IAF to showcase air power, indigenous might at Exercise Vayushakti-26 in Pokhran
New Delhi, February 11. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will demonstrate its combat capabilities and operational readiness during Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27.
The large-scale exercise will highlight the IAF’s role as the country’s first responder in times of conflict, underscoring its ability to swiftly retaliate, establish dominance in the operational environment from the outset, and convert tactical successes into strategic gains. The event will also offer a glimpse into the force’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities, including rapid airlift, rescue, and evacuation missions within India and overseas.
Addressing a media briefing here on February 11, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said the exercise would underscore the IAF’s precision strike strength.
“Targets will be earmarked, aircraft will release weapons, and the targets will be engaged with high accuracy,” he said.
Air Marshal Kapoor noted that certain long-range missile demonstrations, including BrahMos strike profiles, would not be conducted due to the proximity of spectators to the target zone.
“Nonetheless, the impact on targets will be clearly visible. For the first time, two new weapon systems will be on display, and the share of indigenous weapons will be higher than ever before,” he added.
Wing Commander AB Vasane detailed the scale of participation, stating that 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters and eight transport planes would take part.
The fighter lineup will feature Rafale, Tejas, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft. Rotary-wing platforms will include Apache, Mi-17 and Mi-17 V5, Chinook, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Heavy-lift and tactical transport aircraft such as the C-17, C-295 and C-130J will also be involved.
Air defence systems including Akash, Spyder and L-70 guns, along with Special Forces units, will provide operational support. The Indian Army will also join the exercise, deploying M-777 ultra-light howitzers, L-70 air defence guns and Para Special Forces personnel.
A total of 277 weapons are scheduled to be deployed during the drill, involving nearly 11,835 kg of explosives. Aircraft will operate from multiple air bases, including Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Jodhpur.
The exercise aims to demonstrate the IAF’s offensive and defensive capabilities across day and night scenarios, highlighting its ability to execute long-range precision strikes and deliver conventional firepower within strict timelines.
Vayushakti-26 will also highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming IAF’s primacy in airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting, multi-domain operations and its ability to deliver decisive effects with indigenous platforms guided by the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India).
Guided by the core values ‘Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek’, the exercise aims to reassure the nation by reaffirming the IAF’s role as a key component of India’s national security architecture.
Exercise Vayushakti is the IAF’s premier biennial firepower demonstration, designed to showcase its combat capabilities, operational preparedness, and technological advancements. Conducted at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Rajasthan, the exercise brings together a wide spectrum of air and ground assets in a coordinated display of precision strike and air defence operations.
The exercise is held at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan due to its vast desert terrain and extensive instrumentation facilities. The location enables live firing of air-to-ground munitions, precision-guided bombs, rockets, missiles, and other advanced weapon systems in a controlled environment. The desert landscape also simulates realistic battlefield conditions for high-tempo operations.
“The aim of Exercise Vayushakti is to demonstrate capabilities and combat preparedness of the IAF, instil confidence in citizens, and inspire youth to join the IAF,” Wing Commander Vasane said.
