**Executive Summary**
The President of India witnessed the 'Vayu Shakti-2026' exercise at the Pokhran Firing Range in Rajasthan on February 27, 2026. The exercise demonstrated the Indian Air Force's combat strength, operational readiness, and capability to carry out swift and precise strikes in simulated wartime scenarios. The event reaffirmed the IAF's readiness as a multi-domain force.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Exercise Overview:**
* 'Vayu Shakti-2026' simulated a live, integrated combat theatre.
* The exercise involved demonstrations of technology, integration, and rapid response capabilities.
* It showcased combat readiness in both day and night conditions.
* **Aircraft and Operations:**
* Advanced fighter aircraft (Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, Mirage 2000) carried out precision strikes using air-to-ground guided bombs and missiles.
* Boeing Apache and Boeing Chinook helicopters performed low-altitude rocket and gun firing drills, casualty evacuation operations, and transportation of equipment.
* Integrated wartime operations, including air superiority, ground support, and logistical support, were tested.
* **Attendees**
* Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
* Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
**Impact Analysis**
**Impact** The Indian Air Force's readiness as a multi-domain force and a key pillar of national deterrence is reaffirmed.
**Action Required** No action required.
Key Entities Referenced
Vayu Shakti-2026: An Indian Air Force exercise demonstrating combat capabilities.
Pokhran Firing Range: The location in Rajasthan where the Vayu Shakti-2026 exercise was conducted.
Indian Air Force: The military branch whose combat strength and operational readiness are demonstrated in the Vayu Shakti-2026 exercise.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA WITNESSES THE ‘VAYU
SHAKTI–2026’ EXERCISE AT THE POKHRAN
FIRING RANGE
Posted On: 27 FEB 2026 8:46PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu witnessed the ‘Vayu Shakti–2026’ exercise at the Pokhran
Firing Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan today (February 27, 2026). Vayu Shakti followed a structured
operational storyline, simulating a live, integrated combat theatre. Among the dignitaries present on the
occasion were Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
The Vayu Shakti-2026 displayed the courage, dedication and professional excellence of the Indian Air
Force. This exercise was conducted with the primary objective of demonstrating the capability to carry out
swift and precise strikes in simulated wartime scenarios. Various fighter jets, transport aircraft, and attack
helicopters accurately engaged designated targets in this exercise.The thundering roar of aircraft and precision bombing in the desert presented a vivid display of the Indian
Air Force’s modern combat strength and operational readiness. Advanced fighter aircraft of the Indian Air
Force, including Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas and Mirage 2000, carried out precision strikes
using air-to-ground guided bombs and missiles, accurately targeting enemy bunkers, runways, and
command centres. Boeing Apache and Boeing Chinook helicopters also performed low-altitude rocket and
gun firing drills, casualty evacuation operations, and transportation of equipment to difficult battlefield
terrains.
Apart from the display of firepower, ‘Vayu Shakti–2026’ is also a coordinated demonstration of
technology, integration, and rapid response capabilities. The exercise showcased readiness for combat
operations in both day and night conditions. It also successfully tested integrated wartime operations such
as air superiority, ground support, and logistical support. Vayushakti-2026 reaffirmed IAF’s readiness as a
multi-domain force and key pillar of national deterrence.****
MJPS/Dr. Pavan Khedkar
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