Vayushakti 2026 IAF Roars Over Thar, Showcases Combat Might in Thar Desert

POKHRAN (RAJASTHAN), Feb 28: In a powerful display of air dominance and combat preparedness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday demonstrated its operational prowess during Vayushakti–2026 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Rajasthan’s Thar desert, showcasing precision strikes, integrated warfare capability and rapid response operations near the India–Pakistan border.

Witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the high-intensity exercise underlined the IAF’s ability to execute coordinated missions across day, dusk and night scenarios, reaffirming its role as the nation’s “first, fastest and fiercest responder” during conflict and crisis.

The desert skies reverberated with fighter jets as Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Tejas and Mirage-2000 aircraft carried out precision air-to-ground strikes on simulated enemy targets under a structured combat storyline replicating modern battlefield conditions.

Heavy-lift and tactical transport aircraft — C-17, C-130J and C-295 — demonstrated rapid troop and equipment mobilisation, highlighting strategic airlift capability. Attack and utility helicopters, including Apache, Chinook, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Mi-17 IV, ALH Mk-IV and Chetak, conducted low-altitude rocket firing, logistics missions and casualty evacuation drills in challenging terrain.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh and senior military officials observed the two-and-a-half-hour exercise that transitioned seamlessly from daylight operations to night combat simulations.

The exercise also showcased India’s layered air defence architecture with the deployment of Akash and SpyDer surface-to-air missile systems, short-range loitering munitions and counter-unmanned aerial systems supported by drones and advanced radar networks, reflecting growing network-centric warfare capabilities.

In addition to combat operations, the IAF simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, demonstrating readiness for rescue and evacuation during natural disasters and overseas contingencies.

Officials said the extensive participation of indigenous platforms reflected India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were among the dignitaries present at the biennial airpower demonstration on February 27.

Guided by its core values — “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” — the exercise reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s preparedness to safeguard national security and protect the country’s airspace.

The event concluded with a spectacular drone show paying tribute to the force’s legacy and technological evolution.

Photo: Sipra Das