Indian Air Force Stages Thunderous Rehearsal for Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran
The Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer echoed with the formidable roar of Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft on Tuesday, as a day-and-night combat demonstration sent a resounding strategic message. This full-scale rehearsal for the main Vayu Shakti 2026 event, scheduled for February 27, showcased the IAF's advanced capabilities, reinforcing its position among the world's premier air forces.
Precision Strikes and Indigenous Arsenal on Display
Fighter jets and helicopters executed pinpoint attacks on simulated enemy targets, utilizing indigenously manufactured ammunition, missiles, and sophisticated weapon systems. The desert landscape was transformed by deafening explosions and massive sand clouds, highlighting the IAF's operational readiness. A supersonic boom from a Dassault Rafale flying at approximately 1,300 km/h initiated the rehearsal, shaking the entire range.
Key platforms included the Sukhoi Su-30MKI striking enemy runways, MiG-29 jets targeting armored columns, and the indigenous Akash missile system intercepting aerial threats. The exercise emphasized long-range precision strike capabilities, joint special operations with the Indian Army, and integrated air defense across multiple bases.
Notable Absence of HAL Tejas Following Technical Incident
In a significant development, the HAL Tejas Mk-1 did not participate in the rehearsal and is unlikely to feature in the main event. This follows a technical incident at a forward fighter base on February 7, which prompted safety inspections of the Tejas fleet. Sources indicate that the aircraft, initially listed for demonstration, has been grounded as a precautionary measure.
Innovative Drone Show and Historical Tributes
A grand drone spectacle, introduced for the first time in Vayu Shakti, captivated attendees by forming the map of India in the sky, displaying fireworks, and depicting symbolic aircraft formations. The show paid homage to historic moments, including the bravery of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon during the 1971 war, the bombing of Tiger Hill in the Kargil War, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor.
It also demonstrated how India's air defense systems, such as the S-400, successfully thwarted enemy aerial attacks and neutralized nine terrorist camps during Operation Sindoor.
Night Operations and Special Forces Deployment
The rehearsal featured advanced night operations, with a C-130 aircraft executing a landing on a temporary runway to deploy and retrieve Garud commandos. The C-295 performed an assault landing, while Prachand helicopters operated in the simulated war zone. Two Jaguar aircraft showcased the Sudarshan formation during target approaches.
Distinguished Guests and Upcoming Main Event
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Marshal Tejendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command, served as chief guests. Senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with defense attachés from friendly nations and schoolchildren, were present.
The main Vayu Shakti event on February 27 will be attended by President Droupadi Murmu as chief guest, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and the chiefs of the three services expected to participate.
Participating Aircraft and Strategic Implications
The rehearsal involved a diverse fleet, including the Dassault Rafale, SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-29, BAE Hawk, Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules, Airbus C-295, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, HAL Chetak, HAL Dhruv Mk IV, Mil Mi-17, HAL Light Combat Helicopter, Boeing AH-64 Apache, and Boeing CH-47 Chinook.
This demonstration underscores the IAF's ability to detect, track, and neutralize hostile aircraft, ensuring robust defense of Indian airspace. The absence of the Tejas, however, highlights ongoing challenges in indigenous aircraft deployment, even as the force showcases its formidable prowess.
