Over 130 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, showcased the formidable combat readiness, operational synergy and technological prowess of the IAF across the full spectrum of air operations during the day and night at Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer.
The exercise, which was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, among others, also demonstrated the ability of the force to conduct sophisticated, coordinated air operations in a challenging and realistic combat scenario.
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For the first time, Exercise Vayushakti was executed along a defined operational storyline, transforming it into a simulated live combat theatre. It seamlessly integrated offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, highlighting the role of the IAF as a multi-domain, integrated force and India's first responder.
Fighter jets of the force carried out precision strikes on simulated enemy targets using advanced air-to-ground weaponry, including precision-guided munitions and long-range strike capabilities, highlighting the IAF’s capacity to deliver accurate and decisive firepower.
Seamless jointmanship between air and ground forces, coordinated engagements involving airborne platforms and ground-based systems such as Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by Army air defence assets like L-70 and M-777, were showcased during the drill.
Special operations and humanitarian assistance missions formed a key component of the exercise.
Garud Special Forces, along with Para SF elements, were inserted by Mi-17 helicopters to conduct simulated urban intervention and hostage rescue operations at dusk. This was followed by assault landings and evacuation by C-130 and C-295 aircraft from an Advanced Landing Ground, reaffirming the IAF's critical role in rapid response and casualty evacuation, a defence ministry stated in a release.
The night phase of the exercise highlighted integrated air defence and air-landed operations, followed by coordinated precision night strikes by multiple fighter platforms, intending to showcase the IAF’s ability to maintain battlespace dominance around the clock.
The exercise, which began with the national song and national anthem, accompanied by a ceremonial flypast of Chetak helicopters carrying the national flag, Air Force ensign and Operation Sindoor flag, concluded with a symbolic ceasefire flypast by a C-17 aircraft, followed by a drone display celebrating the IAF’s legacy and achievements.
"Guided by its core values of 'Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek,' Exercise Vayushakti-26 validated the IAF's operational doctrine, joint integration and technological capabilities, reaffirming its role as a key enabler of India's comprehensive national power and strategic deterrence," the defence ministry release further said.