New Delhi: The Indian Air Force released a video one day before Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026. It has shown the S-400 air defence system and it called it as a real combat mode. The video show the S-400 Triumf missile system being fired and achieving what the force called the longest-range intercept in its history.
The video shows the radar locking onto an enemy target from a long distance. Then the launcher activates and fires the missile, which destroys the target with precision. The IAF said the demonstration is about the strength of India’s air defence network.
Long-range interception demonstrated
In the video shared which was shared on social media, the S-400 system tracks an approaching aircraft at long range. The radar sees the target before the missile launcher engages it. The Air Force said the recent mission rehearsal met all technical parameters and successfully ended all intended targets.
The video comes months after Operation Sindoor happened. In the operation, India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Officials said the latest drill shows improved preparedness and accuracy.
Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise
1 day to go.
The Indian Air Force has successfully validated all operational parameters during the Full Dress Rehearsal for #Vayushakti26 at Pokhran, all targets effectively neutralised.
All Air Warriors now stand fully… pic.twitter.com/j7ZWmOYYb1
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 26, 2026
What is S-400 Sudarshan Chakra
India calls the Russian-made S-400 Triumf system the “Sudarshan Chakra.” The name is inspired from Lord Vishnu’s legendary weapon and it shows the system’s speed and precision.
Developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, the S-400 is one of the most best long-range surface-to-air missile systems in the world. It can engage aircraft, drones and ballistic missiles at distances of up to 400 km. The radar can detect targets as far as 600 km. India acquired the system from Russia to strengthen its layered air defence structure.
Vayu Shakti 2026 in Pokhran
The Indian Air Force will conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti on February 27 in Pokhran, Rajasthan. More than 120 defence assets will take part, which included fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters.
Talking to the media in Delhi, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said, “We are going to get glimpses of precise targeting. A target will be earmarked, Aircraft will drop the weapons and target will be engaged.”
The exercise will also show aspects of Operation Sindoor and demonstrate the operational readiness of the Air Force.