New Delhi

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct its major combat exercise, Vayu Shakti, at Pokhran in Rajasthan on February 27, during which its operational strength and combat preparedness will be demonstrated through large-scale air and ground operations.

More than 120 defence assets, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and transport planes, will take part in the exercise. The event will also offer glimpses of capabilities demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, officials said.

Briefing the media in Delhi on Wednesday, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said the exercise will highlight the IAF’s precision strike capabilities.

“Targets will be earmarked, aircraft will release weapons, and the targets will be engaged with high accuracy,” he said.

He clarified that certain long-range missile profiles, including BrahMos, would not be demonstrated due to the proximity of spectators to the target area. “However, the impact on the ground will be clearly visible. For the first time, two new weapons will be showcased, and the proportion of indigenous weapons will be higher than ever,” Kapoor added.

Providing details of participating assets, Wing Commander A B Vasane said the exercise will involve 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters and eight transport aircraft.

The fighter fleet will include Rafale, Tejas, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft. Helicopter assets will comprise Apache, Mi-17, Mi-17 V5, Chinook, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Transport aircraft such as C-17, C-295 and C-130J will also take part.

Air defence systems including Akash, Spyder and L-70, along with Special Forces units, will provide combat support.

Vasane said the Indian Army will also participate, with M-777 howitzers, L-70 air defence guns and troops from Para Special Forces joining the exercise.

A total of 277 weapons will be employed during the drill, involving nearly 11,835 kg of explosives. Aircraft will operate from multiple air bases, including Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Uttarlai, Jodhpur, Hindan and Vadodara.

The exercise aims to demonstrate the IAF’s offensive and defensive capabilities, including day and night operations, and its ability to deliver weapons with long-range precision and conventional accuracy within stipulated timelines.

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Officials said Vayu Shakti is designed not only to validate combat readiness but also to instil confidence among citizens and inspire young people to consider a career in the Indian Air Force.