VAYUSHAKTI–2026: IAF Roars Over Thar, Displays Precision Strike Power
Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, Mirage-2000 conduct precision strikes: Day-to-night combat operations demonstrated: Rapid airlift by C-17, C-130J
POKHRAN (RAJASTHAN), 28 Feb- In a massive demonstration of combat capability and operational readiness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday showcased its air power during Vayushakti–2026 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Rajasthan’s Thar desert, highlighting precision strike capability, integrated warfare operations and rapid response preparedness near the India–Pakistan border.
President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessed the high-intensity exercise that simulated modern battlefield scenarios and reinforced the IAF’s role as the nation’s “first, fastest and fiercest responder” in times of conflict and crisis.
The desert skies thundered as frontline fighter aircraft — Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Tejas and Mirage-2000 — executed coordinated air-to-ground precision strikes against simulated enemy targets under a structured operational storyline representing an integrated combat theatre.
Transport aircraft including C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules and C-295 demonstrated rapid airlift capability, enabling swift deployment of troops and equipment.
Meanwhile, Apache and Chinook helicopters, along with Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Mi-17 IV, ALH Mk-IV and Chetak platforms, carried out low-altitude rocket firing, logistics missions and casualty evacuation operations in demanding battlefield conditions.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh and senior military officials observed the two-and-a-half-hour exercise, which transitioned seamlessly from daytime operations into dusk and night combat simulations.
Advanced weapon systems, including Akash and SpyDer surface-to-air missiles, short-range loitering munitions and counter-unmanned aerial systems, demonstrated India’s layered air defence architecture supported by drones and advanced radar networks — reflecting growing network-centric warfare capability.
The exercise also featured humanitarian assistance and disaster relief simulations, showcasing the IAF’s ability to conduct rescue and evacuation missions during natural disasters and overseas emergencies.
Officials said the extensive deployment of indigenous platforms reflected the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were among dignitaries present at the biennial airpower exercise on February 27.
Guided by its core values — “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” — the exercise reaffirmed the IAF’s preparedness to safeguard India’s airspace and national security.
A synchronised drone show concluded the event, paying tribute to the force’s technological evolution.
*Photo: Sipra Das*
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