IAF set to conduct Vayu Shakti-2026 air power exercise in Rajasthan's Pokaran

JAISALMER: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct its largest day-and-night air power exercise, Vayu Shakti-2026, at the Pokaran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district on February 27.

The exercise will test operational strategy and weapon systems, with fighter aircraft tasked to strike simulated enemy targets created at the range, including operation rooms, bunkers and bridges.

According to officials, the demonstration will be held at the Air Force’s Chandan Field Firing Range near Pokaran. Preparations are already under way, with fighter jets and other aircraft from major airbases, including Jodhpur on the western border, taking part. The Air Force is expected to showcase operations during day, dusk and night phases. A full dress rehearsal is scheduled for February 24.


More than 120 frontline aircraft and helicopters are expected to participate. These include Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, LCA Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Hawk and Jaguar aircraft, along with Chinook and Apache helicopters and the indigenously built Dhruv helicopters. Sources said night operations will feature combat helicopters firing rockets at designated targets.

The exercise will also see the participation of women pilots. MI-17 V-5, Rudra and MI-35 helicopters are expected to engage targets on the ground as well as in the air, while Para commandos will be airdropped during the drills.

Air Force units from across the country will take part in the exercise. Planned operations include Defensive Counter Air, Offensive Counter Air, Counter Air Strike, Suppression of Enemy Air Defence and Target of Opportunity missions. Operations are expected to be controlled from an airborne war room using AWACS, with aircraft moving to holding points before executing strikes.

Jodhpur airbase is likely to serve as the main axis of the exercise, with aircraft from eight to nine major airbases striking targets at the Pokaran range.

The demonstration is also expected to include precision and long-range weapon delivery, transport operations, helicopter fleet deployment and special operations in coordination with the Indian Army. Sources said the exercise will showcase indigenously developed weapon systems, including the Akash air defence system, for tracking and engaging hostile aircraft, along with surface-to-air strike capabilities.