Prof (Dr) DK Pandey

Vayu Shakti 2026, the Indian Air Force’s premier firepower demonstration, delivered a dramatic display of aerial strength and precision in a full-dress rehearsal on February 24, while the main firepower demonstration is scheduled on February 27, at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range near Jaisalmer. During the event, the Indian Air Force will showcase its precision-strike capabilities and ability to neutralise enemy targets.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with foreign delegates and expected to attend the prestigious event.

This event is more than a typical air show. It is a powerful showcase of India’s strategic strength and commitment to national security. It demonstrates the Air Force's capabilities to win future battles, its power to avert future conflicts, and its superiority in long-range targeting, according to Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, the Vice Chief of Air Staff.

The event demonstrates that the IAF can conduct operations during the day, at dusk, and at night. This edition will have over 120 aircraft—77 fighters and 43 helicopters—unleashing about 12,000 kilograms of firepower.

The event reassures citizens and instils pride and confidence in India’s aerial shield.

By showcasing cutting-edge technology and professional air warriors, the event aims to inspire young Indians to join the IAF.

Vayu Shakti-26 will also highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming the IAF's primacy in airspace dominance, long-range precision targeting, multi-domain operations, and its ability to deliver decisive effects with indigenous platforms, guided by the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

The show rreinforces "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India) by highlighting indigenous platforms and technologies like Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) for high-altitude, and Dhruv multi-role Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

Besides aircrafts it would also showcase Air Defence Systems: Akash, a medium-range mobile system for point and area air defence, Samar, Surface-to-Air Missile System, designed to intercept airborne targets, Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM): For the first time, SRLM—remotely guided munitions that can patrol an area and strike targets—will be on display, along with new indigenous weapon systems.

The show will also showcase Transport Aircraft: C-295, an indigenous medium-lift tactical transport aircraft, designed to move troops and cargo, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA): Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, controlled remotely from the ground.

These assets highlight India's progress in indigenous defence technology, supporting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

Other Assets demonstrating operations during the event are appended below:

Other Fighter aircraft include Rafale (the hero of ‘Op Sindoor’), Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighters. These are all advanced fighter aircraft used for a variety of combat missions.

Additional helicopters: Apache, Chinook, and Mi-17 V5.

Transport aircraft include C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules, and C-295. These are military cargo planes designed to transport troops, equipment, and supplies.

Air Defence Systems: SpyDer missile systems and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), designed to detect and neutralise hostile drones or UAVs.

The event will feature seamless coordination with the Indian Army, bringing together M777 ultra-light howitzers (long-range artillery guns) and daring Para Special Forces (Para SF) manoeuvres (elite Army units specialising in special operations).

Vayu Shakti is typically held biennially or triennially. While it is usually held every three years, it is the cornerstone of the IAF's operational calendar, alternating with other major events such as Gagan Shakti (a pan-India mobilisation event).

Live Weapon Delivery: Unlike other air shows, spectators will be able to enjoy real bombs and missiles hitting the assigned targets with skill, strength, and accuracy—truly "Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek."

Night Operations: The IAF's strike capability, with pinpoint accuracy in darkness, will also be showcased, using night vision and advanced sensors.

Humanitarian Glimpses: The IAF earns global respect for its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts. During the event, spectators will see rapid airlifts (quick transportation of people or supplies) and daring evacuations at the Range.

Nearby villagers have been informed that the event will feature demonstrations of sophisticated fighter jets and missile systems, as well as live bombing exhibitions. For safety purposes, the area must remain entirely unobstructed during the practice.

The event conveys credible deterrence. Live strike demonstrations in the western sector highlight the IAF’s operational readiness for a rapid conventional response. The deployment of long-range assets such as Rafale and Su-30MKI underscores the IAF’s capability to conduct deep interdiction and counter-force missions.

#WATCH | Indian Air Force shares a video on Exercise Vayu Shakti- 2026, a firepower demonstration by the Indian Air Force scheduled to be held at Pokhran, near Jaisalmer, on 27th February pic.twitter.com/7CIAqkp36P

— ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2026

In addition, integrated air defence displays, including Akash and other layered systems, demonstrate preparedness against both aerial and unmanned threats. This is particularly significant in light of the recent conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Iran-Israel conflict in the Middle East, and the regional increase in drone proliferation.

Moreover, the integration of legacy and modern platforms demonstrates doctrinal continuity by blending established operational concepts with adaptation to evolving threats. Rather than focusing exclusively on advanced technology, the IAF emphasises doctrinal resilience by combining fourth-generation fighters, upgraded legacy aircraft, transport fleets, and air defence systems within a unified battlespace network.

This unified narrative bolsters trust in modernisation and preparedness domestically, while simultaneously enhancing deterrence through political unity.

Vayu Shakti 2026 is a strategic initiative that enhances the effectiveness of India's conventional deterrence. It is helpful to have credible conventional capacity to manage escalation in an area characterised by nuclear threats and sub-conventional conflict.

The event demonstrates that the IAF is moving toward network-centric, integrated air-land conflict concepts from an operational standpoint. As a result of global trends that prioritise stand-off capability and ISR integration, the emphasis on layered air defence and precision strike aligns with these trends.

From a geopolitical perspective, the occurrence is beneficial to perception management. These demonstrations are often interpreted by spectators from other countries as indications of preparation, modernisation, and industrial strength. Public demonstrations of capabilities have a significant impact on threat assessments and alliance perspectives in the South Asian security environment, which is rapidly undergoing urbanisation.

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At the domestic strategic-industrial level, Vayu Shakti emphasises the feasibility of indigenous systems, which may affect procurement priorities and the credibility of exports. The reputation of India's defence manufacturing sector is strengthened by its demonstrated performance in real-world settings.