- Precision strikes, AI-enabled coordination, and indigenous platforms showcase India’s leap toward self-reliant airpower
- Rafale, Prachand, Dhruv, Akash missiles, and elite Garud commandos execute high-risk combat, rescue, and night assault missions
- Integrated day-night operations prove IAF’s ability to strike deep, defend decisively, and respond instantly across battlefronts
- Daredevil personnel, cutting-edge weapons, and seamless tri-service synergy signal India’s preparedness for next-generation warfare
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
POKHRAN, FEB 28
In a thunderous display of courage, precision, and indigenous technological might, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer—unleashing a breathtaking demonstration of intelligent, integrated warfare capabilities that underscore India’s readiness for modern battlefronts.
Witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu as Chief Guest, the firepower exercise showcased the IAF’s unmatched ability to execute coordinated, multi-domain combat missions, combining advanced fighter jets, indigenous helicopters, precision missiles, special forces, and rapid response capabilities into one seamless operational force.
Earlier, the President undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, highlighting India’s accelerating march toward defence self-reliance and indigenous air combat strength.
Simulated War Theatre Tests India’s Combat Nerve
For the first time, Exercise Vayushakti unfolded along a defined operational storyline, transforming the Pokhran range into a simulated live combat theatre. The exercise integrated offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces deployment, and humanitarian rescue missions—demonstrating the IAF’s readiness to dominate modern, technology-driven battle environments.
More than 130 aircraft participated in the day-night exercise, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, along with indigenous platforms like the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand.
Fighter jets executed precision strikes on simulated enemy targets using advanced air-to-ground weapons and precision-guided munitions, reaffirming India’s ability to deliver decisive firepower with surgical accuracy.
Indigenous Missiles and Air Defence Shield Strengthen Strategic Deterrence
India’s growing indigenous defence strength took centre stage as Akash missile systems and advanced ground-based air defence platforms, supported by Army systems such as L-70 and M-777, successfully neutralised simulated aerial threats.
These integrated missile and defence systems demonstrated seamless coordination between air and ground forces—creating a powerful, layered defence shield capable of protecting critical assets and neutralising enemy incursions.
The exercise highlighted how indigenous missiles, surveillance systems, and precision strike capabilities are transforming India into a technologically empowered military force capable of responding instantly to emerging threats.
Elite Commandos and Combat Aviators Rise to the Ultimate Challenge
As darkness fell, the exercise shifted into high-risk special operations. Garud Special Forces and Para SF commandos were inserted deep into simulated hostile zones by Mi-17 helicopters to conduct urban combat, hostage rescue, and extraction missions.
Heavy-lift aircraft including C-130J and C-295 executed assault landings and emergency evacuations from advanced landing grounds, reinforcing the IAF’s critical role as both a combat force and humanitarian responder.
Precision night strikes by frontline fighter aircraft further demonstrated the IAF’s capability to dominate battlefields round-the-clock—delivering lethal force anytime, anywhere.
Indigenous Airpower and Human Courage Define India’s Future Combat Doctrine
The exercise began with a ceremonial flypast by Chetak helicopters carrying the National Flag, followed by a thunderous Rafale sonic boom—symbolising India’s technological confidence and operational supremacy.
Guided by its core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek,” Exercise Vayushakti-26 validated the IAF’s operational doctrine, indigenous capabilities, and joint integration—cementing its role as a decisive pillar of India’s national security and strategic deterrence.
The exercise concluded with a symbolic C-17 flypast and drone display, celebrating the IAF’s evolution into a modern, agile, and intelligent force prepared for future warfare.
President Droupadi Murmu’s presence and sortie in the indigenous Prachand helicopter underscored national confidence in India’s air warriors and home-grown defence capabilities—reflecting pride in both technological progress and the fearless personnel who defend the nation’s skies.
