IAF Unleashes Firepower at Pokhran in Vayu Shakti 2026 Drill
IAF conducts Vayu Shakti 2026 exercise at Pokhran with over 120 aircraft; President Murmu, Rajnath Singh to attend main event on Feb 27.
The Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, showcasing its operational capabilities and firepower.
The drill was organised on the lines of Operation Sindoor. A media team from Gujarat First witnessed the exercise and presented a ground report from the site.
More than 120 air platforms participated in the exercise. The fleet included 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters and 8 transport aircraft. Fighter jets such as Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Dassault Mirage 2000 carried out precision strikes on simulated enemy airfields, artillery positions, tanks and drones.
The exercise also incorporated modern warfare technologies. Suicide drones, Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems and other unmanned platforms were deployed to simulate future battlefield scenarios. The Air Force also carried out Search and Rescue, disaster relief and rapid airlift operations in challenging terrain conditions.
Around 12,000 kilograms of ammunition were expended during the drill. A drone show was held at the conclusion of the exercise, displaying formations symbolising India’s air defence preparedness.
The main event of Vayu Shakti 2026 will take place on February 27. Droupadi Murmu and Rajnath Singh are scheduled to attend the programme.
Officials said the exercise aimed to demonstrate the Indian Air Force’s readiness to safeguard the country’s airspace and borders with advanced platforms and trained personnel.
