The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased its combat prowess during Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, presenting a rare glimpse into missions undertaken during Operation Sindoor. The large-scale demonstration was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and senior military officials.
The exercise featured synchronized precision strikes by fighter jets including Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, and Tejas, supported by attack helicopters such as Apache and Prachand. Special forces, including Garud Commandos and Para SF, executed tactical extractions and air defense suppression drills, underlining the IAF’s multi-domain readiness.
Wing Commander Jaydeep Singh emphasized that Vayu Shakti 2026 was not just a display of air power but a reminder of how the IAF executed Operation Sindoor with precision and resolve following the Pahalgam terror attack. He noted that the exercise demonstrated the Air Force’s motto: “Achook, Abhedya, aur Sateek” (Unerring, Impenetrable, and Precise).
Over 120 defense assets were deployed during the day-dusk-night demonstration, which involved hitting 23 different targets using 277 weapons. The event highlighted India’s growing reliance on indigenous platforms, with aircraft such as the C-295 participating under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Officials said the exercise reaffirmed the IAF’s dominance in regional airspace and its ability to respond swiftly to threats near the India-Pakistan border. The simulated Operation Sindoor strikes underscored the Air Force’s deterrence capabilities and its commitment to safeguarding national security.
