Indian Air Force Conducts ‘Vayushakti-26’ at Pokhran, Showcases Full-Spectrum Combat Capability

President Droupadi Murmu witnesses firepower demonstration; over 130 aircraft participate in day-night operations

Jaisalmer: The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise ‘Vayushakti-26’ at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, demonstrating combat readiness, operational synergy and technological capability across the full spectrum of air operations.

President Droupadi Murmu attended the firepower demonstration as the chief guest, accompanied by senior dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other ministers, senior defence officials and representatives from friendly foreign nations. Earlier in the day, the President undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed LCH Prachand, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

For the first time, Exercise Vayushakti was executed along a defined operational storyline, simulating a live combat theatre. The drill integrated offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, underlining the IAF’s role as a multi-domain force and first responder.

The exercise began with a ceremonial flypast by Chetak helicopters carrying the national flag, followed by a sonic boom by a Rafale fighter jet. More than 130 aircraft participated in the day and night exercise, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295 and C-17 aircraft, along with indigenous platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand.

Fighter aircraft executed precision strikes on simulated enemy targets using advanced air-to-ground weapons and long-range strike capabilities. Air defence operations featured coordinated engagements using Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by Army air defence assets such as L-70 and M-777 systems, reflecting joint operational integration.

Special operations formed a key component of the exercise, with Garud Special Forces and Para SF elements inserted by Mi-17 helicopters for simulated urban intervention and hostage rescue missions. Assault landings and evacuation operations by C-130 and C-295 aircraft from an advanced landing ground underscored rapid response and casualty evacuation capabilities.

The night phase demonstrated integrated air defence and precision night strikes by multiple fighter platforms, showcasing round-the-clock operational dominance. The exercise concluded with a symbolic ceasefire flypast by a C-17 aircraft and a drone display celebrating the IAF’s legacy.

Guided by its core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek”, the IAF said Exercise Vayushakti-26 validated its operational doctrine, joint integration and technological capabilities, reinforcing its role in strengthening India’s strategic deterrence.