JAISALMER: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will demonstrate ts prowess through Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on 27 February 2026. The exercise will also highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming the IAF’s primacy in airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting, multi-domain operations, and its ability to deliver decisive effects using indigenous platforms, in line with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.Describing the IAF as the first, fastest, and fiercest responder, the service said the exercise would showcase its ability to rapidly punish the enemy, dominate the operational environment from the outset, and decisively influence the course of operations by transforming tactical actions into strategic outcomes. The exercise will also provide a glimpse of how the IAF plays a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management, including rapid airlift, rescue, and evacuation from conflict zones both within India and abroad.
A total of 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters, and eight transport aircraft will be deployed. Additionally, 277 weapons and 12,000 kg of explosives will be used. Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor told the media that the exercise would demonstrate the Air Force’s capability to win future wars, its deterrence power, and superiority in long-range targeting.Full-spectrum operations by fighter, transport, and helicopter platforms—including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, Chinook, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)—will be executed. The exercise will also feature advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), carrying out missions during the day, dusk, and night.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. Vayushakti-26 will be held at Pokhran on 27 February 2026 and will mark the first major firepower demonstration following Operation Sindoor. During day, evening, and night operations, 12,000 kg of explosives will be deployed using 277 weapons. The Rafale, Su-30, Tejas, and Prachand will be seen in action, while the Akash and SAMAR systems will also showcase their firepower.
