IAF Exercise Vayushakti-26: The Indian Air Force showed its full strength during Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. More than 130 aircraft took part in this huge drill. The event showed how ready and powerful the Air Force is both in the day and at night.
Many different aircraft were seen in action. These included Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar and Hawk fighter jets. Helicopters like the Mi-17, ALH Dhruv and the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand also flew. Transport planes like the C-130J, C-295 and C-17 were part of the exercise too. The large number of aircraft showed how strong and modern the Air Force has become.
President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the event. Many other senior officials were also present to watch the display.
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Real war-like practice with full coordination
For the first time, this exercise followed a proper story plan. It was designed like a real war situation. The Air Force carried out attack missions, air defence tasks, special force actions and even humanitarian help operations in one combined exercise. This showed that the Air Force can handle many types of missions together and act as India’s first responder in emergencies.
Fighter jets attacked pretend enemy targets using advanced weapons. These included precision-guided bombs and long-range strike systems. The aim was to show that the Air Force can hit targets very accurately.
The drill also showed strong teamwork between air and ground forces. Airborne systems worked together with ground missile systems like Akash and Spyder. Army air defence weapons such as L-70 and M-777 also supported the operation. This showed smooth joint action between different forces.
Garud Special Forces and Para SF teams were dropped into the area by Mi-17 helicopters during the evening. They carried out a practice mission for urban combat and hostage rescue. After that, C-130 and C-295 aircraft carried out assault landings and evacuation from an Advanced Landing Ground. This showed how fast the Air Force can respond and rescue people during emergencies.
At night, the exercise continued. The Air Force demonstrated air defence and air-landed missions in darkness. Fighter jets then carried out coordinated precision strikes at night. This proved that the Air Force can control the battlefield 24 hours a day.
Powerful Message
The exercise started with the national song and national anthem. Chetak helicopters flew carrying the national flag, the Air Force flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. At the end, a C-17 aircraft performed a symbolic ceasefire flypast. A drone show followed, celebrating the history and success of the Indian Air Force.
The defence ministry later said, “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.
