Vayu Shakti 2026: See Which Deadly Fighter Jets Are Heading to Pokhran

The Indian Air Force will demonstrate its operational capabilities during Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at the Pokhran field firing range near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The exercise will highlight the lethality and precision of air and surface based weapon systems.

According to the official program, "Exercise 'Vayu Shakti' meaning 'Airpower' has been serving as a platform for the Indian Air Force to demonstrate, to the entire nation and to the senior leadership, the full spectrum capability of its highly trained and motivated air warriors as they operate a well maintained variety of state-of-the-art as well as legacy systems."

The event will feature frontline fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, and surface to air missile systems. Garud force personnel will also participate. The program document states, "Vayu Shakti-2026 will showcase the capability of the Indian Air Force to operate in a networked environment, highlighting the lethality and precision of its air and surface based weapon systems and special forces."

The Pokhran range hosts the event due to its sheer size and the extent of its safety zone. The official brochure notes that "some specialist weapons can be fired and tested only at this range."

Participating fighter aircraft include the Rafale, Su 30 MKI, Tejas, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Hawk, and MiG 29. Transport aircraft such as the C 17, C 130J, C 295, and AN 32 will take part. The helicopter fleet features the Apache, Chinook, LCH, ALH Mk IV, Chetak, and Mi 17 V5. The Heron unmanned aerial vehicle and surface to air missile systems like Akash and Spyder are also scheduled to participate.

The scheduled program begins with the arrival of the chief guest at 1710 hours. Day events will run from 1717 to 1825 hours. Following a refreshment break, dusk events will occur from 1851 to 1910 hours. Night events will take place from 1911 to 1930 hours. A drone show will conclude the program from 1930 to 1945 hours.