Synopsis
- Earlier in the day, President Murmu undertook a sortie in the Prachand helicopter, calling it a powerful symbol of India’s self-reliance.
Source : IgMp Bulletin
Against the stark backdrop of the Thar desert, Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 unfolded as one of the Indian Air Force’s most comprehensive live combat demonstrations in recent years. Held at the Pokharan Field Firing Range near the western border, the day-to-dusk-to-night drill was witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior military leadership, underscoring both its operational and strategic significance.
What made this edition particularly noteworthy was the insight it offered into the planning and execution patterns associated with Operation Sindoor, a recent real-world mission that shaped the IAF’s current combat doctrine. Rather than focusing only on spectacle, the exercise highlighted decision-making cycles, coordinated targeting and controlled escalation—concepts that increasingly define modern air warfare.
During the daylight phase, fighter aircraft simulated strikes on a wide grid of targets representing enemy runways, fuel depots, radar installations, command centres and armoured formations. Aircraft such as the SEPECAT Jaguar and Dassault Mirage 2000 executed synchronised attack runs, demonstrating precision engagement and time-sensitive coordination. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI showcased deep strike capability, including simulated suppression of enemy air defence systems—a critical first step in establishing air dominance.
The integration of decoy tactics and loitering missions reflected the IAF’s shift toward network-centric warfare. Neutralising a simulated radar cluster to “blind” adversary surveillance illustrated how air power today is as much about information control as it is about firepower. Rapid fighter deployment drills and the engagement of airborne targets further reinforced readiness for high-tempo scenarios.
Indigenous defence manufacturing featured prominently. The HAL Prachand, developed for high-altitude operations, performed agile attack profiles against simulated logistical nodes. Its presence symbolised India’s growing confidence in homegrown platforms. The Akash missile system conducted a night intercept, demonstrating credible air defence under low-visibility conditions. The system has previously proven effective in countering aerial threats, and its performance in the drill reinforced its role in layered defence architecture.
Heavy-lift capability was also on display as the Boeing CH-47 Chinook transported artillery assets into operational zones. Multi-platform coordination extended to Apache attack helicopters and Mi-17 variants, reflecting the Air Force’s ability to synchronise assets across combat and support roles.
As darkness fell, the complexity of operations intensified. Precision night strikes by fighter jets and armed helicopters targeted bunker clusters and logistics hubs, highlighting the IAF’s capacity to operate seamlessly beyond daylight advantage. Night warfare demands advanced avionics, pilot training and integrated command networks—areas where the force has invested heavily over the past decade.
An Akash SAM (surface-to-air missile) was also fired as part of the demonstration.
The indigenous Akash SAM system just nailed a nighttime target intercept—bullseye under cover of darkness, showcasing precision air defense. Part of the IAF’s full-spectrum demo including night ops. Akash SAM once again proved its mettle in air defense, after its grand first time combat success during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when it intercepted several high value drones, aircraft, rockets and missiles launched from different areas of Pakistan.
Special operations added another layer to the demonstration. Garud commandos and 10 PARA (SF) personnel conducted a simulated hostage rescue, descending from helicopters and securing a multi-entry structure. Such missions require tight coordination between air and ground units, reflecting the IAF’s expanding role in joint operations beyond traditional air superiority.
Humanitarian response capabilities were also woven into the exercise. A mobile field hospital unit was deployed, while a C-130J aircraft executed an assault landing for casualty evacuation. Reinforcements inducted via C-295 transport aircraft showcased rapid mobility—often decisive in both combat and disaster relief scenarios.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu undertook a sortie in the Prachand helicopter, calling it a powerful symbol of India’s self-reliance. Her participation carried symbolic weight, reinforcing civilian oversight and national confidence in the armed forces.
The evening concluded with an intricate drone display illuminating the desert sky, blending technology and national symbolism. Yet beyond the visual spectacle, Vayu Shakti 2026 delivered a clear operational message: the Indian Air Force is refining its precision strike capability, integrating indigenous systems, and preparing for multi-domain challenges in an increasingly complex security environment.
