New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to showcase its strength in the upcoming Vayu Shakti exercise, to be held at the Pokharan field firing range. The exercise will see the number of IAF aircraft like Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, Tejas, Jaguar, among other fighter aircraft. The exercise will highlight the “successful role” of the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor.
The exercise will witness both ground and aerial targets with high precision
These platforms will engage both ground and aerial targets with high precision. It is expected to be the largest IAF air combat drill of 2026. Sharing details about the event, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said that the exercise won’t be showcasing a “long-distance targeting” during the firepower demonstration. He added that the demonstration this year “assumes (a) different connotation” as this year’s event is being held months after last year’s Operation Sindoor.
Several IAF fighter jets to participate
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor had earlier said that over 120 assets, among which include fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft, will participate in the event. “Fighter jets, such as Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, Tejas, Jaguar, and Mirage-2000, will be part of the exercise, besides Apache, LCH Prachand, and ALH,” he said. When asked whether the exercise. which will be carried out not far from Pakistan, will have any message for the neighbouring country, the Air Vice Chief added, “We will do our demonstration. What message will go out to anyone? It is up to you to decide.”
Importantly, India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year. It was done to destroy the terror infrastructure at nine places in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. While around 8-10 fighter pilots will participate, the IAF will host guest from 40 nations.