Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026: Indian Air Force Unleashes Firepower Near Pakistan Border

The Indian Air Force (IAF) displayed its combat power during Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in western Rajasthan. Exercise was Conducted in the Thar desert near the India–Pakistan border, the large scale day to night exercise was witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu. The event highlighted precision strike capability, integrated air defence systems and multi-platform combat coordination under realistic battlefield simulations.

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran Firing Range

The exercise was conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 included simulated combat missions over a three kilometre target zone. The demonstration reflected operational scenarios similar to those undertaken during Operation Sindoor.

Targets included,

• Simulated enemy runway
• Radar stations
• Bunkers and tank formations
• Armoured convoys
• Ammunition depots
• Communication centres
• Terror camps

The exercise showcased coordinated precision strikes and suppression of enemy air defence systems.

Sukhoi, Jaguar and Mirage Lead Strike Operations

Frontline fighter aircraft played a central role in Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026.

Aircraft involved included,

• Sukhoi Su-30MKI
• SEPECAT Jaguar
• Dassault Mirage 2000

A Sukhoi-30 aircraft executed a simulated strike on a terror camp, while other fighters demonstrated suppression and destruction of enemy air defence systems. Coordinated strike patterns reflected synchronised battlefield execution.

Helicopter Support and Akash Missile System

The exercise also demonstrated multi-platform integration.

Helicopters involved,

• AH-64E Apache
• Mil Mi-17V5
• HAL Rudra

The Akash surface-to-air missile system was fired as part of the air defence demonstration, underlining India’s indigenous missile capability.

Helicopters supported ground attack missions, targeting tank clusters, bunker positions and logistics nodes.

Night Combat Demonstration and Operational Readiness

• A key highlight of Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 was the night phase.
• Precision strikes were conducted in low-visibility conditions, showcasing advanced targeting systems and night-attack capability.
• Integrated combat operations between fighter aircraft and helicopters demonstrated the IAF’s readiness for complex, multi-domain warfare scenarios.
• The exercise emphasized calibrated response capability and seamless coordination between strike and air defence platforms.

Strategic Significance of Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026

• Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 reflects India’s air combat preparedness near its western frontier.
• Conducted in proximity to the India-Pakistan border, the drill sends a strong message of operational capability and deterrence.
• The simulation of diverse enemy assets, including terror camps and air defence networks, highlighted India’s ability to conduct precision strikes while neutralising hostile capabilities.
• The presence of the President underscored the strategic importance of the exercise.

Evolution of Vayu Shakti Exercises

• Exercise Vayu Shakti is a periodic firepower demonstration conducted by the Indian Air Force to showcase combat readiness.
• Held at the Pokhran range, it integrates fighters, helicopters, transport aircraft and missile systems.
• Over the years, the exercise has evolved to include network-centric warfare, night operations and indigenous defence systems.
• The 2026 edition emphasized real-time coordination and high-intensity combat scenarios.

Question

Q. Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 was conducted at,

A) Jaisalmer Air Base
B) Pokhran Field Firing Range
C) Jodhpur Air Station
D) Ambala Air Force Station