As nations around the world continue to grapple with crises, military exercises and demonstrations often take a backseat. With the recent deepening crisis in Ukraine, a similar scenario is playing out in India. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has chosen to postpone its firepower demonstration, titled Exercise Vayu Shakti, originally scheduled to take place in the Pokhran ranges in Rajasthan. The last edition of the exercise was held in February 2019, marking it as a triennial event.
Purpose of Exercise Vayu Shakti
Vayu Shakti is organized once every three years. It is not just an exhibition of the IAF’s firepower but also an opportunity for the force to demonstrate its comprehensive capabilities. The scope of this exercise encompasses full spectrum operations, which include both day and night missions.
This event showcases the participation of various types of aircraft, helicopters, transport aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The objective is not merely to display the assets but also to illustrate the seamless coordination between different types of air power components in executing complex mission parameters.
Participating Aircraft and Helicopters
Participation in Exercise Vayu Shakti reflects the diversity and breadth of the IAF’s fleet. The frontline aircraft in the IAF inventory that usually take part in the exercise include Russian SU-30MKI and MiG-29UPG fighters, French Rafale and Mirage 2000 combat aircraft.
The IAF’s transport capabilities are represented by American C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft, which play crucial roles in strategic airlift missions as well as humanitarian relief operations. These are critical assets that enable the IAF to project power and deliver aid far beyond India’s borders.
In terms of rotary-wing assets, the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters offer a glimpse into the IAF’s vertical maneuverability and firepower.
Indigenous Aircraft of the IAF
Exercise Vayu Shakti also serves as a platform for showcasing India’s homegrown aircraft. These include the Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv), and the Light Combat Helicopter.
Tejas, a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, is a testament to India’s technological prowess and its ability to design an advanced and capable combat aircraft. The Dhruv helicopter is a multi-role, multi-mission chopper that has proven its effectiveness in numerous operations across different terrains and climatic conditions. Finally, the Light Combat Helicopter is an attack helicopter designed for high altitude warfare, and it symbolizes the IAF’s readiness for various kinds of combat scenarios.
Exercise Vayu Shakti is more than just a firepower demonstration exercise. It is a comprehensive showcase of the Indian Air Force’s capabilities, assets, and readiness to undertake full spectrum operations. By postponing it, the IAF demonstrates its awareness and sensitivity to global events, even as it stands ready to fulfill its operational duties.