aircraft: Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, LCA Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Hawk, and Jaguar platforms
- Helicopter Assets: Chinook, Apache, and indigenously built Dhruv helicopters
- Combat Helicopters: MI-17 V-5, Rudra, and MI-35 helicopters for ground and air engagements
Night operations will feature combat helicopters executing rocket attacks on designated targets, while Para commandos will conduct precision airdrops during the drills. Notably, the exercise will include women pilots demonstrating their combat capabilities alongside their male counterparts.
Strategic Operations and Coordinated Missions
Air Force units from across the nation will participate in meticulously planned operations including:
- Defensive Counter Air (DCA) missions to protect airspace
- Offensive Counter Air (OCA) operations to neutralize enemy air capabilities
- Counter Air Strike missions against strategic targets
- Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) operations
- Target of Opportunity missions for rapid response scenarios
Operations will be coordinated from an airborne war room utilizing AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, with participating aircraft moving to designated holding points before executing precision strikes. The Jodhpur airbase is expected to serve as the primary operational axis, with aircraft from eight to nine major airbases converging to strike targets at the Pokaran range.
Showcasing Indigenous Defense Capabilities
The exercise will prominently feature indigenously developed weapon systems, including the advanced Akash air defence system for tracking and engaging hostile aircraft. The demonstration will also highlight:
- Precision and long-range weapon delivery capabilities
- Strategic transport operations and logistics support
- Comprehensive helicopter fleet deployment strategies
- Special operations conducted in coordination with the Indian Army
- Surface-to-air strike capabilities demonstrating multi-domain warfare readiness
This comprehensive exercise represents a significant demonstration of India's growing air power capabilities and commitment to maintaining operational readiness across all combat environments, particularly in strategically important border regions.
