Ahmedabad : The Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase its combat power and operational readiness during Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, on 27 February 2026.
Recognised as the nation’s first, fastest and fiercest responder, the IAF will demonstrate its capability to swiftly punish hostile threats, dominate the operational environment from the outset, and convert tactical missions into decisive strategic outcomes. The exercise will also highlight the Air Force’s vital role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, rapid airlift, and evacuation operations both within India and overseas.
The large-scale drill will feature full-spectrum air operations involving fighter, transport and helicopter fleets including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Apache, Chinook, LCH, ALH Mk-IV, Mi-17 IV, Chetak and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Advanced weapon systems such as Short-Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer air defence systems and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) will be deployed, with missions conducted in day, dusk and night scenarios.
The exercise will also showcase lessons from Operation Sindoor, reinforcing the IAF’s strength in air dominance, long-range precision strikes, and multi-domain warfare, aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Guided by its core values — “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” (Accurate, Invincible and Precise) — Exercise Vayushakti-26 aims to reassure the nation of the Indian Air Force’s decisive role in safeguarding India’s security.
