National, Feb 28: The Indian Air Force on February 27 demonstrated its combat preparedness and multi-domain capabilities during Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, presenting a comprehensive display of integrated air operations across the spectrum of modern warfare.
Droupadi Murmu attended the firepower demonstration as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Rajnath Singh, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Raj Kumar Goyal, T. V. Somanathan and Anil Chauhan, along with senior military officers, defence attaches, veterans, officials, media representatives and school children. Earlier in the day, the President undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, highlighting India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
For the first time, the exercise was conducted around a defined operational storyline, transforming it into a simulated live combat theatre. The drill combined offensive air strikes, air defence manoeuvres, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance tasks, underscoring the Air Force’s role as both a combat force and a first responder in crisis situations. Proceedings began with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by a ceremonial flypast by Chetak helicopters carrying the National Flag, the Air Force Ensign and the Operation Sindoor flag. A Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft then executed a sonic boom, signalling the start of high-intensity combat demonstrations.
More than 130 aircraft participated in the day-and-night exercise, reflecting the scale and complexity of operations. The line-up featured Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar and Hawk fighter jets, alongside Mi-17 helicopters and transport aircraft including the C-130J, C-295 and C-17. Indigenous platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand were also part of the fleet.
Fighter jets carried out precision strikes on simulated enemy positions using advanced air-to-ground weaponry and long-range strike capabilities. Air defence operations involved coordinated engagements supported by ground-based systems such as the Akash and Spyder missile systems, along with Army air defence guns including the L-70 and M-777, demonstrating seamless joint operations between air and ground forces. Special operations formed a significant component of the drill, with Garud Special Forces and Para SF personnel inserted by Mi-17 helicopters at dusk for simulated urban intervention and hostage rescue missions. Transport aircraft subsequently executed assault landings and evacuation operations from an Advanced Landing Ground, reinforcing rapid deployment and casualty evacuation capabilities.
The night phase featured integrated air defence and air-landed missions, followed by precision night strikes by multiple fighter platforms, illustrating round-the-clock operational readiness. The exercise concluded with a symbolic ceasefire flypast by a C-17 aircraft and a drone display celebrating the Air Force’s legacy and achievements. Guided by its core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek”, Exercise Vayushakti-26 reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s operational doctrine, joint integration and technological strength.
