IAF’s Vayushakti-26 to Demonstration From Rafale to Tejas: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is scheduled to conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026. This massive exercise will showcase the IAF’s total operational capability, from precision strike operations to multi-domain warfare, and will thus emphasize the increasing air power capabilities of India.
Vayushakti-26 to Highlight Operational Readiness and Indigenous Strength
The exercise will include long-range precision strikes, integrated operations in various domains, and the employment of indigenous defense systems. It will also showcase the success of Operation Sindoor, symbolizing the government’s emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defense sector.
According to the IAF, the exercise will thus re-emphasize the IAF’s role as the first responder in conflict scenarios. It will showcase how the force can rapidly dominate the battlespace and influence events through rapid and decisive air action.
The exercise will be conducted in accordance with the IAF’s core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek.” The exercise will thus seek to reassure the public by re-emphasizing the IAF’s role as a vital component of the national security architecture of India.
What Vayushakti-26 Will Showcase
The exercise will also concentrate on the IAF’s non-combat role, particularly in humanitarian aid and disaster relief. This includes rapid airlift operations, search and rescue missions, and evacuation, both in the country and abroad.
A large number of fighter aircraft, transport planes, helicopters, and remotely piloted aircraft will be participating in the exercise. These aircraft will be showcasing their ability to work in coordination with each other during day, dusk, and night missions.
Advanced Weapons and Massive Firepower on Display
Vayushakti-26 will also showcase advanced weapon systems, such as short-range loitering weapons, Akash and SpyDer surface-to-air missile systems, and counter-UAS technologies.
The exercise will involve 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters, and eight transport aircraft. A total of 277 weapons and close to 12,000 kilograms of explosives will be used during the exercise, making it one of the most intense exercises conducted by the IAF so far.
IAF Leadership on Future Conflict Readiness
According to Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, the exercise will prove the IAF’s capability to win the next war, its deterrence strategy, and its superiority in long-range targeting.
In conclusion, Exercise Vayushakti-26 is likely to test the Indian Air Force’s tactical and strategic capabilities, enhance the country’s deterrence in the region, and showcase the professionalism of the Indian Air Force personnel.
