The IAF's primary goal is to demonstrate its readiness for future conflicts by showcasing seamless system integration and airspace control.
Post-Operation Sindoor: IAF to Roar in Pokhran with 'Vayu Shakti 2026' Mega Drill
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 on February 27 at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. This biennial event follows the significant Operation Sindoor conducted in May 2025, during which the IAF carried out precision strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan following an attack in Pahalgam.
Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor noted on Wednesday that this demonstration carries a "different connotation" as it is the first major firepower display since that successful campaign. The 2.30-hour exercise will feature 77 fighter aircraft engaging both air and ground targets. A diverse array of assets, including helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), will showcase 277 different weapon systems, ranging from traditional munitions to advanced smart and precision-strike weapons.
The IAF’s primary goal is to demonstrate its readiness for future conflicts by showcasing seamless system integration and airspace control. The exercise will highlight the force's ability to achieve deterrence through demonstrated combat power, focusing heavily on long-range targeting and multi-layered air defence systems like Akash and Spyder.
By featuring loitering munitions and sophisticated sensors, the IAF aims to reaffirm its dominance in modern warfare and validate the operational tactics that led to its success during Operation Sindoor.
Source: The Tribune
