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IAF's Vayushakti-26: Full-Spectrum Firepower & Indigenous Might on Display

The Indian Air Force will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran range in February 2026 to demonstrate its operational prowess. The exercise will feature a wide array of aircraft and advanced weapon systems performing day and night missions. It aims to highlight the IAF's roles in rapid strike, air dominance, and humanitarian assistance, guided by the vision of self-reliance. The demonstration seeks to validate strategic capabilities and strengthen India's regional deterrence posture.

Key Points: IAF Exercise Vayushakti-26 to Showcase Full-Spectrum Capabilities

  • Full-spectrum ops with Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi
  • Advanced SRLM, Akash, CUAS weapons
  • Humanitarian & disaster relief role
  • Success of Operation Sindoor
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat indigenous focus
2 min read

IAF to showcase full-spectrum capabilities in exercise Vayushakti-26

Indian Air Force to demonstrate fighter jets, advanced weapons & humanitarian role in Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran on Feb 27, 2026.

"rapidly punish the enemy, dominate the operational environment... and decisively influence the course of operations - IAF Statement"

Jaisalmer, February 19

The Indian Air Force will demonstrate its operational prowess through Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range, Jaisalmer, on February 27, 2026.

As the first, fastest, and fiercest responder, the IAF will highlight its capability to rapidly punish the enemy, dominate the operational environment from the outset, and decisively influence the course of operations by transforming tactical actions into strategic outcomes. The exercise will also provide glimpses of how the IAF plays a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management, offering rapid airlift and rescue and evacuation from conflict zones within the country as well as abroad.

Full-spectrum operations involving fighter, transport, and helicopter platforms will be executed, including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, Chinook, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The exercise will also feature advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), performing day, dusk, and night missions to demonstrate the IAF's versatility and readiness.

Vayushakti-26 will further 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 using indigenous platforms guided by the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Guided by the core values of "Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek," the exercise aims to reassure the nation by reaffirming the IAF's role as a key component of India's national security architecture. Through this demonstration, the IAF seeks to underline its readiness to safeguard the country's sovereignty, protect national interests, and maintain operational superiority across multiple domains in a rapidly evolving threat environment.

Exercise Vayushakti-26 is expected to serve as a platform to validate the IAF's tactical and strategic capabilities, inspire confidence among citizens, and strengthen India's deterrence posture in the region, while showcasing the operational excellence and technological edge of its personnel and platforms.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While showcasing military might is important, I hope the humanitarian assistance role gets equal highlight. The ability to conduct rapid airlift during disasters like floods in Assam or earthquakes is what truly connects the forces with the people.
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Vikram M
The lineup is impressive – Rafale, Sukhoi, Apache, Chinook. But the real game-changer is integrating all these platforms for multi-domain ops. Shows we're not just buying toys, we're building a symphony of force. Kudos to the planners!
R
Rohit P
Operation Sindoor mention is key. Sends a clear message about our capability and will to strike deep when needed. Our enemies should take note. The IAF is truly the "first, fastest, fiercest" responder.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, seeing the focus on Counter-UAS systems is reassuring. With drone threats becoming more common, it's good to know our air force is prepared for these new-age challenges, day or night.
A
Aditya G
Respectfully, these exercises are vital for deterrence, but I hope the massive expenditure is justified with tangible results. We need to ensure every rupee spent translates to securing our borders effectively and not just for show. The proof will be in sustained operational readiness.
M
Meera T

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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