In 1974, India successfully tested its nuclear bomb in the Pokhran desert. The operation was code-named ‘Smiling Buddha’. A defiant India again repeated the tests in 1998, much to the chagrin of the West.
But on Saturday, when the Indian Air Force (IAF) went in for a bombing spree during the defining Vayu Shakti exercise, exploding more than 50 tonnes of ordnance in a small patch of the desert—less than nine sq km—in just two hours, the Buddha may have grinned this time.
Not at the booming sound of aircraft breaking the sonic barrier, of spectacular explosions followed by billowing smoke, but at the dizzy speed in which the IAF has modernised itself, equipping itself with many cutting-edge weapons systems and assets.
Five years may indeed be a long time in IAF’s timeline. The last Vayu Shakti exercise took place in 2019 before the havoc in timelines played by the Covid pandemic. And how much has changed for the IAF in just these five years was put on proud display in the Pokhran firing ranges on Saturday as the IAF brought out its latest assets that were fielded for the first time. And indeed, besides being a sight for sore eyes, the sheer range of assets in itself was a bewildering one.
Pokhran is a small desert settlement about an hour-and-a-half-long drive east from district headquarters Jaisalmer. Famous for its extensive Rajput-era medieval fort, Jaisalmer has a bewildering geography—it is surrounded by Pakistan from three sides. It is a reason why the Indian army has consolidated its position in the last few years with the focal buildup shifting from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
On Saturday, the Apache attack helicopter demonstrated its firepower with its deadly Hellfire missiles and Mi-17s and indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters fired their rockets and swivel guns. Besides, the heavy-lift Chinooks “demonstrated rapid deployment of combat assets by airlifting the Indian Army's M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in an under-slung mode enabling prompt destruction of simulated enemy targets on ground”.
The home-made Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ underscored its offensive night combat capabilities for the first time by devastating a designated target with rockets.
More than 120 aircraft took part in the mega exercise including the Rafale, Sukhoi 30, Mig 29, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Tejas and Hawk fighter aircraft, while the Apache, Chinook, Prachand and other helicopters unleashed their barrage of explosives. Missiles fired included the indigenous Akash and SAMAR that destroyed multiple aerial targets.
There were also the transport and special operations fleet that included the C-17 heavy-lift ‘Globemaster’, the C 130J ‘Super Hercules’ and the workhorse AN 32—all undertaking roles that suited their standout capability.
Of special significance was the fact that drones carried out the bomb damage assessment of all targets that was live streamed to the operations centre and to the audience.
And to befit the occasion, the military brass was in full attendance led by the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar and host IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari. The Army chief General Manoj Pande was on an official visit to the US.
