The Indian Air Force will conduct Vayu Shakti-2026, its largest day-and-night air power exercise, at the Pokaran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district on 27 February. The drill will test operational strategy, combat readiness and weapon systems through simulated strikes on enemy-like targets such as operation rooms, bunkers and bridges. The exercise will be held at the Chandan Field Firing Range near Pokaran and will involve aircraft operating from several major airbases, including Jodhpur.
Scale of the Exercise
More than 120 frontline aircraft and helicopters are expected to take part. These include Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, LCA Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Hawk and Jaguar aircraft. Helicopters such as Chinook, Apache, Dhruv, MI-17 V-5, Rudra and MI-35 are also expected to participate. Women pilots will be part of the exercise, reflecting the growing role of women in combat aviation.
Operational Phases and Missions
The exercise will cover day, dusk and night operations. Planned missions include:
- Defensive Counter Air.
- Offensive Counter Air.
- Counter Air Strike.
- Suppression of Enemy Air Defence.
- Target of Opportunity missions.
Night operations are expected to include combat helicopters firing rockets at designated targets. Para commandos will also be airdropped during the drills.
Command, Control and Coordination
Operations are expected to be coordinated from an airborne war room using AWACS support. Aircraft will move to holding points before executing strikes. Jodhpur airbase is likely to serve as the main axis, with aircraft from eight to nine major airbases striking targets at the Pokaran range. The exercise will also involve transport operations, helicopter fleet deployment and special operations in coordination with the Indian Army.
Indigenous Systems and Strategic Significance
Vayu Shakti-2026 will showcase precision and long-range weapon delivery, along with indigenous systems such as the Akash air defence system. The system is expected to demonstrate tracking and engagement of hostile aircraft, denoting India’s emphasis on self-reliance in air defence and integrated battlefield operations.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026