**Executive Summary**
Exercise Vayushakti-26, conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer on 27 FEB 2026, demonstrated the IAF's combat readiness and technological capabilities across a spectrum of air operations. The exercise included day and night operations with over 130 aircraft. The President of India attended the event as the Chief Guest.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Purpose:** To showcase the IAF's ability to execute complex, integrated air operations and to validate its operational doctrine, joint integration, and technological capabilities.
* **Operational Highlights:**
* Featured a defined operational storyline transforming into a simulated live combat theatre.
* Integrated offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions, and humanitarian assistance.
* Included precision strikes on simulated enemy targets using advanced air-to-ground weapons.
* Demonstrated air defence capabilities through coordinated engagements involving airborne and ground-based systems.
* Showcased integrated air defence and air-landed operations during the night phase.
* Special operations included urban intervention and hostage rescue simulations.
* **Aircraft and Systems Involved:**
* Over 130 aircraft including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, ALH Dhruv and LCH Prachand.
* Ground-based systems like Akash and Spyder missile systems, and Army air defence assets like L-70 and M-777.
* **Symbolic End:** Concluded with a symbolic ceasefire fly-past by a C-17 aircraft and a drone display celebrating IAF's legacy and achievements.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Indian Air Force (IAF)**
* **Impact:** Validated operational readiness, joint integration, and technological capabilities.
* **Action Required:** Continue to refine operational doctrine and integrate technological advancements.
* **Indian Defence Sector**
* **Impact:** Showcased India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
* **Action Required:** Foster continued development and integration of indigenous defence technologies.
* **Indian Government and Citizens**
* **Impact:** Reaffirmed the IAF's role as a key enabler of India's comprehensive national power and strategic deterrence.
* **Action Required:** Understand the importance of the armed forces and their commitment to national security.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Air Force: The primary entity conducting the Vayushakti-26 exercise.
Vayushakti-26: The name of the Indian Air Force exercise conducted at Pokhran Range.
Pokhran Range: The location where the Vayushakti-26 exercise took place.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vision towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Ministry of Defence: The Government Ministry that oversees the Indian Armed Forces.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN AIR FORCE CONDUCTS EXERCISE
'VAYUSHAKTI-26' AT POKHRAN RANGE,
JAISALMER
Posted On: 27 FEB 2026 9:37PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran Field Firing Range,
Jaisalmer, demonstrating its formidable combat readiness, operational synergy and technological prowess
across full spectrum of air operations.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the Fire Power Demonstration as the Chief
Guest, accompanied by esteemed dignitaries including the Hon'ble Governor of Rajasthan, Shri
Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Civil
Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon'ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, GS
Shekhawat, Chief Information Commissioner, Shri Raj Kumar Goyal, Cabinet Secretary, Dr TV
Somanathan, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, Commanders-in-Chief of Indian Air Force
and Indian Navy, Senior Officers of the three Services, Officers of the Centre and State
Governments, DPSUS, Former Air Chiefs, Esteemed Veterans, Defence Attaches from friendly
foreign countries, Indian and International media and School children.
The exercise showcased IAF's capability to execute complex, integrated air operations within a dynamic
and realistic battlefield environment. Earlier in the day, Hon'ble President also undertook a sortie in the
indigenously developed LCH Prachand, reflecting India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing
under the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
For the first time, Exercise Vayushakti was executed along a defined operational storyline, transforming
into simulated live combat theatre. The exercise seamlessly integrated offensive air strikes, air defence
operations. special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, highlighting IAF's role as a multi-domain,
integrated force and nation's first responder.
The exercise commenced with National Song and National Anthem, accompanied by a ceremonial flypast
of Chetak helicopters carrying National Flag, Air Force Ensign and Operation Sindoor Flag. This was
followed by a precisely timed sonic boom by a Rafale fighter, setting the stage for high-intensity combat
missions.
Over 130 aircraft participated in a day and night exercise including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000,
MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C-130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous Advance Light Helicopter (ALH)
Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. Fighter aircraft executed precision strikes on
simulated enemy targets using advanced air-to-ground weapons, including precision-guided munitions and
long range strike capabilities, underscoring IAF's ability to deliver decisive firepower with accuracy.
Air defence capabilities were demonstrated through coordinated engagements involving airborne
platforms and ground based systems such as Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by Army air
defence assets, like L-70 and M-777 reflecting seamless jointmanship between air and ground forces.Special operations and humanitarian assistance missions formed a key component of the exercise. As dusk
fell, Garud Special Forces, along with Para SF elements, were inserted by Mi-17 helicopters to conduct
simulated urban intervention and hostage rescue operations. This was followed by assault landings and
evacuation by C-130 and C-295 aircraft from Advanced Landing Ground, reaffirming IAF's critical role in
rapid response and casualty evacuation.
The night phase of exercise showcased integrated air defence and air-landed operations, followed by
precision night strikes by multiple fighter platforms, demonstrating IAF's capability to dominate the
battlespace round-the-clock. The exercise concluded with a symbolic ceasefire fly-past by a C-17 aircraft,
followed by a drone display celebrating IAF’s legacy and achievements.
Guided by its core values of "Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek", Exercise Vayushakti-26 validated 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.***
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