The Indian Air Force said it successfully conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 on Friday at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near Jaisalmer, demonstrating its tremendous combat readiness, operational synergy and technological prowess across the entire spectrum of air operations.
The exercise, witnessed by President Draupadi Murmu as chief guest, demonstrated the Air Force’s ability to conduct complex and integrated air operations in a dynamic and realistic battlefield environment, it said in a statement.
More than 130 aircraft participated in the day and night exercises, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, indigenous advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and light combat helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
However, the Mk-1 Tejas light combat aircraft, which recently suffered a technical accident on the ground at a frontline fighter base, did not participate in the exercise. The indigenously produced fighter was absent from the event as the Indian Air Force was conducting safety checks on its Tejas fleet in the wake of the February 7 accident.
“We witnessed a powerful display of IAF’s precision, speed and operational dominance during Exercise Vayushakti-26 in Pokhran today. From frontline fighters to advanced air defense systems and indigenous platforms, the exercise reflected the growing strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat and our expanding multi-domain capabilities,” Defense Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X.
The exercise began with the national song and anthem, accompanied by a ceremonial fly-over of Chetak helicopters carrying the national flag, the Air Force pennant and the flag of Operation Sindoor.
“For the first time, Exercise Vayushakti was conducted along a defined operational story, simulating a live combat theatre. The exercise seamlessly integrated offensive air strikes, air defense operations, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, highlighting the IAF’s role as an integrated, multi-domain force and first responder for the country.”
Earlier, Murmu had flown a sortie at LCH Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and described it as a “powerful symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
“President Draupadi Murmu witnessed Exercise ‘Vayu Shakti-2026’ at Pokhran Firing Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Vayu Shakti-2026 demonstrated courage, dedication and professional excellence of the Indian Air Force. The exercise was a coordinated demonstration of technology, integration and rapid response capabilities, and demonstrated readiness for combat operations in both day and night conditions,” Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.
The IAF added that the air defense capabilities were demonstrated through coordinated engagements involving airborne platforms and ground systems such as Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by Army air defense assets such as the L-70 and M-777, reflecting the seamless partnership between the air and ground forces.
