Indian Air Force to Conduct Major Firepower Demonstration Exercise Vayushakti-26 in 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to display its formidable combat prowess and operational readiness through Exercise Vayushakti-26, scheduled for February 27, 2026, at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This high-profile event will also serve to highlight the strategic successes of Operation Sindoor, reinforcing the IAF's critical role in national defense and its alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
Demonstrating Air Dominance and Indigenous Capabilities
Described by the IAF as the first, fastest, and fiercest responder to threats, the exercise aims to showcase the force's ability to rapidly engage and neutralize adversaries, dominate operational environments from the outset, and decisively influence military outcomes by transforming tactical actions into strategic victories. It will underscore the IAF's primacy in key areas such as airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting, and multi-domain operations, emphasizing its capacity to deliver decisive effects using indigenous platforms.
Massive Deployment of Aircraft and Weaponry
The scale of Vayushakti-26 is immense, with the IAF deploying a total of 128 aircraft, including:
- 77 fighter aircraft
- 43 helicopters
- 8 transport aircraft
Additionally, the exercise will utilize 277 weapons and 12,000 kg of explosives to simulate realistic combat scenarios. According to Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, this demonstration will highlight the IAF's capability to win future wars, its deterrence power, and its superiority in long-range targeting, thereby reassuring the nation of its defensive strength.
Full-Spectrum Operations with Advanced Systems
Vayushakti-26 will feature full-spectrum operations executed by a diverse array of platforms, including:
- Fighter Aircraft: Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, and Hawk.
- Transport Aircraft: C-130J, C-295, and C-17.
- Helicopters: Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, and Chinook.
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for unmanned missions.
The exercise will also integrate advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS). Operations will be conducted across multiple timeframes—day, dusk, and night—to demonstrate the IAF's round-the-clock readiness and versatility.
Humanitarian and Strategic Reassurance
Beyond combat demonstrations, Vayushakti-26 will provide insights into the IAF's crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management. This includes capabilities in rapid airlift, rescue operations, and evacuation from conflict zones, both within India and internationally. Guided by the core values of Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek (Unbreakable, Impenetrable, and Accurate), the exercise aims to reassure the nation by reaffirming the IAF's position as a key component of India's national security architecture.
Marking a Post-Operation Sindoor Milestone
As the first major firepower demonstration following Operation Sindoor, Vayushakti-26 holds significant strategic importance. Key highlights will include live-action displays by aircraft such as the Rafale, Su-30, Tejas, and Prachand, along with firepower showcases from systems like the Akash and SAMAR. This event not only underscores the IAF's evolving capabilities but also its commitment to safeguarding national interests through innovation and indigenous development.
